Senate Resolution No. 2033

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of The House
of the Good Shepherd of Utica, New York

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 150th Anniversary of The House of the Good Shepherd; and

WHEREAS, On February 8, 1872, The House of the Good Shepherd was
formed by four women leaders who gathered with members of the Trinity
Episcopal Church in Utica to plan a sanctuary for children, a plan that
materialized with seven young people in a rented house on Blandina
Street in May of that year; and

WHEREAS, Since then, The House of the Good Shepherd has been helping
kids survive and thrive despite challenging childhoods by providing
treatment, education, and support services of the highest quality and
value, delivered within the context of family, culture, and community;
and

WHEREAS, This modern non-profit organization offers two major types
of programs: its residential programs on its Champlin Avenue campus help
youth with behavioral difficulties, usually the result of trauma and
mental health issues; and its biggest program, foster care which was
established in the 1990s and then grew very quickly around 2010, when it
became the foster care provider for Oneida County; today, The House of
the Good Shepherd serves almost 400 foster children in two counties; and

WHEREAS, The success of The House of the Good Shepherd is in direct
correlation to the efforts of Chief Executive Officer Brian McKee, and
its Board of Directors, 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 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 150th Anniversary of The House of the Good Shepherd of
Utica, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Brian McKee, Chief Executive Officer, The House of the
Good Shepherd.