Senate Resolution No. 2252

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

HONORING Maryann Riordan for 40 years of service
to Westchester and New York State

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve
the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration
and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, Maryann Riordan has been called upon to contribute her time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of herself unstintingly; and

WHEREAS, In 1965, Maryann Riordan joined the Cardinal Mc Closkey
Home and School for Children in White Plains, New York where she would
care for dozens of children; and

WHEREAS, In 1972, Maryann would meet Stephen Riordan whom she would
marry on June 19, 1976; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, Maryann Riordan moved to the Westchester Group
Homes run by the Division for Youth; the next year she and Stephen
became the full time live in House Parents at the White Plains home for
teenage girls and for the next seven years they provided everyday
essential services, a safe environment and developed a flexible activity
plan so that, as the young women were ready to move on, they had help
with their transition back to their home community, housing needs for
independent living, or college application; and

WHEREAS, With the State closure of the White Plains group home in
1980, Maryann and Stephen Riordan were approved through the County
Department of Social Services to be foster parents in order to allow a
current resident of the group home to finish her Senior year at White
Plains High School; and

WHEREAS, In 1984, Maryann Riordan developed the Independent Living
Program at Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO) after being
recruited and referred by the Department of Community Mental Health
staff; the program focused on finding housing for mental health clients
and providing support services so they can remain in the community; and

WHEREAS, In 1993, after many years of success with Independent
Living, Maryann Riordan and the WRO Independent housing team applied for
and received Federal funding to begin the Shelter Plus Care Program in
Westchester County; and

WHEREAS, Maryann Riordan has given not only her time and energies
but also her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, Maryann Riordan's 40 years of service to Westchester and
New York State residents came to an end in 2008, when she transitioned
to assisting in raising her eight grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Maryann Riordan has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, During the course of Maryann Riordan's housing service,
more than 180 independent housing units were secured throughout
Westchester in Peekskill, Pelham, Yonkers, Katonah, Mt. Vernon,
Tarrytown, New Rochelle, Yorktown and White Plains; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her beloved husband of 50
years, Stephen Riordan, who has felt privileged to be a part of her
fruitful life and rejoices in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Maryann Riordan has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Maryann Riordan for 40 years of service to Westchester and New
York State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Maryann Riordan.