LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Catherine Crumlish upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the 2016 Woman of Mercy Award by Mercy
Home for Children

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Crumlish has given not only of her time and ener-
gies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and conse-
quently has been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Catherine Crumlish upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2016 Woman of Mercy Award by Mercy Home for Children to be cele-
brated at its Annual Partners in Mercy Luncheon on Sunday, April 10,
2016, at Russo's on the Bay, Howard Beach, New York; and
WHEREAS, Mercy Home for Children, located in Brooklyn, New York, was
founded in 1862, by the Sisters of Mercy, and is a non-profit social
service agency specializing in residential and supportive programs for
persons with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Mercy Home for Children
assures the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabili-
ties through the recognition of each person's inherent dignity and abso-
lute right to a life filled with learning and love; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Crumlish is being presented with this illustrious
award in recognition of her outstanding commitment, generosity and dedi-
cation to the mission of Mercy Home for Children; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Crumlish, affectionately known as Sister Kay, has
been with Mercy Home since 1980, first as an assistant manager and
finally as the agency's Executive Director; and
WHEREAS, As Director, Sister Kay worked with her team to expand the
network of group homes from five to 13, created two Creative Arts
Programs for children with autism and special challenges, developed
Saturday Respite Programs for teens and adults as a way to help fami-
lies, and initiated the Medicaid Service Coordination program that fami-
lies appreciate so much; and
WHEREAS, Sister Kay was first a teacher, earning a Master's Degree
from Hunter, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis College; and
WHEREAS, She taught at Holy Rosary and St. Pius X elementary schools
and co-founded a Junior High School in Brooklyn in collaboration with
parents in the Bedford Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Sister Kay has been profiled in the NEW YORK DAILY NEWS and
NEWSDAY; but perhaps her greatest honor has been to participate with all
the men and women of Mercy Home as she watched them grow and mature from
childhood to the wonderful adults they are today; 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
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Catherine Crumlish upon the occasion of her designation as recipi-
ent of the 2016 Woman of Mercy Award by Mercy Home for Children; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Catherine Crumlish.