Senate Resolution No. 552 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of the Resource Center for Independent Living in Utica, New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to foster the health and well-being of its citizens and engage in a conscientious commitment to advancing the safety and advocacy for individuals with disabilities across this great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL); and WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and organizations to be recognized for the significance of their contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills necessary to be successful, productive citizens; and WHEREAS, Since October 13, 1983, RCIL has served the residents of Utica, New York by providing resources to help people with disabilities live independent lives through peer support, advocacy, training, and other services; and WHEREAS, The RCIL mission is to ensure a fully accessible, integrated society that enables full participation by people with disabilities; and WHEREAS, Promoting a dynamic environment where society and the individual benefit from a world with no limitations, the RCIL achieves excellence in consumer-controlled, self-directed services in programs, education, advocacy, research, and information retrieval and dissemination; and WHEREAS, The services provided by the RCIL are geared toward increasing awareness of an individual's rights and options, as well as the various methods to achieve desired goals; and WHEREAS, The core values of the RCIL are based upon the belief that the widespread poverty, segregation, and isolation of people with disabilities is unacceptable, should not be tolerated, and requires change; the RCIL has answered the call to this issue and works toward making positive systemic changes through education and legislation to provide full access, power, and self-determination to those with disabilities; and WHEREAS, With a focus on integration, assisting people reach their greatest potential, and a culture that encourages risk-taking, creativity, and innovation, the RCIL is an organization that adheres to a code of ethics mandating respect, appreciation, honesty, integrity, empathy, trust, and accountability; and WHEREAS, With unwavering commitment to their community, the Resource Center for Independent Living listens to its clients and their families to help create a plan for individuals to live out the life they imagine for themselves; and WHEREAS, This occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Resource Center for Independent Living for their commendable commitment to the Utica, New York community; effectively carrying out its important mission, the RCIL has demonstrated the value of supporting individuals with disabilities for four decades; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Resource Center for Independent Living of Utica, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Resource Center of Independent Living of Utica, New York.