LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Sister Kathleen Nolan, RSM upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Sisters of
Mercy on May 19, 2015

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals and organizations which
distinguish themselves through their unremitting commitment and service
to humanity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Sister Kathleen Nolan, RSM upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the Sisters of Mercy to be celebrated at its 16th
Annual Evening of Mercy Gala on May 19, 2015, at The Yale Club of New
York City; and
WHEREAS, The Sisters of Mercy work passionately to eliminate poverty,
the widespread denial of human rights, the degradation of earth, the
increase in violence and racism, the continued oppression of women, the
abuse of children, the mistreatment of immigrants and the lack of soli-
darity among people and nations; and
WHEREAS, Kathleen Nolan earned her bachelor's degree from St. John's
University, Jamaica, New York, and then went on to receive her Master's
degree in Social Work from Fordham University, New York City; and
WHEREAS, For more than five decades, Sister Kathleen Nolan has been a
faithful member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas; she began her
ministry in education, and after four years moved into foster care and
adoption social work and administration, where she served for 13 years;
and
WHEREAS, After a brief time working in parish outreach, Sister Kath-
leen Nolan co-founded Mercy Haven, Inc.; from its humble beginning as a
provider of housing for persons living with mental illness, this vital
organization has expanded to include housing for the elderly, limited
income families, as well as disabled and homeless individuals and fami-
lies; and
WHEREAS, For 20 years, Sister Kathleen Nolan held the position of
Associate Executive Director of Mercy Haven, Inc.; in this capacity, she
was in charge of business operations, managing its growing number of
homes, which now stands at 35 owned properties and 38 rental properties
encompassing 104 units of housing; and
WHEREAS, After leaving this position, Sister Kathleen Nolan went on a
year's sabbatical; upon returning, she took on the role of Coordinator
of Breakthrough, a homeless outreach and education program which helps
to develop the life-skills of participants who are homeless or at risk
of homelessness; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sister Kathleen Nolan, RSM upon the occasion of her designation
for special recognition by the Sisters of Mercy on May 19, 2015; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Kathleen Nolan, RSM.