Honor Dr. Dean Scher

May 17, 2018 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 honor Dr. Dean Scher of Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan upon the occasion of his designation as an Advocate for Justice by Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, to be celebrated at its 2nd Annual Orange & Sullivan Partners in Justice Reception on Thursday, May 17, 2018, at The Meadowbrook, New Windsor, New York; and WHEREAS, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley's mission is to provide free, high quality counsel in civil matters for poor and low-income individuals and families who cannot afford to pay an attorney when their basic human needs are at stake; and WHEREAS, Catholic Charities provides essential homelessness prevention services to residents of Orange and Sullivan Counties; its CEO, Dr. Dean Scher is being honored with this auspicious award in recognition of his ongoing partnership with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley; and WHEREAS, Dr. Dean Scher has served as Catholic Charities top executive since the agency's establishment more than a decade ago; and WHEREAS, A psychologist specializing in the role trauma plays in addiction, treatment, and recovery, Dr. Dean Scher has overseen Catholic Charities expansion into Sullivan and Ulster, which more than doubled the size of the agency and expanded its scope of services; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Dr. Dean Scher, Catholic Charities serves the homeless, the hungry, the emotionally and physically handicapped, as well as immigrants, and the marginalized and vulnerable of Orange and Sullivan Counties; and WHEREAS, This vital organization strives to be an integral part of the human service and care delivery system in Orange and Sullivan Counties, touching the lives of anyone in need of care, hope, and help; last year, Catholic Charities served more than 42,000 individuals and families, regardless of race, religion, or ability to pay; and WHEREAS, Founded in 2006 as an independent, not-for-profit human service agency, Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan remains committed to building a compassionate and just society; and WHEREAS, Catholic Charities also provides anti-poverty assistance, such as emergency food and shelter and case management, for those facing eviction or struggling with issues of homelessness and hunger; additional assistance is available through the Resource Exchange which distributes donations of gently-used furniture, household items, and other basic necessities of life to individuals and families coping with challenges; and WHEREAS, Over its illustrious history, Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; and WHEREAS, The success of Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan is in direct correlation to the efforts of Dr. Dean Scher, 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, 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 honor Dr. Dean Scher of Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan upon the occasion of his designation as an Advocate for Justice by Legal Services of the Hudson Valley; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Dean Scher, CEO, Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan.