Honor Rowie Taylor Award

Senate Resolution No. 124 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Rowie Taylor upon the occasion of her designation as a recipient of the Pro Bono Award by The Legal Project on November 4, 2016 WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Rowie Taylor upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Pro Bono Award by The Legal Project to be celebrated with a Luncheon on Friday,

November 4, 2016, at The Century House, Latham, New York; and WHEREAS, Executive Director of the YWCA of Northeastern New York since 1993, Rowie Taylor is responsible for the overall operation and administration of a full service YWCA with two main program service areas, more than 80 employees, and the management of a significant annual budget; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Rowie Taylor is also responsible for facility management including, residences for homeless women, a domestic violence shelter and two child care centers, as well as the administration of government grants; and WHEREAS, Rowie Taylor works tirelessly, networking with health and human service agencies at all government levels, as well as the United Way, educational, health, judicial, church and community groups to promote cohesive working partnerships and advocate for the need for increased programs and services for women, girls and their families; and WHEREAS, Co-founder and coordinator of the celebrated Schenectady County Embraces Diversity Study Circle Initiative, Rowie Taylor is a nationally certified facilitator trainer for Everyday Democracy, formerly known as Study Circle Resources Center; she is also a member of Living Resources' Board of Directors and the Rotary Club of Schenectady; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Rowie Taylor, the YWCA of Northeastern New York has partnered with The Legal Project on numerous grants and projects in an effort to assist victims of domestic violence; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, for more than two decades, Rowie Taylor has been truly instrumental in helping thousands of victims of abuse in Schenectady, New York and its surrounding communities; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Rowie Taylor has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 honor Rowie Taylor upon the occasion of her designation as a recipient of the Pro Bono Award by The Legal Project on November 4, 2016; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Rowie Taylor.