LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Women's
Opportunity Center on June 19, 2015

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 who would devote themselves 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 35th Anniversary of the Women's Opportunity Center, to be
celebrated on Friday, June 19, 2015, at Coltivare, Ithaca, New York; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1978, the Women's Opportunity Center remains true
to its mission to lead low income women to the pathway out of poverty by
providing them with individualized career counseling and training, as
well as removing barriers to enable them to become job ready and find
employment; and
WHEREAS, In Tompkins County, single mothers are at the head of more
than 30 percent of families under the poverty level, which translates to
31,000 single mothers in the local area who are making less than they
and their children need to survive; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, a majority of these women have been subjected to
either physical or emotional abuse in the home; subsequently, many women
who come to the Women's Opportunity Center arrive in desperate straits;
and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of its Executive Director for
the past 27 years, Dammi Herath, the Women's Opportunity Center has
helped 15,000 women return to the workforce by providing career guidance
in the form of mock interviews, resume writing and computer training;
and
WHEREAS, Over the past 35 years, the dedicated staff at the Women's
Opportunity Center has helped countless displaced women find accommo-
dations; the encouragement and confidence building which grows from the
center is truly immeasurable; and
WHEREAS, While 500 women looking for assistance walk through the door
every year, it is impossible to place a number on the impact the staff
and volunteers at the Women's Opportunity Center have had and continue
to have on those women, their children, extended families, and the
community-at-large; and
WHEREAS, Over its distinguished history, the Women's Opportunity
Center has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communi-
ties which it serves; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Women's Opportunity Center is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff and volunteers, whose involve-
ment 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 community it serves;
and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Women's Opportunity
Center; 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 35th Anniversary of the Women's Opportunity Center on
June 19, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Women's Opportunity Center, Ithaca, New York.