LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Mediation Center of Dutchess Coun-
ty upon the occasion of its Silver Anniversary Celebration on April 2,
2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations
and individuals who work to improve the well-being of the community and
its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
and commend the Mediation Center of Dutchess County upon the occasion of
its Silver Anniversary Celebration, to be held at The Grandview in
Poughkeepsie, New York, on Thursday, April 2, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1983, the Mediation Center of Dutchess County
provides and promotes conflict prevention, management, and resolution
services to benefit more than 2,000 individuals, families, schools,
businesses, and organizations each year; and
WHEREAS, The Mediation Center is a non-profit agency, offering its
services under the auspices of the New York State Unified Court System's
Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Court Improvement (ADRCI)
Programs; and
WHEREAS, Services are provided by staff and certified volunteer media-
tors who assist in facilitating the conversation between parties in
conflict by empowering them to express their needs, listen to other
points of view, and make decisions; and
WHEREAS, The many programs offered by the Mediation Center of Dutchess
County include a Family Program which addresses a variety of family
issues such as custody, visitation, child support, parents and teens,
and adult care issues; a Community Program for interpersonal, business,
and other disputes which affect individuals and communities; a Divorce
Program which offers a process by which participants can negotiate all
aspects of marital separation, leading to legal separation or divorce;
and a Workplace Services program to train management and employees in
mediation and organizational facilitation for groups; and
WHEREAS, The Mediation Center also offers a Restorative Justice
program which views crime as harming to the victim and the community and
seeks to hold offenders accountable by repairing harm, reducing risk,
and building community; an Elder Mediation Program designed to address
caregiving and planning issues; and a variety of Special Programs; and
WHEREAS, The Mediation Center of Dutchess County truly merits the
appreciation of all those who have benefited from its services; as it
celebrates its 25th Anniversary of service, this Legislative Body is
pleased to have the opportunity to applaud its enduring commitment to
the community it has served so well and to extend its highest commenda-
tion to its Board, staff, and volunteers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Mediation Center of Dutchess County upon the occasion of its
Silver Anniversary Celebration on April 2, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Mediation Center of Dutchess County, 29 North Hamilton
Street, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601.