Honor Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice

Senate Resolution No. 573 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2018 Champion for New York's Children and Families Award by the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation, Inc. on October 22, 2018 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 community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2018 Champion for New York's Children and Families Award by the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation, Inc. to be celebrated at its 8th Annual "Make Every Moment Count" Fall Luncheon on Monday, October 22, 2018, at the Century House in Latham, New York; and WHEREAS, Established in 1983, the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation, Inc. (MECF) is a not-for-profit organization which provides funds to community based agencies located in high need areas across New York State to serve low income expectant and new parents; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, MECF has awarded grants to over 140 worthy agencies across the state, as well as supported thousands of young families during a most important time, the birth of a child; and WHEREAS, MECF is proud to recognize Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice, Executive Director of Community Maternity Services, for her long-standing commitment to improving the lives of children and families throughout this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice attended Maria College and The College of St. Rose, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education; she furthered her education by obtaining her master's degree in human services from Russell Sage College; and WHEREAS, In 1965, Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice joined the Sisters of Mercy, where she continues to serve today; through the years, she has been a vital member of numerous committees and boards including the Support Ministries for Persons with AIDS, the Community AIDS Partnership of the Capital Region and the Names Project; and WHEREAS, For the last 37 years, Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice has served in various capacities at Community Maternity Services, an agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany which was founded in 1971, as a single residential program providing services to pregnant adolescents; and WHEREAS, Since 1990, Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice has held the title of Executive Director of Community Maternity Services; this vital organization provides a continuum of services including: care for pregnant and parenting adolescents and their families, group residence and family care for children, prevention services and support for families at risk, adoption services, foster care services, and respite services; and WHEREAS, Under Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice's luminous leadership, Community Maternity Services has provided compassionate, effective intervention, and services for pregnant and parenting adolescents, vulnerable children, and at-risk families in order to foster personal growth, preserve families, and provide access to health, educational, and social services; and WHEREAS, Prior to this role, Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice has served as an Outreach Program Coordinator for St. Patrick's Parish, a second grade teacher at the Holy Cross School, and the Executive Director of Arbor House, a halfway house for women released from incarceration; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to her mantra of "Let love be the root and foundation of your life," Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice graciously adopted Barbara, a child with HIV/AIDS in 1987; unfortunately, she passed away in 1993; and WHEREAS, Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice has brought to her ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting her administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Sister Mary Ann LoGiudice upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2018 Champion for New York's Children and Families Award by the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation, Inc. on October