Honor Good News Foundation

Senate Resolution No. 2555 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING The Good News Foundation of Central New York Inc. upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary on June 21, 2017 WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Good News Foundation of Central New York Inc. upon the occasion of its 25th Anniversary to be celebrated at an Open House on Wednesday, June 21, 2017; and WHEREAS, In recognition of this auspicious milestone, Bishop Robert J. Cunningham will serve as a special guest speaker; and WHEREAS, For 25 years, The Good News Foundation has diligently worked to share the love of Jesus Christ through hospitality, spiritual renewal and the support of parish and family life; and WHEREAS, The Good News Foundation has strived to become a resource for equipping and strengthening marriages and families in its community; and WHEREAS, Through the generosity of Leroy and Hazel Scheidelman, The Good News Foundation was founded with the goal of spreading the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness; for over a decade, their daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Deacon John Droz offered hospitality and spiritual renewal through numerous bible studies, various programs, guest speakers and a luncheon series; and WHEREAS, Upon Deacon John Droz's retirement in 2005, Mike Buckley assumed the role of Executive Director and CEO; in this capacity, he and The Good News Foundation remain true to its mission of evangelization by focusing on supporting marriages and families; and WHEREAS, The Good News Foundation offers peer support programs where trained facilitators and mentors teach couples that healthier, happier marriages start with self-awareness and self-change; the devoted members of this vital organization truly believe in people helping people; and WHEREAS, Marriage programs such as Retrouvaille and The Third Option offer hope by enhancing current relationships, rebuilding hurtful relationships, and preventing future programs by teaching couples and individuals (generally in a group setting) the skills, attitudes and behaviors needed to help them form and sustain healthy relationships and marriages; and WHEREAS, The success of The Good News Foundation 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 institution 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 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 commend The Good News Foundation of Central New York Inc. upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary on June 21, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Mike Buckley, Executive Director and CEO, The Good News Foundation of Central New York Inc.