LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Antonia Clemente upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by the Ambassador for Christ
International Outreach Ministry and Gateway Christian Center on Sunday,
May 4, 2014

WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons who
provide exemplary service, whether through participation in voluntary
programs, through unique personal achievement in their profession or
other endeavors, or simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Antonia
Clemente upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
the Ambassador for Christ International Outreach Ministry and Gateway
Christian Center at its 4th Annual Pastors and Women of Distinction
Appreciation Awards Gala on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Floral Terrace,
Floral Park, New York; and
WHEREAS, Antonia Clemente is being recognized for her exemplary work
and commitment to her community, which serves to empower others; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Antonia Clemente is
the Co-founder and Executive Director of The Healing Center, a not for
profit community based agency dedicated to the intervention and
prevention of family violence and abuse; and
WHEREAS, Antonia Clemente's leadership and activism roles began at an
early age; she has more than four decades of experience working within
the community to promote and develop academic enhancement projects for
children, and has directed afterschool, adult education, and drop-out
prevention programs; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, Antonia Clemente spearheaded a project called, The
Daughters of the Lotus, for teenage girls who witness and are victimized
by domestic violence in the home, and in response to the growing epidem-
ic of teen dating violence; the program encourages positive self-image
and goal development through creative activities and discussion in a
comfortable and secure environment; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, under the luminous direction of Antonia
Clemente, the first annual Teen Dating Violence Awareness Walk-a-thon
took place on February 18, 2012 in New York; and
WHEREAS, As a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Antonia Clemente
has served on the Justice for Women Consulting Committee for the Evan-
gelical Lutheran Church in America; her work has been featured in the
documentary films, "What Harm is it to be a Woman" and "I BELIEVE YOU:
Faith's Response to Intimate Partner Violence"; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Antonia Clemente upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Ambassador for Christ International Outreach Ministry
and Gateway Christian Center on Sunday, May 4, 2014, noting her unremit-
ting and compassionate faith and her exemplary service to God, man, and
her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Antonia Clemente.