Honor Jacqueline Murray Award

Senate Resolution No. 832 BY: Senator LARKIN HONORING Jacqueline Murray upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Silver Bell Award by the Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. WHEREAS, Individuals 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 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 honor Jacqueline Murray upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Silver Bell Award by the Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc., to be celebrated at its Silver Ball on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Falkirk Estate and Country Club, Central Valley, New York; and WHEREAS, Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. (MHA) seeks to promote the positive mental health and emotional well-being of Orange County residents, working towards reducing the stigma of mental illness, developmental disabilities, and providing support to victims of sexual assault and other crimes; and WHEREAS, Jacqueline Murray, affectionately known as Jacki, has been a strong supporter of the MHA's program and services for 28 years, during which time she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving and strengthening the community and passionately advocating for those individuals who are underserved; and WHEREAS, A vital member of the Mental Health Association family, Jacki Murray has a rich history of involvement with many of its programs and initiatives, and fully embodies the spirit of MHA's mission; and WHEREAS, Jacki Murray was instrumental in the development of the Sibling Project, which offers the brothers and sisters of those with disabilities to come together in a non-judgmental environment to discuss the issues that pertain to them; and WHEREAS, In addition, she helped develop the ASSIST (Acquiring Social Skills through Intervention Support and Training) Program, which provides families with additional support in the development of social skills during the crucial elementary years; and WHEREAS, Serving as a Developmental Disabilities Program Consultant for the CAPIS (Crisis Assessment and Intervention Services) Program, Jacki Murray provides in-home support and guidance to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who are experiencing a crisis; and WHEREAS, Jacki Murray was also responsible for designing and implementing many other support groups at MHA, including the Grandparents Discussion Group which extends support and information to the grandparents of children with developmental disabilities; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast dedication to the community, Jacki Murray has spent a lifetime of serving others in the following capacities: a Speech Therapist for children with disabilities at The ARC of Orange County; a Director at Project MAC (Mainstreaming at Camp) for the YMCA; and a Special Education Teacher for children with developmental disabilities and children with mental health issues at Orange-Ulster BOCES; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, this esteemed woman also serves as an Adjunct Professor and Student Teacher Advisor at SUNY New Paltz; and WHEREAS, Jacki Murray is a founding member of Safe Homes of Orange County where she serves as past President and as a current Board Member; she is also a Board Member for Orange-Ulster BOCES, the Orange County Youth Bureau, and The Grail, as well as co-founder and planning member of the Cornwall Community Youth Group; and WHEREAS, Renowned as a patient, kind and compassionate professional who continues to be highly regarded by the Orange County community and beyond, Jacki Murray has touched the lives of countless individuals and families in Orange County and continues to be a knowledgeable and dedicated advocate for the individuals MHA serves; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Terry, and their daughter, Jeanne (Christopher), as well as her two grandsons, Zachary and Nathaniel, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to Jacki Murray, that future generations may know and appreciate her admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Jacqueline Murray upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Silver Bell Award by the Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Jacqueline Murray.