LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Bethlehem YMCA upon the occasion of
its designation as recipient of the Beacon Leadership Award by the Inde-
pendent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, Inc.

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the Bethlehem
YMCA upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Beacon
Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley,
Inc., to be celebrated at the Center's 21st Annual Dessert Spectacular
on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at the Franklin Plaza Ballroom in Troy, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1987, the Independent Living Center of the
Hudson Valley is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people
with disabilities lead happy and fulfilling lives; rooted in a philoso-
phy of self-determination, the Center offers many services, including
advocacy, peer counseling, and facilitates access to housing and employ-
ment opportunities; and
WHEREAS, The Beacon Leadership Award is granted annually to those
organizations, such as the Bethlehem YMCA, which have demonstrated their
commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities; honorees have
each in their own way helped make the community a more welcoming place
for people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The Bethlehem YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy
living and for social responsibility; they are committed to meeting the
wellness needs of people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization enthusiastically works to ensure
people with disabilities have equal access to all their services,
programs and initiatives, including enabling children to realize their
potential, prepare teenagers for college, offer ways for families to
have fun together, empower people to be healthier in spirit, mind and
body, prepare people for employment, welcome and embrace newcomers and
help foster a nationwide service ethic; and
WHEREAS, The Bethlehem YMCA includes disability awareness training as
part of its new staff orientation; in addition, the Bethlehem YMCA
strives to ensure the facility is free of architectural barriers that
might hinder people with disabilities; 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
honor the Bethlehem YMCA upon the occasion of its designation as recipi-
ent of the Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of
the Hudson Valley, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Bethlehem YMCA.