LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 36th Anniversary of the Spanish
Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES to be celebrated on May 29, 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 that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; 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 36th Anniversary of the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAIC-
ES to be celebrated at its reception and benefit on Thursday, May 29,
2014, at The Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES was founded in
1978 by retired Hispanic senior citizens who saw the need for an organ-
ization which would provide services, educate, and organize the Latino,
minority, and low income community aged in the borough of Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, This worthy organization's mission is to respond to the unmet
needs of their constituency, and to improve their quality of life
through advocacy and the direct provision of targeted services with work
across the generations, as well as a particular emphasis on the needs of
older adults; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, one of the council's major accomplishments and the
catalyst for its growth was the development of RAICES; RAICES became the
model program on the application of the principles of cultural competen-
cy as a means by which to reach underserved minority populations, and
thereby increase access to aging services; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, RAICES continues to expand the vision
that was realized by its founding members; today, it operates nine
programs that primarily serve the elderly in the borough of Brooklyn and
Queens, New York, which include seven senior centers, a case management
program, and an outpatient licensed mental health clinic; and
WHEREAS, The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES is a solid
cornerstone of the community, and stands ready to continue its important
mission of improving the lives of Latino, minority, and low income
elderly individuals for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to call attention
to organizations such as Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES which
serve to bring people together for the united purpose of actively pursu-
ing improvements in their communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 36th Anniversary of the Spanish Speaking Elderly Coun-
cil-RAICES to be celebrated on May 29, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES.