Honor Southern Queens Park Association

Senate Resolution No. 2382 BY: Senator COMRIE COMMEMORATING the 44th Anniversary of the Southern Queens Park Association on January 17, 2020 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 44th Anniversary of the Southern Queens Park Association to be celebrated with a Gala on Friday, January 17, 2020, at Roy Wilkins Park Family Center, Jamaica, New York; and WHEREAS, Established in 1976, the Southern Queens Park Association (SQPA) coordinates and provides comprehensive programs for children, youth, adults, families and seniors residing in Southern Queens; and WHEREAS, With strategically located service sites throughout Southern Queens, SQPA was constituted to actively combat the social issues which challenge or impact the quality of life in the geographic area in, and around, Jamaica, Queens; and WHEREAS, From its inception until 2002, SQPA was led by Solomon Goodrich, a self-described Pan Africanist who maintained the organization as a vehicle for both community and individual improvement; and WHEREAS, SQPA was one of the first human service agencies in the City of New York to be awarded a Beacon Program, a youth development model which affords communities the use of schools during off hours for after-school programs and various community enrichment activities; and WHEREAS, Today, under the able leadership of Executive Director Jacqueline Boyce, SQPA finds innovative ways to combine its stewardship of the 54-acre Southern Queens-Roy Wilkins Park with its mission to enhance the quality of life of residents in Southern Queens, and park users; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, this vital organization is truly an anchor institution, serving as an intermediary, facilitator, organizer, advocate, provider and sanctuary; and WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 44-year history, the Southern Queens Park Association has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; and WHEREAS, The success of the Southern Queens Park Association is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated members, 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 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 44th Anniversary of the Southern Queens Park Association on January 17, 2020; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Jacqueline Boyce, Executive Director, Southern Queens Park Association.