Senate Resolution No. 4688

BY: Senator PHILLIPS

COMMENDING the Pastoral Care Program at NYU
Winthrop Hospital upon the occasion of celebrating
its 20th Anniversary on June 12, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Pastoral Care Program at NYU Winthrop Hospital upon the
occasion of its 20th Anniversary to be celebrated at an event on
Tuesday, June 12, 2018; and

WHEREAS, In 1996, the Pastoral Care Program at NYU Winthrop Hospital
was established to provide spiritual and emotional support to its
patients, their families and hospital staff; later, the Hospital's Board
of Trustees created a formal program and developed an endowment to fund
this important work; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, NYU Winthrop Hospital expanded its pastoral
ministry by adding a Serenity Chapel, a newly constructed, non-sectarian
space for personal prayer, counseling, worship, and observing silence;
and

WHEREAS, Today, the spiritual care team includes staff chaplains,
volunteers, a resident rabbi, priests, and community clergy from many
faith traditions who tend to the spiritual needs of patients, families,
and staff when they are most vulnerable; they also provide support to
persons of all faiths, and those not identifying with any particular
belief system, helping them find solace in times of need through
encouragement, guidance and companionship; and

WHEREAS, The NYU Winthrop Hospital board certified or eligible for
certification chaplains are always available to speak with patients
after diagnosis, provide counseling on faith-related issues, offer
prayer, perform rituals and blessings, advocate for families as they
make difficult decisions, work with the interdisciplinary care teams on
the medical units, and facilitate bereavement groups and memorial
services, as well as collaborate with local spiritual leaders; and

WHEREAS, For 20 years, the Pastoral Care Program at NYU Winthrop
Hospital has provided an invaluable source of support to the community
it serves while advancing inter-religious and intercultural
understanding; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Pastoral Care Program at NYU Winthrop Hospital upon the
occasion of celebrating its 20th Anniversary on June 12, 2018; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Pastoral Care Program at NYU Winthrop Hospital.