Honor Addiction Treatment Leader

Senate Resolution No. 1829 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of New York Therapeutic Communities, Inc., and honoring President/CEO/Founder Ronald A. Williams for special recognition 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 and organizations 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 commemorate the 40th Anniversary of New York Therapeutic Communities, Inc., and honor President/CEO/Founder Ronald A. Williams for special recognition on Friday, June 2, 2017, at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, New York, New York; and WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams has been the Founder and President of New York Therapeutic Communities, Inc. since its inception in 1977; and WHEREAS, This esteemed man began his illustrious career in the substance abuse field more than 40 years ago as one of the founders and first graduates of the Phoenix House organization where he held clinical and administrative positions, including facility and regional directorships; and WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams also developed the Su Casa residential program at the Lower Eastside Service Center; during his many years of involvement in this field, he served as an expert in demand reduction and as a technical assistance advisor and trainer for the U.S. Department of State; and WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams is the founder of the New York Therapeutic Communities, Inc. Stay n' Out program, a therapeutic community which has served male and female inmates of the New York State Department of Corrections for over thirty years; he also implemented the Serendipity community-based program for criminal justice clients returning from incarceration; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Ronald A. Williams, New York Therapeutic Communities, Inc. operates unique on site treatment programs for the New York City Department of Probation; and WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams has assisted in the implementation of in-prison treatment programs in 32 states and several foreign countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Colombia, Argentina, and Italy; he has served as Vice President of Therapeutic Communities of America, and is the former Chair of the Criminal Justice Task Force; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the community, Ronald A. Williams serves on the board of the renowned Fortune Society, as well as on the board of EXPONENTS, Inc., an HIV outreach project; and WHEREAS, In addition, he is a board member of the New York State Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers, and serves as executive liaison to the United Nations for the World Federation of Therapeutic Communities; and WHEREAS, Ronald A. Williams has received many awards including commendation by the New York State Bar Association for outstanding contributions to the Rule of Law and the Administration of Justice; he has also been awarded the St. Bonaventure College Award for Excellence in Public Service, and the NYS Governors Lifetime Service Award for his extraordinary dedication and years of service in the field of addiction; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Ronald A. Williams has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to Ronald A. Williams, that future generations may know and appreciate his admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of New York Therapeutic Communities, Inc., and honor President/CEO/Founder Ronald A. Williams for special recognition; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Ronald A. Williams, President/CEO/Founder, New York Therapeutic Communities, Inc.