Assembly Resolution No. 268

BY: M. of A. Montesano

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of Family
Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) to
be celebrated on April 21, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Family Residences and Essential
Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) to be celebrated with a luncheon at the
facility in Old Bethpage, New York, on Friday, April 21, 2017; and

WHEREAS, FREE was founded in April of 1977 by a group of parents and
advocates in response to the need for community residential alternative
to institutionalization; and

WHEREAS, During the next eight years, FREE opened community
residences, intermediate care facilities and Individualized Residential
Alternative facilities; and

WHEREAS, From 1985 through 2000, in addition to increasing the type
of facilities named above, FREE opened the Assessment Residence, the
Career Builders, The Residential Respite Program, the Homeless Housing
Program, the Anita Smith Day Program, the After School Respite Program,
the Supported Employment Program, Supportive Apartments, the Eddie C.
Moore Day Program, the Respite II program, and began Medicaid Service
Coordination and Mental Health apartments; and

WHEREAS, During that same period of remarkable growth and expanded
services, FREE launched Rides Unlimited of Nassau and Suffolk
Transportation; and

WHEREAS, In 2000, the Rehabilitation Institute, the National
Foundation for Human Potential and Homes Anew I joined the FREE family;
and

WHEREAS, For the next 10 years, FREE opened the Family Wellness
Center, The Community-Based Integrated Day Habilitation program, the
Theatre Day Habilitation program, the Saddle Rock Ranch, the Fancy Free
retail business, the Crisis Respite Program, launched Individual Support
Services, Community Rehabilitation Services, and Community Habilitation
Services, and

WHEREAS, During that same decade, Homes Anew II, Helping Hands, Park
House, Inc., the Child Development Center of the Hampton and SJK
Listening Therapy also joined the FREE family; and

WHEREAS, Since 2011, FREE has launched the In Home Crisis Respite
Services, the Nassau and Suffolk Mobile Crisis Services, Shared Living
Opportunities and Stop the Bounce; and

WHEREAS, Contemporary Guidance Services, Adelante of Suffolk County,
Skills Unlimited and Pronto also joined the FREE family; and

WHEREAS, Today, FREE benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000
individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness
and traumatic brain injury, assisting individuals of all abilities
realize their full potential; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization also provides a diverse array of
support and services including: housing; recovery services; transition
to work; employment; day, community and family services; respite; crisis
services; education and after school support; specialty health services;
and advocacy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Family Residences and Essential
Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) to be celebrated on April 21, 2017; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE).