Honor United Adult Ministries Gala

Senate Resolution No. 1201 BY: Senator COMRIE COMMENDING United Adult Ministries upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Gala, and paying tribute to this year's honorees on May 9, 2019 WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and 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 senior community; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend United Adult Ministries upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Gala, and to pay tribute to this year's honorees on Thursday, May 9,

2019, at Leonard's Palazzo in Great Neck, New York; and WHEREAS, This year's honorees are: The Flushing House, Resident Counsel Members, Leadership in the Community Award; John Lam of JW Pharmacy, Service in the Community Award; The Flushing Rotary Club, Advocate for Older Adults Award; and Dr. Amy Kuo, Taiwan Union Christian Church, Older Adult Ministry Award; and WHEREAS, Since 1916, United Adult Ministries has offered older adults hope through expanding opportunities and practical services to live confidently in today's world; and WHEREAS, United Adult Ministries was established by Mrs. W.G. Clark-Duff, Mrs. George W. Arms, Mrs. George Moore, Mrs. Charles Rasweiler and Mrs. Hans Popper, who led eight Presbyterian women to begin caring for 12 mothers widowed by World War I, as well as the elderly in their neighborhood; and WHEREAS, In 1933, this vital organization purchased the Presbyterian Guest House in Brooklyn to better serve the community, and in 1940, they obtained the Brooklyn Home for Girls to expand their ministry; 15 years later, residents from Brooklyn moved to the old Syosset mansion, which became the United Presbyterian Residence; and WHEREAS, After a fire destroyed the First Congregational Church of Flushing, UPR's board of directors began looking for a place to provide housing to older adults who could live independently; a partnership was forged between the Presbyterian and Reformed churches, and in 1974, ground was broken on Brown Street and construction of the Flushing House Senior Retirement Residence began; and WHEREAS, Flushing House opened its doors to the public for the first time in 1975; today, it is the largest not-for-profit, Independent Living retirement community in New York State, housing over 300 older adults; the 12-story, 319-unit residence was cited by New York Magazine as the biggest independent-living residence on their list of the 20 most highly recommended elder-care facilities in the five boroughs; and WHEREAS, In 1983, UPR's board established a second service line, United Lifeline, which has become a leading personal emergency response service offering peace of mind, confidence and security to older adults in the Long Island and New York metropolitan area; and WHEREAS, In 1994, UPR was sold to Winthrop University Hospital, and the board was reorganized and incorporated as United Presbyterian and Reformed Adult Ministries (UPRAM), so it could continue to independently operate Flushing House and United Lifeline; and WHEREAS, In 2000, United Home Services was launched to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and adults 55 and up, who could take advantage of low cost, reliable repair and maintenance services; and WHEREAS, In that same year, UPRAM simplified its name to United Adult Ministries and developed a new corporate logo, making it easy to remember and appealing to a broader audience; and WHEREAS, The success of United Adult Ministries is in direct correlation to the efforts of its CEO Douglas Kurtz, and his 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 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 commend United Adult Ministries upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Gala, and to pay tribute to this year's honorees on May 9, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Douglas Kurtz, CEO, United Adult Ministries, and the aforementioned honorees.