Senate Resolution No. 1877

BY: Senator MAYER

COMMENDING NAMI Westchester upon the occasion of
celebrating its 40th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend NAMI Westchester upon the occasion of celebrating its 40th
Anniversary at its Find Help, Find Hope Gala at the Surf Club on the
Sound in New Rochelle, New York, on Thursday, March 21, 2024; and

WHEREAS, The National Alliance on Mental Illness was founded by
Harriet Shetler and Beverly Young in Madison, Wisconsin; both women had
sons who were diagnosed with schizophrenia and were dissatisfied with
the lack of available services and the treatment of those suffering with
mental illness; and

WHEREAS, After encountering other individuals with similar concerns,
the first meeting was held to address mental health issues, leading to
the formation of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in 1979; the
name was changed to the acronym, NAMI, in 1997; and

WHEREAS, NAMI Westchester was established by a five-person committee
under the name Westchester Advocates for the Mentally Ill in 1980; in
1983, the organization was incorporated and granted tax exemption; in
1998, the name was changed and incorporated as National Alliance for the
Mentally Ill of Westchester, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, The mission of NAMI Westchester is to assure that people
who are mentally ill are afforded the same basic human rights as all
other citizens, to improve and ensure the quality of life for the
mentally ill, and to promote positive relationships with the community
at large; and

WHEREAS, Certain issues, such as stigma, housing, education, and
patients' rights, became priorities of the advocates for the mentally
ill; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, NAMI Westchester has been the leading
organization in Westchester County to support the families of the
victims of mental illness, offering resources, help, and hope to those
individuals who require guidance and assistance; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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
commend NAMI Westchester upon the occasion of celebrating its 40th

Anniversary, and to honor its members, past and present, who have
labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life for
the members of the community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to NAMI Westchester.