LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Legal Project upon the occasion of
its designation for special recognition by the Equinox Domestic Violence
Shelter

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 Legal Project upon the occasion of its designation for special
recognition, to be celebrated at the Equinox Domestic Violence Shelter's
25th Anniversary Luncheon on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at Wolfert's Roost
Country Club, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Legal Project, a private, not-for-profit organization,
was founded by the Capital District Women's Bar Association in 1995;
this vital organization provides a variety of free and low cost legal
services to the working poor, victims of domestic violence and other
underserved individuals in the Capital District of New York State; and
WHEREAS, The Legal Project believes that all people, regardless of
income, gender, disability, race, religion, age, sexual orientation or
ethnicity should have access to legal services; this belief reflects a
deep commitment to fairness and equal justice under the law; and
WHEREAS, Based upon these beliefs, the mission of The Legal Project is
to make the law more accessible to those in need, especially women, to
increase the legal community's involvement in pro bono work, and to
serve as a resource on legal issues; and
WHEREAS, Since 1995, The Legal Project has been a close ally and
frequent partner to Equinox Domestic Violence Services; working to
support domestic violence survivors, through services to individuals, as
well as working to improve system response to victims, locally and
statewide; and
WHEREAS, In addition, The Legal Project's attorneys frequently provide
technical assistance to the staff of the Equinox Domestic Violence Shel-
ter and frequently collaborate on legal cases; and
WHEREAS, The doors of the Equinox Domestic Violence Center were offi-
cially opened to the public on June 1, 1989; due to the commitment of
the Albany Junior League, the Shelter has been serving the needs of the
citizens of the Capital District ever since; and
WHEREAS, The Equinox Domestic Violence Shelter is committed to provid-
ing safety for victims of Domestic Violence, including the elderly, and
offer the support, assistance and tools they need to escape abusive
situations and take control of their lives; and
WHEREAS, A symbol of hope in the community for 20 years, the success
enjoyed by The Legal Project is in direct correlation to the efforts of
its founders, supporters, staff and the thousands of volunteers; 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
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Legal Project upon the occasion of its designation for
special recognition by the Equinox Domestic Violence Shelter; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Legal Project.