LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Nancy Wackstein upon the occasion of her
retirement after many years of distinguished service to United Neighbor-
hood Houses of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those revered citizens of this great Empire State who have devoted them-
selves to faithfully serving the best interests of their community and
the needs of its residents; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Nancy Wackstein upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of
distinguished service to United Neighborhood Houses of New York; and
WHEREAS, For the past 13 years, Nancy Wackstein rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service as Executive Director of United
Neighborhood Houses of New York; she will officially retire from this
esteemed position in December of 2015; and
WHEREAS, Nancy Wackstein has been the Executive Director of United
Neighborhood Houses (UNH) of New York, the federation of the City's 38
settlement houses and community centers, since 2002; prior to her
appointment, she was the Executive Director of Lenox Hill Neighborhood
House, a settlement house on Manhattan's East Side, for 11 years; and
WHEREAS, With an unremitting and steadfast dedication to this vital
organization, Nancy Wackstein has been instrumental in furthering the
work of settlement houses in New York City; her profound understanding
of public policy issues has greatly strengthened the impact UNH has on
the lives of the people it serves; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Nancy Wackstein, UNH has
broadened its membership and deepened its influence with government
partners and colleagues in the human services community, enabling them
to work together to enrich communities and provide opportunities for New
Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, After earning a bachelor's degree from Binghamton University
where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Nancy Wackstein went on to earn
her master's degree from the Columbia University School of Social Work;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 2013, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate
of Humane Letters from her alma mater, Binghamton University; and
WHEREAS, Nancy Wackstein currently serves on the Board of Directors of
several non-profit organizations, including the United Way of New York
City and United Neighborhood Centers of America; she is Immediate Past
Board Chair of the Human Services Council of New York; and
WHEREAS, In addition, she was appointed in 2003, to the New York City
Youth Board and the Citywide Coordinating Committee to End Chronic Home-
lessness; she served the New York City Commission for Economic Opportu-
nity in 2006, as well as the NYC Commission on LGBTQ Runaway and Home-
less Youth in 2009; and
WHEREAS, Nancy Wackstein is the proud recipient of countless awards
and accolades some of which include, the Samuel and May Rudin Community
Service Award for exceptional service to the homeless, the recognition
award from the Settlement Housing Fund for her efforts to end homeless-
ness, and the annual award from the Council on Homeless Policies and
Services; she was also inducted into the Columbia University School of
Social Work Hall Alumni Association; and
WHEREAS, Sincerely loved and greatly respected by all those with whom
she worked, Nancy Wackstein will be remembered for her honesty, integri-
ty, keen sense of duty and ability to show a unique grasp of human prob-
lems in her official acts; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demon-
strated by Nancy Wackstein over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication
to others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Nancy Wackstein upon the occasion of her retirement after many
years of distinguished service to United Neighborhood Houses of New
York, and to wish her continued success in all of her future endeavors;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Nancy Wackstein.