Assembly Resolution No. 606
BY: M. of A. Bronson
COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of Willow
Domestic Violence Center on November 1, 2019
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; 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 Willow Domestic Violence Center
on Friday, November 1, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Rochester; and
WHEREAS, Willow Domestic Violence Center has provided a
full-continuum of free and confidential services for the Greater
Rochester community for 40 years, reaching more than 7,500 clients
directly each year and another 12,000 through prevention education; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization is the only New York State
certified domestic violence service provider serving Monroe County; just
over half of its clients are from the City of Rochester, and nearly half
are from the surrounding suburbs; and
WHEREAS, In 2015, Willow Domestic Violence Center changed its name
from Alternatives for Battered Women (ABW) to better reflect the breadth
of services it provides and the clients served; and
WHEREAS, Willow Domestic Violence Center's 24/7 Crisis and Support
Hotline staff answers 5,000 calls per year, with an average of 20 calls
per day; its 49-bed Emergency Residential Shelter provides safety and
security for survivors of domestic violence each year, and almost half
are children; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Counseling Program provides individual
counseling and support groups for 400 survivors in the community each
year and its Court Advocacy Program assists 2,000 survivors each year to
obtain legal orders of protection; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to its community, Willow Domestic Violence
Center's Prevention Education and Training staff reach over 12,000
students in every school district in Monroe County and on college
campuses teaching about healthy relationships; additionally, the program
reaches another 2,000 professionals on how to recognize, respond and
refer when they see domestic violence in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Willow Domestic Violence
Center prevents domestic violence and ensures every survivor has access
to the services and supports needed along the journey to a safe and
empowered life; and
WHEREAS, Willow Domestic Violence Center envisions a community free
from domestic violence, where healthy relationships thrive; and
WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 40-year history, Willow Domestic
Violence Center has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it serves; and
WHEREAS, The success of Willow Domestic Violence Center is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its dedicated staff, 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, It is the custom 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 Willow Domestic Violence Center; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Willow Domestic Violence Center, Rochester, New York.