LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Kathy Cartagena upon the occasion of her
retirement after 23 years of distinguished service to Family of New
Paltz

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Kathy Cartagena upon the occasion of her retirement after 23 years of
distinguished service to Family of New Paltz; she officially retired
from the esteemed position of Director on Friday, May 6, 2016; and
WHEREAS, In her capacity as Director, Kathy Cartagena served with
loyalty, honor and distinction, and was governed by a keen sense of duty
and always showed a unique grasp of human problems in her official acts;
and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Kathy Cartagena, Family of
New Paltz primarily functions as a crisis intervention center and
provides emergency short-term counseling, information and referral, case
management, emergency food, and access to Adult Case Management, Adoles-
cent, Domestic Violence, Childcare and Emergency Housing Services; and
WHEREAS, In addition, under the able leadership of Kathy Cartagena,
this vital organization offers additional services including: a food
pantry; free store with clothing, furniture and household items; public
rest room; community bulletin board for employment opportunities, avail-
able housing, messages, workshops, classes and seminars; free public
telephone for local calls and long distance in emergencies; client advo-
cacy; work-study and internships; court mandated community service; and
a meeting place for other community services; and
WHEREAS, Prior to moving to New Paltz, Kathy Cartagena lived in the
Bronx and owned and operated a wholesale and retail record store where
she sold Latin music for 25 years; and
WHEREAS, Active within the community she so ably serves, Kathy
Cartegena is a member of the Regatta Committee and the Affordable Hous-
ing Committee; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her husband, Robert, whom feels
privileged to be a part of her life and rejoices in her achievements;
and
WHEREAS, For the past 23 years, Kathy Cartegena rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to Family of New Paltz, earning the
admiration, esteem and affection of her colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demon-
strated by Kathy Cartegena over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication
to others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Kathy Cartagena upon the occasion of her retirement after 23 years
of distinguished service to Family of New Paltz; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Kathy Cartegena.