Senate Resolution No. 4979

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region
upon the occasion of celebrating the 100th
Anniversary of its building on 21 First Street in
Troy, New York, on May 8, 2018

WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon individuals and
organizations to be recognized for the significance of their
contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills
necessary to be successful, productive citizens; and

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
organizations 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, it is the custom of this Legislative Body to
commend the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region upon the occasion of the
100th Anniversary of its building on 21 First Street in Troy, New York,
to be celebrated at an event on Tuesday, May 8, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Since it first opened its doors to the public on May 8,
1918, this building has been the start of a positive change for
thousands of local women and families; and

WHEREAS, The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) is one of
the oldest and largest women's organizations in the nation, serving more
than two million women, girls and their families; and

WHEREAS, Staying true to its mission of eliminating racism,
empowering women and promoting peace, justice, dignity and freedom for
all, the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region (GCR) is part of a national
and international movement working to advance the quality of life for
women and their families; and

WHEREAS, Women come to YWCA-GCR in times of crisis, for safe and
affordable housing, help with basic needs, such as food and clothing,
victim advocacy, help with addiction, job training and career
counseling, and case management in order to empower them to be able to
achieve their goals and to become self-sufficient; and

WHEREAS, Each and every single woman that enters through the doors
of this historical building receives hope; and

WHEREAS, YWCA-GCR helps women prepare for school and employment
through economic advancement programs, and provides affordable, safe and
supportive transitional and permanent housing, food security services,
homelessness prevention and advocates for both gender and racial equity;
and

WHEREAS, YWCA-GCR's supportive services are available to and are
utilized by community members through My Sister's Closet, Jamison-Rounds

Ready for Work Employment Training Program, Jamison-Rounds Ready for
School Program, and its Food Pantry and Weekly Community Meal; it also
provides homeless prevention and case management services to Rensselaer
County residents facing eviction; and

WHEREAS, The success of YWCA-GCR is in direct correlation to the
efforts of its Executive Director Daquetta Jones, and her 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 institution and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its storied history, YWCA-GCR has been in the
forefront of most major movements in the United States as a pioneer in
race relations, labor union representation, and the empowerment of
women; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region upon the occasion of
celebrating the 100th Anniversary of its building on 21 First Street in
Troy, New York, on May 8, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Daquetta Jones, Executive Director, YWCA of the Greater
Capital Region.