LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Jefferson
Rehabilitation Center

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality of life in the communities across this great State of New York
is enriched by the diligence and compassionate commitment of those indi-
viduals and organizations whose singular purpose is the care and welfare
of others; 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 Jefferson Rehabilitation Center; this
momentous occasion will be celebrated with a Gala on Thursday, August 7,
2014; and
WHEREAS, Founded in Watertown, New York in 1954, Jefferson Rehabili-
tation Center (JRC) began as Jefferson County Association for the Help
of Retarded Children, in the basement of the First Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, Serving hundreds of people with developmental disabilities
each year, the initial focus of JRC was in the early intervention of
pre-school children; in the early 1970s, JRC expanded to include the
developmentally disabled within the school systems; and
WHEREAS, During this time, a statewide movement known as Project Zero
began to move people who were disabled from institutions, to community-
based settings, and in June of 1980, the agency changed its name to
Jefferson Rehabilitation Center, to better reflect its growth of
services; and
WHEREAS, With an administrative center, day habilitation services, a
production worksite, businesses, and several residents, JRC has truly
evolved from its humble beginnings; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
recognize Jefferson Rehabilitation Center for its unwavering commitment
to people with developmental disabilities, as it provides an uncompro-
mising standard of excellence in the delivery of superlative service to
the community and individuals it so ably serves; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Howard W. Ganter, Jefferson
Rehabilitation Center and its dedicated staff have had a long and
sustained commitment to the health and welfare of the citizens of
Jefferson County, and therefore merits the highest commendation of this
Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Jefferson Rehabilitation Center; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Howard W. Ganter, Executive Director, Jefferson Rehabili-
tation Center.