Honor Presbyterian Homes' 50th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 1468 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of Presbyterian Homes & Services WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose purposeful endeavors serve to enhance the quality of life for the cherished senior citizens in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Presbyterian Homes & Services, to be celebrated on Thursday, June 1, 2017; and WHEREAS, Early in 1962, the Utica Presbytery appointed a committee to investigate the possibility of building a nursing home for elderly Presbyterians in need of convalescent, rehabilitative and/or nursing care; and WHEREAS, The new corporation, Presbyterian Home for Central New York, Inc., was chartered by the State of New York, and its first officers were elected on October 16, 1963; the first resident was admitted on June 1, 1967, and just three days later the formal dedication of the new 80-bed facility took place; and WHEREAS, In June of 1966, Sheridan C. Snider was appointed as the first administrator of Presbyterian Homes & Services; and WHEREAS, During this time, expansion seemed necessary and in April of 1971, the Board filed a letter of intent to add 120 beds to the facility; many obstacles and delays occurred but the board and their subcommittees pressed on and were able to realize the fruits of their labors; and WHEREAS, In 1986, research and planning began to develop a special needs unit to serve patients with Alzheimer's Disease and other related dementias; dovetailing with its special needs unit, an adult day health care program opened in 1988, providing health care services to individuals who are able to reside in the community; and WHEREAS, The Cedar Wing of Presbyterian Homes & Services was officially dedicated as a successfully operating Special Needs/Alzheimer's Unit on June 1, 1990; the unit was the first of its kind in Central New York, featuring progressive and innovative approaches to cognitively impaired residents; and WHEREAS, On August 1, 1995, the Presbyterian Home Foundation opened the doors of its newly built Presbyterian Residential Community, a

96-bed adult care community; and WHEREAS, Presbyterian Homes & Services opened a Parkinson's Residence in 2001, after review and careful consideration of its residents with such special needs as Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders; this residence is one of the first in the nation located in a skilled nursing facility that serves as a model in the individual's care and treatment; and WHEREAS, In addition, on July 26, 2002, the Presbyterian Home Rehabilitation Center opened and was followed by a dedication ceremony; and WHEREAS, Since its humble beginnings, Presbyterian Homes & Services has grown tremendously from an 80-bed nursing home to a 234-bed community with special units, an Adult Day Health Care program, and a short-term rehabilitation program; and WHEREAS, Also included on the campus of this vital institution is a Social Day Care program, Wellness Center, Presbyterian Residential Community, and the Meadows at Middle Settlement, a 149 unit independent living apartment complex; and WHEREAS, Today, serving more than 600 people daily, Presbyterian Homes & Services has been a leader in providing high quality and compassionate care to its senior community for the five decades; and WHEREAS, The success of Presbyterian Homes & Services is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, 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 recognized and applauded 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 Presbyterian Homes & Services; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Presbyterian Homes & Services.