Honor Refugee Aid Group

September 14, 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 organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Albany upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Community Partner Award by the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center, to be celebrated at its 2017 Annual Legacy Event on Thursday, September 14, 2017, at Revolution Hall in Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, Since July 19, 1971, The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center has provided residents of the Capital Region access to consistent quality healthcare without regard to income; for almost five decades, this vital organization has strived to serve as a community leader committed to delivering dependable, compassionate, high quality health care which enhances the well-being of its diverse and changing communities; and WHEREAS, Throughout the neighborhoods of the Capital Region, USCRI Albany has strived to open doors for uprooted people, such as refugees, immigrants, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking; this vital organization is part of a nationwide network which breaks through social, cultural, and economic barriers, helping individuals rebuild and flourish in their new lives; and WHEREAS, USCRI Albany provides the most vulnerable access to health care, including services provided by Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center; devoted staff members and volunteers help newly arrived people make their appointments at the Center and often help them check-in and learn how to navigate the United States healthcare system; and WHEREAS, USCRI Albany helps refugees and immigrants to gain personal independence and economic self-sufficiency through various trainings and workshops; through discussion and open communication, refugees and immigrants become full participants in all aspects of American life; and WHEREAS, This year, USCRI Albany worked with the WIC staff at Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center to develop a unique program to help pregnant women and those with young children learn about nutrition and health services, in their own language, including how to shop for and cook vegetables, some of which were new to them since they did not exist in the country they left behind; 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 honor the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Albany upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Community Partner Award by the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center on September 14, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Albany.