Senate Resolution No. 832

BY: Senator LARKIN

HONORING Jacqueline Murray upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Silver Bell
Award by the Mental Health Association in Orange
County, Inc.

WHEREAS, Individuals devoted to improving the quality of life for
others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and self-worth are
deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and

WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jacqueline
Murray upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Silver
Bell Award by the Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc., to
be celebrated at its Silver Ball on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Falkirk
Estate and Country Club, Central Valley, New York; and

WHEREAS, Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. (MHA)
seeks to promote the positive mental health and emotional well-being of
Orange County residents, working towards reducing the stigma of mental
illness, developmental disabilities, and providing support to victims of
sexual assault and other crimes; and

WHEREAS, Jacqueline Murray, affectionately known as Jacki, has been
a strong supporter of the MHA's program and services for 28 years,
during which time she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to
improving and strengthening the community and passionately advocating
for those individuals who are underserved; and

WHEREAS, A vital member of the Mental Health Association family,
Jacki Murray has a rich history of involvement with many of its programs
and initiatives, and fully embodies the spirit of MHA's mission; and

WHEREAS, Jacki Murray was instrumental in the development of the
Sibling Project, which offers the brothers and sisters of those with
disabilities to come together in a non-judgmental environment to discuss
the issues that pertain to them; and

WHEREAS, In addition, she helped develop the ASSIST (Acquiring
Social Skills through Intervention Support and Training) Program, which
provides families with additional support in the development of social
skills during the crucial elementary years; and

WHEREAS, Serving as a Developmental Disabilities Program Consultant
for the CAPIS (Crisis Assessment and Intervention Services) Program,
Jacki Murray provides in-home support and guidance to individuals with
developmental disabilities and their families who are experiencing a
crisis; and

WHEREAS, Jacki Murray was also responsible for designing and
implementing many other support groups at MHA, including the
Grandparents Discussion Group which extends support and information to
the grandparents of children with developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast dedication to the community, Jacki Murray
has spent a lifetime of serving others in the following capacities: a
Speech Therapist for children with disabilities at The ARC of Orange
County; a Director at Project MAC (Mainstreaming at Camp) for the YMCA;
and a Special Education Teacher for children with developmental
disabilities and children with mental health issues at Orange-Ulster
BOCES; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this esteemed woman also serves as an Adjunct
Professor and Student Teacher Advisor at SUNY New Paltz; and

WHEREAS, Jacki Murray is a founding member of Safe Homes of Orange
County where she serves as past President and as a current Board Member;
she is also a Board Member for Orange-Ulster BOCES, the Orange County
Youth Bureau, and The Grail, as well as co-founder and planning member
of the Cornwall Community Youth Group; and

WHEREAS, Renowned as a patient, kind and compassionate professional
who continues to be highly regarded by the Orange County community and
beyond, Jacki Murray has touched the lives of countless individuals and
families in Orange County and continues to be a knowledgeable and
dedicated advocate for the individuals MHA serves; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Terry, and their
daughter, Jeanne (Christopher), as well as her two grandsons, Zachary
and Nathaniel, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and
rejoice in her achievements; 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
Jacki Murray, that future generations may know and appreciate her
admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jacqueline Murray upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Silver Bell Award by the Mental Health Association in
Orange County, Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jacqueline Murray.