Senate Resolution No. 3216

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 130th Anniversary of the Rescue
Mission of Utica

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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 130th Anniversary of the Rescue Mission of Utica; a
concert was held to celebrate this auspicious occasion on Friday,
January 24, 2020, at Mohawk Valley Church in Marcy, New York; in
addition, the Mission will host its 130th Anniversary Gala on Thursday,
October 1, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1890 and incorporated in 1905, the Rescue
Mission of Utica is a faith-based, nonprofit, multiple-service,
charitable organization serving Utica and the Mohawk Valley; open 24
hours a day, 365 days a year, the ministry endeavors to assess and meet
the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of all people coming for
assistance; and

WHEREAS, In 1891, C.W. Roberts became the Mission's first
Superintendent; a former alcoholic and gambler, he had turned his life
around at the Jerry McAuley Water Street Mission; and

WHEREAS, In 1928, the Rescue Mission of Utica purchased its first
building, at 33 Genesee Street on Baggs Square; the building, which
provided 36 beds, was often filled to overflowing; alcoholism among men
was on the rise and the Mission saw the need to provide a rehabilitation
program; and

WHEREAS, In 1971, as a result of the Baggs Square expansion project,
the Rescue Mission of Utica relocated to 203 Rutger Street, the first of
nine buildings on its current campus; five years later, the Mission
opened the only sobering-up station in Oneida County; and

WHEREAS, The Rescue Mission of Utica serves individuals overcoming
homelessness, abuse, addictions, and disabilities; its programs provide
safe lodging, food, clothing, case management, counseling, advocacy,
education, referrals, spiritual and other supportive services; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Executive Director, Wendy
Goetz, this vital organization offers such services as the Skills for
Success Job Training Program, Community Meal Program, Addiction Crisis
Center, Homeless Men's Emergency Shelter, Parker House Residential
Aftercare Program, Transitional Housing (SRO), Enriched Living Center,
Representative Payee Program, Morris Learning Center, Free Community
Clothing Room and 21-Meal Food Box Program; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 130-year history, the Rescue Mission
of Utica has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Rescue Mission of Utica is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its dedicated 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 sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized and applauded 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 130th Anniversary of the Rescue Mission of Utica; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Wendy Goetz, Executive Director, Rescue Mission of Utica.