LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 15th Anniversary of Exodus
Transitional Community, Inc. on March 27, 2014

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 15th
Anniversary of Exodus Transitional Community, Inc. on Thursday, March
27, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Exodus Transitional Community, Inc. (Exodus) is a faith-based
organization founded in 1999, by Julio Medina to provide supportive
services to formerly incarcerated men and women to help them reintegrate
into their communities, thereby achieving social and economic well-being
and breaking the cycle of recidivism; and
WHEREAS, Exodus began when former gang leader Julio Medina wanted to
change his life after spending 12 years behind bars; he subsequently
opened Exodus Transitional Community in service to ex-offenders on the
notion that individuals released from prison cannot be released into
mainstream society without any resources to support their transition;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout his twelve year sentence, Julio Medina witnessed
his peers succumb to the desperation of not being able to find employ-
ment, reconnect with their families or adapt to a changed society,
despite their desire to embrace their freedom and re-create their lives
without crime; and
WHEREAS, Stymied by the gap in services necessary to address their
transition and goals to live productive lives, these individuals often
times found themselves trapped in criminal justice's revolving door; and
WHEREAS, Julio Medina vowed to dedicate his life to breaking the cycle
of recidivism by utilizing a holistic approach to re-entry into society,
inspired by the book of Exodus in the Old Testament; the Exodus service
model is focused on guiding participants toward concrete accomplishments
to demonstrate they can take control of their future; and
WHEREAS, Exodus supports individuals in setting goals, as well as
developing plans to achieve those goals in employment, education,
family/relationships, spirituality, health/physical fitness, and commu-
nity involvement; and
WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission of Changing Lives, Restoring
Hope, Exodus has seen much success at meeting the needs of formerly
incarcerated individuals, and has garnered National attention; in 2004,
the organization was chosen as the Signature Program by the White House
for faith-based post-release initiatives; 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 15th Anniversary of Exodus Transitional Community, Inc.
on March 27, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Julio Medina, Exodus Transitional Community, Inc.