LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Genesee
ARC on March 12, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Genesee ARC at its Golden Gala Art
Show and sprout film festival on Saturday, March 12, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The Genesee ARC strives to support people with disabilities
in partnership with their families and the community; the organization
embraces individuals and nurtures their social, spiritual, physical, and
emotional growth; and
WHEREAS, Known as the resource of choice for people with disabilities
and their families, the Genesee ARC provides a broad range of opportu-
nities which address their clients changing needs and life-long aspi-
rations; and
WHEREAS, The Genesee ARC envisions a future in which all people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities are fully included as
members of a community which embraces the diversity of all people, and
values people for who they are in a safe and caring environment; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization began with an ad in THE DAILY NEWS
announcing a gathering for area parents of children with mental retarda-
tion; in 1957, the first parent meeting was held at the YWCA in Batavia;
and
WHEREAS, For the first time, many of these parents had the opportunity
to speak candidly about family issues that were so entwined in their
everyday lives; this coalition of parents and friends of children with
disabilities, determined to change society's traditional disregard for
the needs of their children, joined a state association of parents; and
WHEREAS, On May 1, 1966, Genesee ARC, a chapter of NYSARC Inc., was
founded by 12 dedicated parents and friends committed to improving the
lives of children with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Since its founding, members' grassroots effort, programs and
services for people with disabilities have grown at a dramatic rate;
things that many people take for granted, such as having a job, an
education, choices for recreation and being able to live on their own,
are things for which those with disabilities often find most difficult;
and
WHEREAS, The mission of Genesee ARC is to help all individuals with
disabilities achieve their fullest potential in whatever their dreams or
aspirations may be for the future; for 50 years, the staff at the ARC
has been providing programs, such as residential, employment, service
coordination, family support and habilitation services which have made
an important impact in the lives of over 450 children and adults with
disabilities this year alone; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the Genesee ARC is in direct corre-
lation to the efforts of the dedicated staff and administrators who work
tirelessly to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities and their families have the support they need to live an
ordinary American life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions 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
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Genesee ARC on March 12, 2016;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Genesee ARC.