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Regular Session, 2013 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 152
BY SENATOR ALARIO
A RESOLUTION
To commend Gary Ostroske, retiring chief executive officer of the United Way of Southeast
Louisiana, for twenty-five years of dedicated service and outstanding leadership,
particularly with the highly effective recovery and rebuilding activities in Southeast
Louisiana during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill, and Hurricane Isaac.
WHEREAS, for twenty-five years, the United Way of Southeast Louisiana has been
led and inspired by Gary Ostroske, its executive officer, an extraordinary leader who has
directed and guided remarkable and life-saving activities and who is a legend among United
Way executives; and
WHEREAS, the United Way of Southeast Louisiana serves the southeastern region
of the state comprised of the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St.
Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington; and
WHEREAS, Gary Ostroske lost everything during Hurricane Katrina but never
allowed himself to be distracted; to the contrary, he focused on how he and the United Way
could assist those impacted by the event, and under his leadership and the effective work of
the United Way of Southeast Louisiana an unprecedented number of citizens of Southeast
Louisiana were able to return home to safe and affordable housing, and a safety net of health
and human services programs was established for citizens struggling from the effects of the
hurricane; and
WHEREAS, similar efforts and results were evident in the productive recovery and
rebuilding efforts after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and Hurricane Isaac; and
WHEREAS, with Gary Ostroske's leadership and guidance, the United Way of
Southeast Louisiana funds programs, supports collaborations, convenes experts, and fosters
new and needed community services based upon best practices, and works to ensure quality
health and human services for the citizens of the seven parish area and assesses the success SR NO. 152 ENROLLED
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of programs based upon the achievement of predefined outcomes; and these efforts have
proven to be very successful in carrying out its mission; and
WHEREAS, services provided include educational programs serving thousands of
youth, a comprehensive array of substance abuse and prevention services serving adults and
youth, emergency and ongoing assistance with food needs for over a half million individuals
and families, and programs designed to build stronger neighborhoods and communities; and
WHEREAS, United Way of Southeast Louisiana programs in 2010 addressed
priorities such as housing, medical and mental health care, child and adult care, and
academic supports; served over four hundred eighty thousand unduplicated clients; and since
Hurricane Katrina the United Way of Southeast Louisiana has made grants of over sixty-six
million dollars to area health and human service agencies, and invested around eighteen
million dollars per year in the region; and
WHEREAS, Gary Ostroske will begin a much deserved retirement in September and
it is appropriate that the Legislature of Louisiana recognize his achievements, efforts, and
dedication, and service regarding his community and state.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby recognize and commend Mr. Gary Ostroske, retiring chief executive officer of
United Way of Southeast Louisiana, for his extraordinary leadership and dedicated service
to the seven parish area and the state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Gary
Ostroske.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE