Assembly Resolution No. 566
BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes
CONGRATULATING Marlene A. Schillinger upon the
occasion of her retirement after 24 years of
distinguished service to Jewish Family Service of
Buffalo & Erie County
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Marlene A. Schillinger upon the occasion of her retirement
after 24 years of distinguished service to Jewish Family Service of
Buffalo & Erie County, to be celebrated at a dinner held in her honor on
Tuesday, June 18, 2019; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Bayside, Queens, Marlene A. Schillinger
earned both her bachelor's degree in English and education and her
master's degree in education from the State University of New York at
Buffalo; she furthered her education by taking courses for her doctorate
in Sociology of Education in 1994, and graduated from the Leadership
Buffalo and Fellows Health Leadership Programs; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, Marlene A. Schillinger began her long and
distinguished career in human services as a Senior Vocational Services
Counselor with the Clarkson Center in Buffalo, New York; she rose
through the ranks, serving in various capacities including Assistant
Director, Division of Employment and Training from 1991-1995; and
WHEREAS, In this capacity, Marlene A. Schillinger operated a
multi-million dollar program serving youth and adults; managed 55
full-time, salaried and hourly employees; utilized expertise in
grant-writing, program development, marketing, issue advocacy, public
relations, problem solving and negotiating; and maintained excellent
working relationships with consumers, staff, the community and the
private sector; and
WHEREAS, Since 1995, Marlene A. Schillinger has held the title of
President/CEO of Jewish Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County in
Buffalo, New York, the position from which she will officially retire on
June 28, 2019; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Marlene A. Schillinger directed and
managed the $3.2 million not-for-profit organization; interfaced with
volunteer Board of Directors; forged relationships and linkages with
various organizations; oversaw community affairs; advocated for those in
need of individual services and system-wide change; developed and
implemented strategic alliances; participated in funding endeavors on a
federal, state and local level; and developed/sustained a marketing plan
with limited resources; and
WHEREAS, Marlene A. Schillinger has been actively involved in
numerous human services organizations such as Poverty Coalition:
Educate, the Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network, Town
Square for Aging, National Association of Jewish Family & Children's
Agencies, Western New York Refugee & Asylee Consortium, Erie County
Coordinating Council on Children & Families, Erie County Behavioral
Health Care Network, Agency Executive Association, New York State
Council on Behavioral Health, Geriatric Mental Health Alliance, The
National Council for Community Behavioral Health, Erie County
Anti-Stigma Coalition, and City of Buffalo, Age Friendly Blue-Ribbon
Commission; and
WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her
profession and community, Marlene A. Schillinger has been the recipient
of numerous awards and accolades including the 2013 Community Service
Award by the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies; 2012 International
Trends and Service Award by the Links, Inc., Erie County Chapter; 2011
Outstanding Achievement Award by the National Alliance for the Mentally
Ill; 2011 Certificate of Appreciation by Buffalo Public Schools Adult
Education Division; 2010 Service Award by Association of Jewish Family &
Children's Agencies; 2010 Social Service Award National Federation for
Just Communities; 2007 Leadership Recognition by Food Bank of Western
New York; 2001 Leadership Recognition by YWCA of Western New York; 1997
Outstanding Service Award by Yad B'Yad; Pioneer Program Award by Western
New York Chemical Dependency Consortium, and the 1996 Humanitarian
Achievement Award by Chabad Lubavitch of Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this remarkable woman was featured in a 1994
United Way of America national campaign film, and participated in an
exchange program with United Jewish Communities in 2003; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Marlene A. Schillinger upon the occasion of her retirement
after 24 years of distinguished service to Jewish Family Service of
Buffalo & Erie County, and to wish her continued success in all her
future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Marlene A. Schillinger.