LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Francis
House on January 28, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize those
established organizations within our communities that, year after year,
diligently work to improve the quality of care for 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 25th Anniversary of Francis House to be officially celebrated
by the Central New York community on January 28, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Francis House was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of
the Neumann Communities with the mission to provide a home and an
extended family to persons with terminal illnesses in Central New York,
so they can die with dignity surrounded by the unconditional love of
God; and
WHEREAS, Francis House opened its doors to its first resident 25 years
ago on January 28, 1991, and since then, this vital organization has
welcomed over 2,500 people to spend their final days of life under the
care of its dedicated staff and volunteers; and
WHEREAS, Francis House is a nondenominational home which works in
collaboration with certified and licensed agencies in providing compas-
sionate care in a comforting home environment, offering physical,
emotional and spiritual support and 24-hour medical supervision; and
WHEREAS, Referrals to Francis House are accepted from physicians,
clergy, hospitals, home care agencies, family members, and prospective
residents; and
WHEREAS, Francis House presently has two homes located at 108 and 114
Michaels Avenue on the north side of the City of Syracuse; the original
house, an old Bostonian home built in 1918, now holds administrative
offices, a living room and dining room; and
WHEREAS, In 1998, Francis House completed a building expansion project
at 108 Michaels Avenue to create eight resident bedrooms, a kitchen,
great room and chapel; in 2004, 114 Michaels Avenue was built next door
to 108 Michaels Avenue to include seven resident bedrooms, as well as a
great room, kitchen and chapel; and
WHEREAS, At both Francis House homes, caregivers are present to
provide care and support to residents 24-hours a day, with volunteers
present from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. each day, all ensuring that each
resident is treated with dignity, respect and compassion; and
WHEREAS, Today, Francis House has more than 500 volunteers, who give
generously and unselfishly of their time to provide a loving home envi-
ronment and presence to the residents who enter the doors of the organ-
ization; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Francis House has served as an inspiration to
others who wish to open their doors to people who are terminally ill,
working closely with Mercy House in Binghamton, New York, and Caring
House in Torrance, California to help them realize their dream; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those homes
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 25th Anniversary of Francis House; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Francis House.