Senate Resolution No. 1440 BY: Senator KENNEDY COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of Bornhava of Amherst, New York 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Bornhava of Amherst, New York, to be celebrated on Saturday, April 27, 2023; and WHEREAS, Bornhava began its mission to meet the needs of the local community in 1983, with a place for young children with disabilities to receive services; and WHEREAS, During the humble beginnings of its first year, Bornhava had two classrooms in the Harlem Road Elementary School with nine preschool children and six staff members, eventually moving to the Park School in 1988; and WHEREAS, In 1998, Bornhava purchased its present location at 25 Chateau Terrace in Amherst, where approximately 160 children, birth to five years of age, received services; and WHEREAS, At present, Bornhava has an Early Intervention group and four full day preschool classrooms at its Chateau location, as well as five integrated preschool classrooms within the community; its community-based program provides special education and related services to children in their homes and other community locations; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, this vital organization provides evaluations in all areas of development for hundreds of children each year; annually, Bornhava connects with approximately 500 families in at least 17 different school districts throughout Erie and Niagara Counties; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission to nurture and educate differently-abled children through play, Bornhava is creating the foundation for these children to thrive at no cost to their families; and WHEREAS, Bornhava promotes inclusiveness by empowering its children to reach their true potential as self-advocates and valuable contributors to the community; and WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 40-year history, Bornhava has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; and WHEREAS, The success of Bornhava is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated staff and sponsors, 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, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Bornhava; and WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 40th Anniversary of Bornhava of Amherst, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Bornhava, Amherst, New York.