Honor Nancy Johnson’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 2089 BY: Senator AKSHAR COMMENDING Nancy Johnson upon the occasion of her retirement after 17 years of distinguished service to the Binghamton YWCA on May 24, 2017 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 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 Nancy Johnson upon the occasion of her retirement after 17 years of distinguished service to the Binghamton YWCA; and WHEREAS, After 12 years of making a loving home for her family, Nancy Johnson began working as an Outpatient Counselor in the substance use disorder field for the Bradford County Drug and Alcohol Department in Athens, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Nancy Johnson helped write a proposal for the Evergreen Halfway House, the first licensed adolescent halfway house in Canton, Pennsylvania; for three years, she held the position of Clinical Supervisor; and WHEREAS, During this time, Nancy Johnson also served as a Student Assistant Counselor in numerous middle and high schools across Bradford County; and WHEREAS, Nancy Johnson then became a Clinical Supervisor at Fairview's Addiction Crisis Center in 1999; one year later, she began serving as the Residential Director of the Binghamton YWCA, a position from which she will officially retire on May 24, 2017; and WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Nancy Johnson has been instrumental in securing HUD funding for a transitional housing program (YWRAP), two permanent supportive housing programs, and a Shelter Plus Care Program at the YWCA; in addition, she managed the Emergency Housing Program with a staff of 14 people; and WHEREAS, Under her leadership, the Housing Program of the YWCA of Binghamton was recognized as the 2009 Residence of the Year by the New York State Supportive Housing Network; and WHEREAS, Nancy Johnson has been a dedicated member of her community for many years; she served as Chairperson of the Homeless Coalition of the Southern Tier for 16 years, and has been a vital member of both the Binghamton City Drug Treatment Court for 10 years, and the Broom County Professional Advisory Board, PAG for 14 years; and WHEREAS, As a representative of the YWCA, Nancy Johnson helped write a proposal for the first pilot program in the State of New York to serve and house opiate addicted mothers who have opiate addicted babies; and WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to the substance use disorder field, Nancy Johnson was the recipient of the

2016 Chemical Dependency Professional of the Year Award by Broome County; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Art; their five children, Douglas, Andrew, Christopher, Aric, and Laurie; and their four grandchildren, Liam, Brody, Colby, and Owen, all of whom have shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, 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 Nancy Johnson upon the occasion of her retirement after 17 years of distinguished service to the Binghamton YWCA, and to wish her continued success in all her future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Nancy Johnson.