Assembly Resolution No. 266

BY: M. of A. Anderson

HONORING The Upper Room International Ministries
Inc. upon the occasion of its 25th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor community organizations that have demonstrated an extraordinary
legacy of service, commitment, and enduring positive change in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, The Upper Room International Ministries Inc. (URIM) was
founded in January 2000 in the living room of the matriarch of the Brown
family, affectionately known as Mother Brown; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Pastor Courtney Brown, The URIM
began as a small congregation of six members dedicated to weekly prayer
and fellowship, growing into a pillar of faith and service in the Far
Rockaway, New York community; and

WHEREAS, Within two months of its founding, The URIM secured its
first worship space at 2515 Seagirt Avenue, where it remained until 2003
when the congregation was presented with the opportunity to purchase its
current location, marking a significant milestone in its expansion and
stability; and

WHEREAS, Despite early challenges, The URIM established itself in
the community through impactful initiatives, including but not limited
to: partnering with Walmart and Bagel Boss to provide free food and
clothing to those in need; collaborating with Kingsborough Community
College and York College to offer educational programs and resources;
working with the Parks Department to host clothing drives, health fairs,
and community distributions; organizing annual back-to-school events,
ensuring thousands of children receive essential supplies; and launching
an after-school program and summer camp, offering mentorship and
extracurricular activities, including introducing students to sports
that led to scholarship opportunities; and

WHEREAS, The URIM also established a music school to enrich the
community with artistic and creative development; partnered with the
Food Bank for New York City to feed over 2,000 registrants monthly;
provided disaster relief during Hurricane Sandy through partnerships
with World Vision and the Pajama Program; hosted community seminars
featuring prominent leaders such as Selvena Brooks, Melinda Katz,
Thabiti Boone, and Dan Brown to educate and uplift residents; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 25 years, The URIM has faced and overcome
various adversities, including economic hardship and natural disasters,
yet has remained steadfast in its mission through prayer, faith, and
determination; and

WHEREAS, The URIM continues to adapt and expand its outreach, most
recently navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring
that essential services such as food distribution, spiritual guidance,
and community support remained available to those in need; and

WHEREAS, The URIM's commitment to service is reflected in the
recognition and leadership of its members, including Pastor Courtney
Brown, appointed to serve on the local community board and honored for
his leadership, including delivering the invocation and benediction at
the Queens Borough President's Memorial Day Observance and participating
in the swearing-in ceremony of the Assemblymember of the 31st District;
Tyrone Worsely, formerly of The URIM, who was appointed to the community
board in recognition of his service; the late Thelma Gibbons, a
dedicated community leader who served the people on her block who were
struggling with addiction, hardship, and loss, fostering an environment
where they can experience hope, renewal, and purpose; and

WHEREAS, It is of utmost importance to honor Pastor Brown, the
church leadership, and the dedicated members of The URIM, resolving that
their legacy of faith and service shall endure in the public record; and

WHEREAS, The URIM has raised up a new generation of teachers,
preachers, and community leaders, ensuring that its legacy of faith,
service, and resilience continues for years to come; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor The Upper Room International Ministries Inc. upon the occasion of
its 25th Anniversary recognizing its extraordinary service, leadership,
and unwavering commitment to the people of Far Rockaway and beyond; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Pastor Courtney Brown, Senior Pastor of the Upper Room
International Ministries of Far Rockaway, New York.