LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Carol Maraj Foundation upon the
occasion of its Third Annual Beauty for Ashes Brunch 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 who would devote themselves 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 commend
the Carol Maraj Foundation upon the occasion of its Third Annual Beauty
for Ashes Brunch; this special fundraiser to benefit victims of domestic
violence will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at The Coral House,
Baldwin, New York; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Carol Maraj Foundation (CMF) is to empower
victims of domestic violence to see their human value through programs
designed to nurture self-esteem, build inner strength and give hope; and
WHEREAS, Under the sparkling direction of Founder and Chief Executive
Officer Carol Maraj, mother of renowned artist Nicki Minaj, CMF offers
individual and group counseling for battered women, as well as assist-
ance with safety planning and shelter placement in crisis situations; in
addition, this vital organization offers support groups, help for fami-
lies dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, childcare volunteer
programs, and support for children who have witnessed domestic violence;
and
WHEREAS, CMF's Dolls Up initiative offers self-image improvement to
battered women through the Mobile-Spa and Nutrition Program which visits
various shelters of abused women to do beauty makeovers and with health
and wellness workshops; understanding that attention to beauty consti-
tutes inward and outward care, these affirming experiences encourage and
fortify victims of domestic violence, helping them feel better about
themselves and thereby enhancing their ability to set and achieve goals;
and
WHEREAS, The M.O.V.E. (Moving Onward Vocationally Empowered) program
helps shift victims of domestic violence from dependency to independence
through education, training, and job placement assistance; the initi-
ative offers victims whose sole purpose for enduring abuse is financial
dependence an alternative to returning to their abusers for financial
support; and
WHEREAS, Carol Maraj is a long-standing advocate for housing, employ-
ment, public assistance, and health care for families affected by domes-
tic violence; and
WHEREAS, A survivor of domestic violence herself, Carol Maraj has
dedicated her life to raise awareness of domestic violence issues; she
is committed to helping families recover from abuse, and women to rein-
tegrate into society through empowerment; and
WHEREAS, It is the conviction of this Legislative Body that when
organizations and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, 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
commend the Carol Maraj Foundation upon the occasion of its Third Annual
Beauty for Ashes Brunch; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Carol Maraj, Founder and President.