LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Commu-
nity Action Organization of Erie County

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 the Community Action Organization of Erie
County; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson and the United States
Congress enacted into law the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) 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 Community Action Organization (CAO) of Erie County was
incorporated in May of 1965 under the laws of the State of New York, and
this vital organization was then designated as the official anti-poverty
agency for Erie County; and
WHEREAS, The CAO also launched its Head Start programs in 1965, and is
the second largest such program in New York State, serving 2,188 chil-
dren and their families; and
WHEREAS, Recognized as one of the nation's strongest and best communi-
ty action agencies, CAO serves the community through its network of more
than 50 locations throughout Erie county where it offers programs and
services in children and family, crisis and emergency, neighborhood,
employment and training, housing and development, drug, and community
technology; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the past 50 years, the Community Action Organiza-
tion of Erie County has remained true to its mission to promote opportu-
nities for low income individuals, families and communities to achieve
and sustain self-sufficiency through advocacy, partnerships, access to
services and low to moderate income housing development; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of its current Executive, L.
Nathan Hare, the CAO of Erie County has worked to get existing insti-
tutions to expand their services to the underserved in Erie County, and
has also worked with its partners in the New York State Department and
the Federal Department of Health and Human Services to create and imple-
ment services to fill the gaps; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Community Action Organization of Erie
County is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, 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 organization and the commu-
nity it serves; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Community Action
Organization of Erie County; 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 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 the Community Action Organization of
Erie County; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Community Action Organization of Erie County.