Senate Resolution No. 1997

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

CONGRATULATING Ronald A. Williams, CASAC upon the
occasion of his retirement after 42 years of
dedicated service to New York Therapeutic
Communities, Inc. on June 26, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality of life in the communities across this great State of New
York is enriched by the diligence and compassionate commitment of those
individuals whose singular purpose is the care and welfare of others;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Ronald A. Williams, CASAC upon the occasion of his
retirement after 42 years of dedicated service to New York Therapeutic
Communities, Inc., to be celebrated at a "A Special Brownstone Get
Together" held in his honor on Wednesday, June 26, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams began his long and esteemed career in
the substance abuse field over 50 years ago as one of the founders of
the Phoenix House organization, where he held clinical and
administrative positions, including facility and regional directorships;
in addition, he developed the Su Casa residential program at the Lower
Eastside Service Center; and

WHEREAS, In these roles, Ronald A. Williams served as an expert in
demand reduction and as a technical assistance advisor and trainer for
the United States Department of State; and

WHEREAS, In 1977, Ronald A. Williams established New York
Therapeutic Communities (NYTC) Inc., a not-for-profit corporation which
provides substance abuse treatment and other services to persons in
need; since its inception, it has strived to help program participants
effect those changes in attitude and behavior which will enable them to
make choices associated with a healthy, positive lifestyle free of crime
and drugs; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President/CEO Ronald A.
Williams, New York Therapeutic Communities has implemented the Stay'n
Out initiative which provides global and local training, advocacy, and
the development of innovative programs providing substance abuse
treatment and complementary human services to enhance the life of the
community; for over 30 years, Stay'n Out has served male and female
inmates of the New York State Department of Corrections; and

WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams also created the Stay'n Out Lone Star
Program which treated inmates at a maximum correctional facility in
Amarillo, Texas, and implemented the Serendipity community based
Therapeutic Communities for criminal justice clients returning from
incarceration and also as an alternative to incarceration; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, NYTC, Inc. has operated unique on-site treatment
programs for the New York City Department of Probation, and has assisted

in the implementation of in-prison treatment programs in 32 states and
several foreign countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Colombia,
Argentina, and Italy; and

WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams has served as Vice President of
Therapeutic Communities of America, and was the Chair of its Criminal
Justice Task Force of that association; in this capacity, he led the
successful effort to develop and implement accreditation standards for
in-prison therapeutic communities through the American Correctional
Association; and

WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams was a member of both the Board of the
renowned Fortune Society and EXPONENTS Inc.; today, he participates on
the board of the New York State Association of Alcoholism and Substance
Abuse Providers, and serves as executive liaison to the United Nations
for the World Federation of Therapeutic Communities; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his
profession, Ronald A. Williams has been the recipient of numerous awards
and accolades including commendation by the New York State Bar
Association for outstanding contributions to the Rule of Law and the
Administration of Justice, the Award for Excellence in Public Service by
St. Bonaventure College, and the Governors Lifetime Service Award by
New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Ronald A. Williams, CASAC upon the occasion of his
retirement after 42 years of dedicated service to New York Therapeutic
Communities, Inc., and to wish him continued success in all his future
endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ronald A. Williams.