Senate Resolution No. 1829

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of New York
Therapeutic Communities, Inc., and honoring
President/CEO/Founder Ronald A. Williams for special
recognition

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals and organizations it wishes to
recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of
society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the
basic humanity among us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
40th Anniversary of New York Therapeutic Communities, Inc., and honor
President/CEO/Founder Ronald A. Williams for special recognition on
Friday, June 2, 2017, at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine,
New York, New York; and

WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams has been the Founder and President of
New York Therapeutic Communities, Inc. since its inception in 1977; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed man began his illustrious career in the
substance abuse field more than 40 years ago as one of the founders and
first graduates of the Phoenix House organization where he held clinical
and administrative positions, including facility and regional
directorships; and

WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams also developed the Su Casa residential
program at the Lower Eastside Service Center; during his many years of
involvement in this field, he served as an expert in demand reduction
and as a technical assistance advisor and trainer for the U.S.
Department of State; and

WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams is the founder of the New York
Therapeutic Communities, Inc. Stay n' Out program, a therapeutic
community which has served male and female inmates of the New York State
Department of Corrections for over thirty years; he also implemented the
Serendipity community-based program for criminal justice clients
returning from incarceration; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Ronald A. Williams, New York
Therapeutic Communities, Inc. operates unique on site treatment programs
for the New York City Department of Probation; and

WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams has assisted in the implementation of
in-prison treatment programs in 32 states and several foreign countries,
including Malaysia, Thailand, Colombia, Argentina, and Italy; he has
served as Vice President of Therapeutic Communities of America, and is
the former Chair of the Criminal Justice Task Force; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the
community, Ronald A. Williams serves on the board of the renowned
Fortune Society, as well as on the board of EXPONENTS, Inc., an HIV
outreach project; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he is a board member of the New York State
Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers, and serves as
executive liaison to the United Nations for the World Federation of
Therapeutic Communities; and

WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams has received many awards including
commendation by the New York State Bar Association for outstanding
contributions to the Rule of Law and the Administration of Justice; he
has also been awarded the St. Bonaventure College Award for Excellence
in Public Service, and the NYS Governors Lifetime Service Award for his
extraordinary dedication and years of service in the field of addiction;
and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Ronald A. Williams has
displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Ronald A. Williams, that future generations may know and appreciate his
admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of New York Therapeutic Communities,
Inc., and honor President/CEO/Founder Ronald A. Williams for special
recognition; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ronald A. Williams, President/CEO/Founder, New York
Therapeutic Communities, Inc.