LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lochland School, Inc. upon the occasion
of its designation as recipient of the 2014 Non-Profit Business of the
Year Award by the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce

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,
businesses, and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute
to those individuals and organizations within the great Empire State who
have made strong contributions to the disability community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Lochland School, Inc. upon the occasion of its designation as recipient
of the 2014 Non-Profit Business of the Year Award by the Geneva Area
Chamber of Commerce; this momentous occasion will be celebrated at the
Chamber's Annual Dinner on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at Club 86, Gene-
va, New York; and
WHEREAS, Lochland School was founded in 1933 by Ms. Florence Stewart,
a true pioneer in the field of residential care and training for devel-
opmentally disabled and learning disabled children; during a time when
the majority of the disabled were institutionalized, she believed disa-
bled children should remain in a nurturing and loving environment and be
provided with specialized training and support to allow each child to
grow to their fullest potential; and
WHEREAS, Lochland School began in a small location at Bellwood Farms
on Pre-Emption Road in Geneva; during this time, the school was renowned
in the United States and other countries for its unique and progressive
training, and luxurious residential facilities; and
WHEREAS, In 1936, Ms. Stewart believed the location no longer safely
met the needs of her students, and Lochland School moved to its current
location at 1065 Lochland Road; and
WHEREAS, An immense change occurred in 1977 when New York State regu-
lations no longer allowed children and adults to live in the same resi-
dential setting; many of the residents at Lochland School had grown into
adulthood and a choice was required; after much contemplation, the Board
of Directors opted to have Lochland School remain a home setting for
adults-only; and
WHEREAS, In 1994 Lochland School reached a major milestone when they
opened Campbell House, the organization's first Office for People with
Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) certified home; andor
WHEREAS, Lochland School currently provides residential and day
services to adults 18 years or older, in a nurturing and supportive
learning environment; there are 22 residents living at Lochland, some of
whom have called Lochland their home for more than 50 years; and
WHEREAS, Lochland School's strongest asset is the employees, who on a
day-to-day basis give compassionate care to each resident and assist
them to reach their fullest potential; and
WHEREAS, This year, Lochland School commemorated 80 years of celebrat-
ing the abilities of people with disabilities; during the last eight
decades, Lochland has provided unique, individualized support and
services to developmentally disabled people and their families; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the Geneva community, Lochland School residents
and staff have been involved with the March of Dimes for many years; in
addition, several residents volunteer at Geneva General Hospital, Geneva

Adult Day Center, Waterloo Adult Day Center, and Mobile Meals; two resi-
dents have also been nominated for the Athena Award; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Lochland School's Leadership Team has volun-
teered at the Ontario County United Day of Caring for more than ten
years, and supports numerous local businesses and non-profit agencies,
such as the Boys and Girls Club, Finger Lakes Visiting Nurse Services,
Geneva Rotary, Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Ontario ARC and Happiness
House; and
WHEREAS, Today, just as it was in 1933, Lochland School continues to
place an emphasis on self-determination, greater independence, individ-
uality, as well as inclusion in society for those who are disabled, and
will continue to be, with foresight and imagination, an asset to Geneva
County and the Finger Lakes Region; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
recognize Lochland School, Inc. for its unwavering commitment to indi-
viduals with developmental disabilities, as it provides an uncompromis-
ing standard of excellence in the delivery of superlative service to the
community and citizens it so ably serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lochland School, Inc. upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the 2014 Non-Profit Business of the Year Award by the Gene-
va Area Chamber of Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lochland School, Inc.