Honor Two Together's 20th

Senate Resolution No. 1797 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Two Together upon the occasion of celebrating its 20th Anniversary WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Two Together upon the occasion of celebrating its 20th Anniversary, to be feted at an event on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at the Terrace Gallery inside the New York State Museum in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Two Together is a free after-school and summer reading and writing program that has been operating in the high-need community of the South End of Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1997, thousands of children have benefitted from having a tutor of their own through Two Together; the core of this auspicious organization has enabled more students to discover the joy of learning; and WHEREAS, Modeled after a program developed in Manhattan, the Albany Project was organized by Rena Button, the program's first President, with help from Albany philanthropist, Morris Silverman; and WHEREAS, Two Together utilizes community resources and actively involves parents and caregivers to ensure the success of their children in the program; today, they partner with the YMCA, the Giffen Memorial Elementary School and The College of Saint Rose; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Executive Director, Jema Clements, Two Together strengthens children's social, cultural and intellectual growth through improved language and literacy skills in a safe environment that fosters a life-long love and enthusiasm for learning; 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 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 Two Together upon the occasion of celebrating its 20th Anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Jema Clements, Executive Director, Two Together.