LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Pro Action
of Steuben and Yates, Inc. to be celebrated on September 17, 2015

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 that are devoted 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 commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of Pro Action of Steuben and Yates, Inc.;
this momentous occasion will be celebrated on Thursday, September 17,
2015; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson and the United States
Congress enacted into law the Economic Opportunity Act (E0A) and the war
on poverty was declared; and
WHEREAS, The Act established the Office of Economic Opportunity, which
was part of the executive branch of government and reported directly to
the President; within the next two years, more than 1,600 community
action programs opened throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS, The first planning meeting for what is now known as Pro
Action met on April 12, 1965; one year later a proposal was developed
and a Board of Directors was created; during this time, the Agency was
referred to as the Economic Opportunity Program of Steuben County; and
WHEREAS, Newly incorporated as Pro Action of Steuben and Yates, Inc.
in 1993, this vital organization continues to work diligently each year
to promote school readiness among young children, improve access to
affordable, quality child care, assist low-income people to gain jobs or
improve their employment situations, reduce the burden of high
energy/fuel costs, and help seniors remain healthy and independent; and
WHEREAS, In addition, in 2014, under the able leadership of its Execu-
tive Director Laura Rossman, Pro Action responded to a local natural
disaster by providing aid to victims of the floods affecting residents
of towns neighboring Keuka Lake; and
WHEREAS, After five decades of steadfast and unwavering service to the
Steuben, Yates, Chemung and Schuyler communities, Pro Action remains
true to its mission by promoting the creation of quality family life,
self-sufficiency and the ability to thrive for all people in its commu-
nities; and
WHEREAS, The success of Pro Action is in direct correlation to the
efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, charac-
terized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an
uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the
organization and the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Pro Action; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to attention,
they should be recognized and applauded by 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 Pro Action of Steuben and Yates,
Inc. to be celebrated on September 17, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Laura Rossman, Executive Director, Pro Action of Steuben and
Yates, Inc.