Honor Lisa A. Frisch

Senate Resolution No. 147 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Lisa A. Frisch upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Harriet Rifkin Leadership Award by the Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center on October 4, 2016 WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the communities across New York State is reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote themselves to the advancement of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Lisa A. Frisch upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Harriet Rifkin Leadership Award by the Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center, to be celebrated at its 12th Annual Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, The Women's Employment & Resource Center (WERC) is a not-for-profit organization which assists women in improving significant self-attributes in order to successfully rejoin the workforce; every year, this vital organization provides services to at least 300 women in the Capital District; and WHEREAS, The Harriet Rifkin Leadership Award is presented to an individual in recognition of their outstanding leadership, volunteerism, professionalism and work creating opportunities for women to achieve personal and financial independence; and WHEREAS, A resident of North Chatham, New York, Lisa A. Frisch has devoted her entire career to issues impacting women, the poor and others in need through public service or non-profit work; and WHEREAS, After obtaining her graduate degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany School of Criminal Justice, Lisa A. Frisch began her rewarding career in the criminal justice system as a Campus Police Officer for SUNY and then as a Probation Officer; and WHEREAS, Lisa A. Frisch then held the position of Director of Research and Criminal Justice for the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence where she directed the development of statewide policy, programs and evaluation of the civil and criminal justice response to violence against women; and WHEREAS, Since 2003, Lisa A. Frisch has held the esteemed title of Executive Director of The Legal Project, which was founded by the Capital District Women's Bar Association in 1995; for over two decades, this award-winning not-for-profit organization has provided pro bono and low-cost services, addressing the civil legal needs of the working poor, with a special representation program for domestic violence survivors; and WHEREAS, Today, Lisa A. Frisch and her dedicated staff of 12 attorneys and a volunteer base of over 225 area lawyers serve over 3,500 residents of the Capital Region each year; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Joe Caruso, her daughter, Gianna, and her granddaughter, Scarlett, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Lisa A. Frisch 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 Lisa A. Frisch upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Harriet Rifkin Leadership Award by the Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Lisa A. Frisch.