LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Mohawk
Valley Community Action Agency on May 13, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency,
to be celebrated at its Annual Gala on Friday, May 13, 2016, at Hart's
Hill Inn, Whitesboro, New York; 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 Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA) was estab-
lished in 1965, to help families throughout both Oneida and Herkimer
Counties to become self-sufficient by providing numerous services such
as safe, efficient housing, a positive start for their children, emer-
gency help for youth and families, as well as information, education,
and training; and
WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, MVCAA respectfully empowers
individuals, families and the communities of Herkimer and Oneida Coun-
ties by providing viable working solutions to moving people out of
poverty by helping them gain employment opportunities which enable them
to achieve economic security; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the last five decades, this vital agency has
gained a positive reputation throughout the local community for advocat-
ing the rights of economically challenged families and individuals as
well as changing society's stereotypes regarding poverty; and
WHEREAS, Today, MVCAA operates 21 sites throughout Herkimer and Oneida
Counties with 253 full-time and eight part-time employees who work in 22
different programs; the 21-member Board of Directors, which represents
low-income neighborhoods, is assisted by the Herkimer, Rome, Utica, and
Health Advisories and the Policy Council, whose members log in over
2,000 volunteer hours annually; and
WHEREAS, In addition, MVCAA partners with over 51 different organiza-
tions and agencies, including non-profit organizations, faith-based
organizations, local and state government agencies, school districts,
consortiums, associations, colleges and health service organizations;
and
WHEREAS, In 2015, through this life-changing agency's steadfast and
unremitting commitment, 52 pregnant women received Early Head Start
Services, including medical and dental care; 6,179 women, infants and
children participated in WIC; 1,063 children, ages 3-5 years, attended
Head Start, 387 of whom successfully transitioned to Kindergarten; 153
youths attended summer recreation activities; 6 runaway youth received
emergency shelter services; 145 at-risk parents received case management
services improving their parental skills; 31 families received a child
passenger seat and were taught proper installation; 140 families
received energy conservation services; 528 families received rental

assistance; and 235 families received tax preparation assistance; as
well as 40 seniors volunteered as Foster Grandparents; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Board of Director
Chair, Phonon Perrilloux, MVCAA remains resilient in its response to the
fluctuating community needs among shifting socio-economic and political
landscapes; and
WHEREAS, The success of the MVCAA is in direct correlation to the
efforts of its community partners, board members, public officials,
staff and volunteers, whose involvement is, and always has been, charac-
terized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an
uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the
organization and the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Mohawk Valley
Community Action Agency; 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 Mohawk Valley Community Action
Agency; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Phonon Perrilloux, Chair, Mohawk Valley Action Agency Board
of Directors.