Honor Fernande Valme Ministries

25, 2017 WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and organizations to be recognized for the significance of their contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills necessary to be successful, productive citizens; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Fernande Valme Ministries, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 8th Annual Gala celebrated on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at the Grand Prospect Hall, Brooklyn, New York; the theme of this year's celebration is "On the Road to Glory"; and WHEREAS, Fernande Valme was born on July 23, 1924, in Leogane, Haiti, a small village outside the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince; throughout her childhood, she was committed to the Episcopal Church in her village, and worked as a volunteer in her community traveling with her church pastor to visit the sick; and WHEREAS, As a young woman, Fernande Valme possessed a strong passion for helping people; she managed the choir of the First Baptist Church of Port-au-Prince for 29 years, and held group prayer sessions in her own home; and WHEREAS, Over time, these prayer sessions evolved into Fernande Valme's home becoming a full-fledged house of prayer renowned for helping those in need of spiritual healing; and WHEREAS, In 1971, Fernande Valme moved to East Flatbush, Brooklyn, and again started small prayer sessions out of her own home; these prayer sessions have since expanded to become Fernande Valme Ministries and are now based at the Fernande Valme Community Center in Brooklyn; and WHEREAS, The late Fernande Valme's philanthropy, strong faith, integrity, and love have helped many people over many decades and her memory continues to endure; and WHEREAS, Today, Fernande Valme Ministries, under the luminous leadership of President Rode Valme, remains dedicated to continuing the vision of its founder; this vital organization has been dedicated to helping the residents of Fernande Valme's hometown of Leogane for many years; and WHEREAS, Fernande Valme Ministries has accomplished many goals in Leogane including the completion of an Urgent Care Center, a primary and secondary school, and a temple of prayer, as well as the implementation of a jobs training program; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Fernande Valme Ministries, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 8th Annual Gala on March 25, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Rode Valme, President, Fernande Valme Ministries, Inc.