Honor Guild for Exceptional Children

Senate Resolution No. 3959 BY: Senator GOLDEN COMMEMORATING the 60th Anniversary of the Guild for Exceptional Children, Inc. WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and organizations to be recognized for the significance of their contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills necessary to be successful, productive citizens; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Guild for Exceptional Children, Inc., to be celebrated with a Gala on Friday, October 26, 2018; and WHEREAS, A not-for-profit agency, the Guild for Exceptional Children (GEC) was founded in 1958, by parents and friends of people with developmental disabilities; and WHEREAS, The GEC quickly grew from a dedicated group of parents volunteering their time to support each other, to a leading edge advocacy agency which spearheaded community living options, opening the very first group home in New York City in 1970; and WHEREAS, Through the dedication of its founding parents and countless other community leaders, the GEC helped create a Civil Rights Movement for individuals living with developmental disabilities, and has been a leader in the struggle to deliver people with developmental disabilities from the horrors of the infamous institution Willowbrook to a safe, productive and dignified community life; and WHEREAS, For six decades, the GEC has been instrumental in successfully assisting families with the many challenges they face in nurturing a child with special needs by providing services to the entire family; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the GEC helps children and adults living with developmental disabilities lead dignified and satisfying lives, reaching their fullest potential and assisting families in every step of their journey; and WHEREAS, The success of the GEC 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 organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Guild for Exceptional Children; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and 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 commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Guild for Exceptional Children, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Guild for Exceptional Children, Inc.