LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Laura Garcia upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the Orange County Human Rights
Commission on May 28, 2015

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, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Laura Garcia
upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the
Orange County Human Rights Commission, to be celebrated at its 20th
Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at The Fountains of
Wallkill, Middletown, New York; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed woman has been called upon to contribute her
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of herself unstintingly; she is being honored by the Orange
County Human Rights Commission in recognition of her steadfast dedi-
cation to her community and her work to build better relationships among
diverse people, encouraging them to participate in community life on an
equal basis; and
WHEREAS, Laura Garcia is the Racial Justice Program Coordinator for
the YWCA of Orange County, New York; she is also the founder of Dreamers
with No Borders, a group of young adults whose mission is to educate and
empower the Latino, undocumented and migrant community in the Hudson
Valley through the attainment of higher education and civic engagement;
and
WHEREAS, Active within the community, Laura Garcia has served on the
Board of Directors for the Rural and Migrant Ministry for the past 15
years; she also coordinates Mujeres Latinas of The Hudson Valley, a
group of undocumented, migrant women from the Middletown and Newburgh
area who meet twice a month; and
WHEREAS, Understanding firsthand the need for women to feel safe,
Laura Garcia has become a tireless advocate for women in the community;
overcoming much adversity, she uses her own immigration experience to
encourage women to take stronger leadership roles; and
WHEREAS, Laura Garcia is also the coordinator for Newburgh Girl Power
Program whose mission is to provide adolescent girls with a dynamic
youth experience through self-exploration, positive mentoring and
support, personal empowerment, and leadership building skills in a
culturally competent environment; the program aspires to produce young,
confident and active community members by growing the leader within; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Laura Garcia
was recently highlighted in a short video done by women of the world
from THE NEW YORK TIMES; she was also a special guest on "Univision al
Despertar," one of the largest Spanish networks in the country, and was
asked to be a key note speaker to Catholic charities state-wide event;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Laura Garcia has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Laura Garcia has displayed through-
out her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals 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 Laura Garcia upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Orange County Human Rights Commission on May 28,
2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Laura Garcia.