LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Vera House upon the occasion of cele-
brating its 20th Annual White Ribbon Campaign on March 25, 2014

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, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary organizations it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Vera
House upon the occasion of celebrating its 20th Annual White Ribbon
Campaign, to be recognized at its Breakfast on Tuesday, March 25, 2014,
at the Holiday Inn, Liverpool, New York; and
WHEREAS, Vera House was founded in 1977 by a group of concerned indi-
viduals led by Sister Mary Vera, CSJ, who recognized the need for emer-
gency sheltering services for women in crisis; and
WHEREAS, It is the mission of Vera House to end all domestic and sexu-
al violence, to assist families in crisis, to support those affected by
domestic and sexual violence to live safe, self-sufficient lives, to
empower women and children, and to promote a culture of equality and
respect in relationships; and
WHEREAS, This original mission blossomed into a wide range of domestic
violence services including outreach and advocacy, domestic violence
education programming, children's counseling, the Syracuse Area Domestic
and Sexual Violence Coalition and a domestic violence education program
for male perpetrators of violence; and
WHEREAS, Among its countless accomplishments, in just one year, Vera
House provided shelter to 398 men, women and children, answered 4,546
calls to its 24-hour Crisis and Support Line, and reached 19,127 indi-
viduals with its school-based community and professional education
programs; and
WHEREAS, The White Ribbon Campaign began in Canada in 1991 to encour-
age men and boys to pin on a white ribbon as a personal acknowledgement
of the important role men need to play in the effort to end violence
against women; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 1995, the Campaign was established in Central
New York by concerned men who invite all members of the community, men
and women, young and old, to wear a ribbon or wristband to support Vera
House and to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence; 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
honor Vera House upon the occasion of celebrating its 20th Annual White
Ribbon Campaign on March 25, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Vera House.