LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 35th Anniversary of YouthBuild
USA, to be celebrated on October 2, 2013

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 those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the practice of this Legislative Body to pay trib-
ute to those organizations of outstanding purpose that enhance the qual-
ity of education of the young people of New York State; 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 35th Anniversary of YouthBuild USA; the accomplishments of
this ground-breaking organization will be celebrated on Wednesday, Octo-
ber 2, 2013, with a strategy Breakfast, Forum, and Luncheon Celebration,
hosted by the Ford Foundation, in Manhattan, New York; and
WHEREAS, In addition, at the event YouthBuild USA will honor former
Senator and now Secretary of State John Kerry, and Bill White, President
of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, for their leadership in making
YouthBuild a reality in hundreds of communities over the decades; and
WHEREAS, YouthBuild USA is a non-profit organization that provides
education, counseling and job skills to unemployed young adults between
ages 16 and 24; there are 273 YouthBuild programs in 46 states, Washing-
ton, DC, and the Virgin Islands, engaging approximately 10,000 young
adults per year; and
WHEREAS, In YouthBuild programs, young people ages 16 to 24 work full-
time for 6 to 24 months toward their general equivalency or high school
diplomas while learning job skills by building affordable housing in
their communities; when they have completed the program, participants
are placed in college, jobs, or both; and
WHEREAS, More than an education and employment program, YouthBuild USA
emphasizes leadership development, community service, and the creation
of a positive community of adults and youth committed to each other's
success; as such, this bold organization plays an invaluable role in
improving the quality of life of all the communities it serves; and
WHEREAS, The strength of YouthBuild USA's exemplary model is evidenced
by its international reach; non-governmental organizations and govern-
ments are choosing YouthBuild as the most appropriate program to address
the difficult realities for youth in their countries; and
WHEREAS, YouthBuild USA's 35th Anniversary event presents an opportu-
nity to not only celebrate its extraordinary achievement, but to enlist
the input and energy of key partners to help set the course for this
illustrious organization's next productive decade; and
WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, YouthBuild USA
has demonstrated the value of investing in our Nation's greatest
resource, our youth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 35th Anniversary of YouthBuild USA; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to YouthBuild USA.