Senate Resolution No. 2016

BY: Senator MAYER

COMMEMORATING the 45th Anniversary of El Centro
Hispano, Inc. on October 26, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 45th Anniversary of El Centro Hispano, Inc. to be
celebrated with a Gala on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at the Crowne
Plaza Hotel, White Plains, New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, a number of concerned and compassionate community
members met to discuss the growing Hispanic population in White Plains,
and their urgent need for a variety of social services; and

WHEREAS, After many conversations and numerous meetings, the group,
which included the current Executive Director, Isabel E. Villar, formed
a charitable organization, El Centro Hispano, dedicated to offering the
much-needed services; and

WHEREAS, Since its official inception in January of 1974, El Centro
Hispano has continually expanded its services to meet the needs of
Westchester's Hispanic community; and

WHEREAS, Last year alone, El Centro Hispano provided 14,145 services
to 5,159 unduplicated clients through a wide variety of bilingual
programs; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, El Centro Hispano
strengthens Hispanic families by providing them with information about
health, housing, employment, and immigration matters; this vital
organization also provides these families with outreach, counseling,
education, and advocacy programs to help them become self-sufficient;
and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, a variety of bilingual and cross-cultural
programs are held to help the growing Hispanic community assimilate
their new language and culture, while maintaining and enriching their
own; and

WHEREAS, El Centro Hispano truly broadens the avenue of
opportunities for adults and youth alike, empowering them to flourish
and leaving a positive legacy in the community; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 45-year history, El Centro Hispano
has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities
which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of El Centro Hispano is in direct correlation
to the efforts of its dedicated staff, whose involvement is, and always

has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to El Centro Hispano; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and 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
commemorate the 45th Anniversary of El Centro Hispano, Inc. on October
26, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Isabel E. Villar, Executive Director, El Centro Hispano,
Inc.