Assembly Resolution No. 394
BY: M. of A. Thiele
HONORING Walter W. Stockton upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by
Independent Group Home Living Program, Inc. on May
23, 2019
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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Walter W. Stockton upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Independent Group Home Living Program, Inc. to be
celebrated at its 40th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at
Flowerfield, St. James, New York; and
WHEREAS, Walter W. Stockton is the Chief Executive Officer of
Independent Group Home Living Program, Inc. (IGHL), an Eastern Long
Island based not-for-profit agency which provides lifetime alternatives
for people with intellectual disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Walter W. Stockton earned
his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from California State University in
Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Walter W. Stockton began his illustrious career in 1969, as
the Director of Recreation at Maryhaven Center of Hope in Port
Jefferson, New York, where he subsequently served as Director of
Residential Services; and
WHEREAS, After completing his Master's degree in Special Education
at Adelphi University, Walter W. Stockton was appointed as an Assistant
Professor in the Department of Health Careers at Suffolk County
Community College in Selden, New York, where he served as the Program
Director of the Therapeutic Recreation Leadership Program and also
initiated a curriculum in Community Residence Management; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, Walter W. Stockton established IGHL after
receiving an initial Federal grant to convert a private home on Long
Island's North Shore into a residence for eight adults with
developmental disabilities residing in the Willowbrook State School; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, under the able leadership of Walter W.
Stockton, the agency has opened over 80 residential programs, 25 day
programs and a 32-bed Nursing Intensive Care facility for senior
citizens; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, IGHL serves a total population of over 5,000
children and adults and agency-wide employs over 2,400 professional and
support staff; and
WHEREAS, Walter W. Stockton is currently the President of the
Alliance of Long Island Agencies, Inc., whose membership advocates for
people with developmental disabilities, as well as the Secretary and
Treasurer of the Advance Care Alliance (ACA), a care coordination
organization currently serving over 25,000 individuals who experience
intellectual and physical disabilities in the downstate New York area;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, he has also served as a member of the Quogue
School Board for 18 years and as its President for five years; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Walter W. Stockton has
displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals 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
honor Walter W. Stockton upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Independent Group Home Living Program, Inc. on
May 23, 2019; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Walter W. Stockton.
