LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Coarc, the
Columbia County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc. on June 20, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities of New York State are
reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations and
individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and
its citizenry and have made strong contributions to the disability
community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of Coarc, the Columbia County Chapter of
NYSARC, Inc. to be feted with a celebration on Saturday, June 20, 2015,
at the Chatham Fairgrounds, Chatham, New York; and
WHEREAS, Since 1965, Coarc has been an advocate and resource in Colum-
bia County for individuals who experience disabilities, and their fami-
lies; this vital organization provides comprehensive services to chil-
dren and adults, both in the community and at more than 20 Coarc
locations; and
WHEREAS, The services offered at Coarc are as diverse as the people it
supports, including employment programs where job coaches assist indi-
viduals in acquiring and maintaining interesting jobs in the local
community; in addition, Coarc has two fully ISO certified Coarc Contract
Manufacturing facilities which employ workers who experience disabili-
ties, as well as employees without disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Residential services are also available; Coarc Direct Support
professionals promote independence and support people with their daily
in-the-home needs; and
WHEREAS, Individuals can also get help finding their way through disa-
bility services from a Coarc attorney and social worker; Coarc Advocacy
and Legal Services are available to anyone with a disability who lives
in Columbia County; and
WHEREAS, Coarc can assist people with understanding estate planning,
Medicaid, Social Security, and other public benefits, and arrange legal
guardianship; their lawyers can represent a person with a disability in
family or criminal court, as well as landlord and tenant disputes or
uncontested divorce; and
WHEREAS, Coarc Advocacy and Legal Services promote special education
by providing legal counseling and community education regarding the
rights of people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Coarc supports over 500 individuals experiencing
disabilities, and employs over 400 staff members, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves;
and
WHEREAS, Coarc is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, most of
whom are parents or relatives of a person with a developmental disabili-
ty; the remaining board members are community leaders whose insight and
experience provide assistance and direction to ensure Coarc is inte-
grated into the community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those organiza-
tions which enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and
have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence 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
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Coarc, the Columbia County Chapter
of NYSARC, Inc. on June 20, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Coarc, the Columbia County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc.