LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the E. John
Gavras Center Cerebral Palsy Association of Cayuga County

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those organizations within our community, and those individuals who run
them, that add to the quality of life for all of our residents, and to
recognize the contributions such organizations make to our society; and
WHEREAS, Primary among those are not-for-profit organizations that,
year after year, are responsive to the specific needs of the local citi-
zenry by providing essential services such as educational, therapeutic,
and respite care; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 60th Anniversary of the E. John Gavras Center, also known as
the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Cayuga County; and
WHEREAS, In the 1950s, Cerebral Palsy was an unfamiliar disease that
left parents with only two options for the care of their children,
either care for them at home or place them in an institution; and
WHEREAS, In 1953, the City of Auburn, a close-knit industrial communi-
ty, decided to care for the individuals living in the community with
developmental disabilities and special needs by organizing a center
where the children stay and receive treatment; a Board of Directors was
created from community leaders to oversee a facility; and
WHEREAS, The community knew that resources were available in a young
physical therapist with a well-known professional reputation by the name
of John Gavras, who the Board of Directors quickly called upon and named
Director and Physical Therapist; and
WHEREAS, A local hospital donated space for the 15 children who would
receive therapy the first year the facility was operational, and the New
York State Department of Health certified the facility as a clinic; and
WHEREAS, Over the last 60 years, the E. John Gavras Center has been a
warm and friendly place where individuals are encouraged to grow
personally, build connections and flourish as a person, in addition to
receiving quality services and support; and
WHEREAS, The E. John Gavras Center has continued to grow and evolve
into an evaluation and treatment center in Cayuga County providing
educational, therapeutic, New York State Office for People With Develop-
mental Disabilities programs, and respite care to individuals with
special needs; and
WHEREAS, The E. John Gavras Center continues to expand and change to
meet the needs of the community by initiating and offering new programs
such as Early Childhood Programs and Service, Success by Six, Yoga,
Training and Development classes, and Habilitative and Therapeutic
services; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when organ-
izations 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
congratulate the E. John Gavras Center and the Cerebral Palsy Associ-
ation of Cayuga County, and its staff, upon the occasion of its 60th
Anniversary, with the hope that this not-for-profit continues to enjoy
the successes it has experienced thus far; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Chief Executive Officer Rick Hansinger, and the E. John
Gavras Center.