Senate Resolution No. 279

BY: Senator MAYER

        COMMEMORATING  the 80th Anniversary of Westchester
        Jewish Community Services

  WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social, and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in  the  development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who  have  contributed  to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and

  WHEREAS,  This  Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
80th  Anniversary  of  Westchester  Jewish  Community  Services  to   be
celebrated  with  a  Gala  on  Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Purchase, New
York; and

  WHEREAS, Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) stands on  the
threshold  of  tomorrow,  prepared  to meet the challenges of the coming
decades while retaining that spiritual resolve which  characterizes  its
past; and

  WHEREAS,  The mission of Westchester Jewish Community Services is to
help people of all ages and backgrounds overcome emotional, educational,
vocational, disability-related, and spiritual  challenges  so  they  can
lead their lives with strength, resilience, and confidence; and

  WHEREAS,  For  the  past  80  years, WJCS has carried out a long and
proud tradition of "Tikkun Olam," defined as acts of kindness  performed
to  perfect  or  repair the world; the organization works to uphold this
pillar by providing an array of meaningful services to  its  surrounding
community; and

  WHEREAS,  The  services  WJCS provides include evidence-based mental
health and trauma treatment, 24/7 care for disabled  adults,  supportive
programming for LGBTQ+ youth and families, geriatric care and resources,
early  childhood  development enrichment education, advocacy, supportive
services, and social activities for individuals with  disabilities,  and
cultural,  educational,  counseling,  and  spiritual programming for the
Jewish community; and

  WHEREAS, Westchester  Jewish  Community  Services  is  dedicated  to
ensuring  dignity and respect for all employees in an inclusive and safe
environment  that  values  diversity,   experience,   and   merit;   the
organization  is  committed  to  racial  justice  and equal opportunity,
regardless  of  race,  religion,  ethnicity,  class,   ability,   sexual
orientation,   and   gender   identity   differences   for   employment,
professional development, and advancement for qualified individuals; and

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take  note  of
enduring  religious  institutions  which  act  of great service to their
community, and to bring such institutions to the attention of the people
of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
commemorate   the  80th  Anniversary  of  Westchester  Jewish  Community
Services to be celebrated on Tuesday, March 28,  2023,  fully  confident
that  this  commemoration  reflects  the  belief  in  those values which
enhance the dignity and purpose of life; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Westchester Jewish Community Services.