Senate Resolution No. 797

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the ESPOIR Youth Program Incorporated
upon the occasion of its ESPOIR's Black History
Month Celebration on February 17, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
important events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our
great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to the
ESPOIR Youth Program, Incorporated upon the occasion of its ESPOIR's
Black History Month Celebration on Friday, February 17, 2017, at the Yes
We Can Community Center in Westbury, New York; and

WHEREAS, Espoir is a French word translated to "hope" in English;
Espoir was founded in May of 2012, by Dr. Samarth Joseph to improve
educational standards for the youth; it is based on Poverty Action Lab's
very successful Balaskhi program in Mumbai, India; and

WHEREAS, Starting in Westbury, ESPOIR focuses on providing
enrichment opportunities for those enrolled in school by creating after
school environments where young peoples' self-esteem and self-worth
flourish as they develop skills, share opinions, and pursue areas that
interest them, and by providing remedial tutoring in the essentials for
those who are falling behind; and

WHEREAS, Using innovative, successful and evidence-based models to
accelerate positive educational and life outcomes, ESPOIR is nurturing
hope in the young by giving them tools and the confidence in their own
ability to solve problems; and

WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the
quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and
self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; 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 the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the ESPOIR Youth Program Incorporated upon the occasion of its
ESPOIR's Black History Month Celebration on February 17, 2017; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Samarth Joseph, Founder and Executive Director,
ESPOIR Youth Program, Inc.