LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Independence Residences, Inc. upon the
occasion of hosting its 26th Anniversary Spring Gala

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Independence Residences, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 26th
Anniversary Spring Gala on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Russo's on the Bay,
Howard Beach, New York; and
WHEREAS, For more than 26 years, Independence Residences, Inc. (IRI)
has been making a difference to people with developmental disabilities,
visual or other impairments and their families; and
WHEREAS, Twenty-six years ago, no existing agency supporting people
with disabilities came forward to support people with intellectual disa-
bilities who also had visual impairments; IRI was created to fill that
void; and
WHEREAS, Today, after 26 years, IRI meets these needs as well as those
of people with developmental disabilities who have other challenges
including autism, mood disorders as well as those with multiple disabil-
ities; and
WHEREAS, From its early beginnings, IRI was designed to create oppor-
tunities where none existed, including opportunities for adults who are
disabled in order to live more rewarding lives as integrated members of
society; these opportunities are created in homes designed for their
special needs with an extensive circle of support to give them access to
work, volunteer, opportunities to learn, grow and dream within their
communities; and
WHEREAS, IRI now offers an array of supports to over 1,500 children
and adults with developmental disabilities and their families throughout
Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx and Long Island; it continues the
determination and commitment of the founders and parents who desired to
have a safe educative environment for their children; and
WHEREAS, Known as one of the most well respected and productive agen-
cies in New York State, IRI had the honor this year of being chosen as a
COMPASS agency of OPWDD; additional residences, day and family support
programs are scheduled to open in the near future to meet society's
growing needs; and
WHEREAS, Today IRI has varied residential opportunities some of which
are staffed 24 hours a day; day opportunities include supportive employ-
ment, work at the Independence Cafe and both day habilitation programs
that are site based and on-site based; in addition, it offers a wide
range of family support services; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, IRI's distinguished record merits
the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Independence Residences, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its
26th Anniversary Spring Gala; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Independence Residences, Inc.