Assembly Resolution No. 677

BY: M. of A. Gallagher

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Polish
and Slavic Center

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
50th Anniversary of the Polish and Slavic Center; and

WHEREAS, The idea to establish the Polish and Slavic Center
originated in the early 1970s, when Reverend Longin Tolczyk was working
with Polish immigrants who had just arrived in New York City and was
familiar with their needs and the obstacles they faced; these ideas and
dreams became a reality in 1972 when the Polish and Slavic Center was
formed; and

WHEREAS, Five years later, through the Polish and Slavic Center,
Reverend Longin Tolczyk formed the Polish and Slavic Federal Credit
Union; and

WHEREAS, Since that time, the Polish and Slavic Center has grown
tremendously to become a true staple for the Polish community, promoting
the culture and heritage of Poland, and supporting over 40,000 members
and their extended community by providing social and legal services and
enriching cultural experiences; and

WHEREAS, Located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, the Polish and Slavic
Center occupies two buildings which feature performing stages, a
fully-functioning kitchen, and community meeting spaces; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Polish and Slavic Center offers a robust array
of social services programs aimed at improving the lives of those in the
local Polish-Slavic communities; and

WHEREAS, For nearly five decades, the Polish and Slavic Center's
Extended Social Services Program has helped countless elderly members of
the community access important social benefits programs; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization provides essential information,
help, and assistance in obtaining benefits related to Social Security,
retirement, disability, Medicare/Medicaid, housing, unemployment, and
more; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, its dedicated program team assists clients in
various ways such as filling out and completing applications,
prescreening for eligibility, translating various documents,
understanding the New York City laws and regulations, and using its
network of agencies and services to provide the best assistance to
members; and


WHEREAS, The Krakus Senior Center has been serving the senior
community for over 30 years by offering a full schedule of social,
health and wellness programming, as well as low-cost daily nutritious
meals both on site and through the City Meals on Wheels program; and

WHEREAS, The Krakus Senior Center is truly a second home for many
senior citizens, enriching their lives and strengthening their community
ties; and

WHEREAS, Within the Krakus Senior Center, members participate in a
range of educational and recreational activities which include a choir
group, computer classes, lectures from medical professionals, and
regularly scheduled trips, as well as book, cross-word and chess clubs;
and

WHEREAS, The Polish and Slavic Center's Immigration and Legal
Services program offers free immigration and legal services, helping
immigrants prepare and file legal documents regarding US citizenship,
family sponsorship, Green Card extensions, and travel documents; and

WHEREAS, Its bilingual staff also offers preparatory courses for the
US-citizenship test and provides legal advice and personal assistance in
landlord/tenant disputes, and child support and divorce matters; and

WHEREAS, In addition to these services, the Polish and Slavic Center
offers innovative and high-quality programming on Polish art, history,
and culture, partnering with both established and up-and-coming Polish
artists, musicians, and performers to host exhibitions, concerts,
special lectures, and other cultural events; and

WHEREAS, The organization also works with local youth to develop
their creativity and confidence to invest in the next generation of
Polish artists; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Polish and Slavic Center is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its President, Marian Zak, the members of
the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and its dedicated donors,
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 50th Anniversary of the Polish and Slavic Center; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Marian Zak, President, Polish and Slavic Center.