Assembly Resolution No. 822

BY: M. of A. Blake

MOURNING the death of Heidi Hynes, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body,
representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to
pay tribute to an eminent woman of indomitable faith and dedication
whose public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as
a paradigm and inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, Heidi Hynes, a true pillar in her community of the Bronx,
New York, died on November 24, 2019, at the age of 51; and

WHEREAS, Born to Frank III and Michele (McGrath) Schloegel on
January 19, 1968, Heidi Marie grew up in Kansas City, Missouri with her
siblings, Theresa and Frank IV, as part of a tight-knit extended family
and faith community at St. Elizabeth Parish; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from St. Teresa's Academy, Heidi Hynes
went on to earn a degree from Fordham University; she joined the
Franciscan Friars of Atonement mission in Jamaica before becoming a
Catholic Worker, living at the St. Joseph House of Hospitality on the
Lower East Side of New York City; with these experiences as formation,
she returned to the Bronx, making it home and setting about building her
extraordinary life; and

WHEREAS, Heidi Hynes' commitment to excellence and her spirit of
humanity carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, A fierce advocate and strong leader throughout the Bronx
community, Heidi Hynes was passionate about social justice, policy,
youth development, and community health and wellness; she operated a
broad and expanding set of youth and family programs for the residents
of Crotona, including after-school, GED, sports, dance, music, and youth
employment initiatives; and

WHEREAS, While supporting local youth in their promotion of positive
neighborhood health, Heidi Hynes helped start a farmer's market and a
community garden, while also collaborating with health institutions to
reduce obesity, diabetes, and other diet-connected health problems in
the neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman also founded and operated La
Canasta, a community food-delivery service that distributes healthy
produce to low-income households throughout the Bronx; and

WHEREAS, In response to a 2009 shooting, Heidi Hynes insisted,"the
children of the Bronx deserve better," garnering responses from the
Mayor of New York City, the New York City Council, the New York City
Police Department Commissioner, the local Police Precinct's Commanding
Officer, and the media; she helped create the Safe and Healthy
Neighborhoods Campaign and won funding from the succeeding Mayor for the

CURE Violence program in Crotona, both programs designed to address
violence and raise awareness locally; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Heidi Hynes co-founded Bronx Peace Action in opposition of
the Iraq War, and Fight Back, a martial arts program which won countless
awards and accolades for producing skilled practitioners of Karate and
Jiu Jitsu; and

WHEREAS, Heidi Hynes distinguished herself in her profession and by
her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
her community; she worked at the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center
nearly all of her adult life, serving as its Executive Director for more
than a decade, and she was instrumental in starting several new programs
and initiatives; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her parents, Heidi Hynes is survived by her
husband, Brian; and her daughter, Frieda; as well as a sister, Theresa,
and brother, Frank; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Heidi Hynes leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Heidi Hynes, distinguished citizen and devoted member
of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Heidi Hynes.