Honor El Centro Hispano

Senate Resolution No. 2016 BY: Senator MAYER COMMEMORATING the 45th Anniversary of El Centro Hispano, Inc. on October 26, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 45th Anniversary of El Centro Hispano, Inc. to be celebrated with a Gala on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, White Plains, New York; and WHEREAS, In 1973, a number of concerned and compassionate community members met to discuss the growing Hispanic population in White Plains, and their urgent need for a variety of social services; and WHEREAS, After many conversations and numerous meetings, the group, which included the current Executive Director, Isabel E. Villar, formed a charitable organization, El Centro Hispano, dedicated to offering the much-needed services; and WHEREAS, Since its official inception in January of 1974, El Centro Hispano has continually expanded its services to meet the needs of Westchester's Hispanic community; and WHEREAS, Last year alone, El Centro Hispano provided 14,145 services to 5,159 unduplicated clients through a wide variety of bilingual programs; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, El Centro Hispano strengthens Hispanic families by providing them with information about health, housing, employment, and immigration matters; this vital organization also provides these families with outreach, counseling, education, and advocacy programs to help them become self-sufficient; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, a variety of bilingual and cross-cultural programs are held to help the growing Hispanic community assimilate their new language and culture, while maintaining and enriching their own; and WHEREAS, El Centro Hispano truly broadens the avenue of opportunities for adults and youth alike, empowering them to flourish and leaving a positive legacy in the community; and WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 45-year history, El Centro Hispano has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; and WHEREAS, The success of El Centro Hispano is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated 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 El Centro Hispano; and WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 45th Anniversary of El Centro Hispano, Inc. on October