Senate Resolution No. 1996

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of Black
Veterans for Social Justice, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Black Veterans for Social Justice,
Inc.; and

WHEREAS, In 1979, Job Mashariki founded Black Veterans for Social
Justice, Inc., an organization that was an outgrowth of the social
justice movement; it is the largest private community-based agency
serving New York City's Veterans, their families and the community; Mr.
Mashariki served as President/CEO for 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Black Veterans for Social Justice (BVSJ) was initially
established to assist veterans of the Vietnam War reintegrate with their
families, communities, and the greater society; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization has evolved since its humble
beginnings to become a true fixture in the community, providing tender
loving care and a listening ear to all veterans and community residents
who seek to be a productive part of society; and

WHEREAS, BVSJ annually serves an average of 12,000 clients,
maintains 400 units of housing and several commercial spaces, and
provides an array of programs and social services, including its Veteran
Service Center, Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs, Job To Build
On/Consortium Of Worker Education, Advocacy and Cultural Activities,
Division of Housing Management, Solutions to End Homelessness Program
(STEHP), Food Pantry Service, HIV/AIDS Prevention & Outreach, and
Veterans Advisory Groups (VAG); and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Black Veterans for Social
Justice is dedicated to servicing military personnel, veterans and their
families in the areas of social readjustment, housing, employment,
compensation, disability, substance abuse, medical treatment, Post
Traumatic Stress Syndrome, family intervention, prison counseling and
relocation into the community, legal advocacy, discharge up-grade and
redress of grievances within and outside the military; and

WHEREAS, Black Veterans for Social Justice believes all persons can
be productive, positive contributors to society, regardless of race,
sex, social class, military labels or problems beset on them; it also
believes all humans wish to do the right thing, but do not often get the
opportunity, and given a helping hand, all people, particularly
veterans, will respond positively and productively; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 40-year history, Black Veterans for
Social Justice has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Black Veterans for Social Justice is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its Chief Executive Officer Wendy
McClinton, as well as its dedicated staff and Board of Directors, 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 organization and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Black Veterans for
Social Justice; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized 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 40th Anniversary of Black Veterans for Social Justice,
Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Wendy McClinton, Chief Executive Officer, Black Veterans
for Social Justice, Inc.