Honor Laure J. Banks

2, 2019 WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the compassion of individuals such as Laure J. Banks who uphold the values of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomize the best of humanity; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Laure J. Banks upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Queens County, to be celebrated at its 32nd Annual Black & White Awards Banquet: "Women's Empowerment, Legacy, Reclamation and Renewal" on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at Antun's, Queens Village, New York; and WHEREAS, Laure J. Banks received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the College of New Rochelle; she went on to earn a Master of Public Administration degree from the Metropolitan College of New York, and a Master of Art degree in Christian Counseling from Alliance Graduate School of Counseling, Nyack College; and WHEREAS, After a 27-year career as a Computer Specialist for the City of New York, Laure J. Banks found her true passion and has since dedicated her life to the empowerment of women and children; she began as a Social Worker at Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry, before working as a Therapist for children ages 4-21 at Kingsbridge Community Center; and WHEREAS, Laure J. Banks currently serves as Program Director at Allen Women's Resource Center, a temporary communal environment providing a safe haven for female victims of domestic violence and their minor children; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her community, Laure J. Banks has also given tirelessly of her time and energies to Not On My Watch, New York State Coalition Against Human Trafficking and CONNECT-Safe Families, Peaceful Communities; and WHEREAS, Laure J. Banks is a faithful and dedicated member of the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York, where she currently serves on the Joint Board of Officers, Women's Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, and as an Advisor to the Circle of Healing Ministry and Haven for Healing Ministry, as well as a facilitator for Grief Share for Children's Ministry; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her son, Thomas, and four grandchildren, who have all shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Laure J. Banks has displayed throughout her life; 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 Laure J. Banks, 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 Laure J. Banks upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Queens County, on June 2, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Laure J. Banks.