Senate Resolution No. 237

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 20th Anniversary of Abraham
House on November 2, 2018

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 20th Anniversary of Abraham House on Friday, November 2,
2018; and

WHEREAS, Abraham House is designed to care for individuals who have
reached the end of curative therapy options; this extraordinary
organization provides personal care, based closely on the model of
caring for a loved one at home, and welcomes all individuals regardless
of diagnosis, gender, religion, race or financial status; and

WHEREAS, Abraham House was established in 1998, when the property
was donated by Dr. and Mrs. Abraham L. Shaheen for the purpose of caring
for those who are dying; and

WHEREAS, Staying true to the promise that a young Dr. Abraham L.
Shaheen made to his father to "be a doctor for the people and not a
doctor for the money," Abraham House was founded with the intent that
its guests and families would not be charged for services; and

WHEREAS, Two decades later, Abraham House continues to honor that
promise, relying solely on donations, fundraising and grants to ensure
the continued success; and

WHEREAS, Structured based on the model of a family caring for a
loved one's needs in a home setting, Abraham House offers around the
clock health and hygienic care via its surrogate caregivers, relieving
families of the responsibility of providing care for their loved one so
they may focus on the remaining time they have together; and

WHEREAS, A true gem in the community, Abraham House of Utica, New
York, is currently the only facility of its kind operating within the
three counties of Oneida, Herkimer, and Madison; and

WHEREAS, During its formative years, Abraham House was run by
Reverend Frederick Daley and the Sisters of St. Joseph, primarily caring
for those who were dying from AIDS; and

WHEREAS, Today, Abraham House cares for an equal number of men and
women, ranging in age from 21-99; admission is prioritized based on need
and preference is given to those who are in need of the highest level of
care; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Abraham House provides its
terminally ill guests and their families a safe and loving home with all

the support needed for dignified end-of-life care, free of any financial
burdens; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 20-year history, Abraham House has
demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which
it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Abraham House is in direct correlation to
the efforts of its staff and volunteers, 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, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals 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 20th Anniversary of Abraham House on November 2, 2018;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Abraham House, Utica, New York.