Assembly Resolution No. 1022

BY: M. of A. Burdick

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of My Sisters'
Place

WHEREAS, It is the intent 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 concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations of distinction whose singular purpose is the safety 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
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of My Sisters' Place in Westchester
County, New York; and

WHEREAS, My Sisters' Place has served the interests of the people of
the Empire State by striving to end domestic violence and human
trafficking through comprehensive services, advocacy, and community
education for 50 years; and

WHEREAS, My Sisters' Place (MSP) works to create a world in which
every individual has the basic human right to be free from gender-based
violence and to engage in relationships that embrace the principles of
respect, equality, and safety; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, the Yonkers Women's Task Force (YWTF) was formed
by a group of local women dedicated to equality for women, then in 1978,
YWTF opens Westchester's first shelter for victims of domestic violence
and their children, as well as operating its first crisis hotline; and

WHEREAS, After beginning one of the first school-based Domestic
Violence education programs in the country in 1981, YWTF also started
their first Children's Program in 1982; and

WHEREAS, In 1986, YWTF changed its name to My Sisters' Place; in
1995, MSP launched Robbie's Room, a therapeutic program for children who
have witnessed domestic violence; and

WHEREAS, After opening its legal center that offers free legal
advice and representation for domestic violence survivors in 1997, MSP
began a period of growth that included beginning collaboration with
Westchester County Child Protective Services in 2001, expanding services
to include trafficking victims in 2004, opening a new emergency shelter
in 2013, and initiating a project with the White Plains Police
Department to provide immediate intervention for victims at high risk in
2016; and

WHEREAS, In 2018, MSP was awarded funding from the United States
Department of Justice to expand services to members of the deaf and hard
of hearing communities who are survivors of gender-based violence; and

WHEREAS, Today, MSP reaches 15,000 individuals in Westchester, NY
through services, outreach, and education; and

WHEREAS, Because of My Sisters' Place, 2,500 families a year find a
safe place to go, 5,000 callers reach out to the hotline annually, and
2,300 survivors receive legal services each year; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize My Sisters' Place for its long and sustained commitment to
the safety and welfare of the citizens of this great State of New York;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of My Sisters' Place in Westchester
County, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to My Sister's Place.