Bill Text: NY K00677 | 2021-2022 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Polish and Slavic Center
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-22 - adopted [K00677 Detail]
Download: New_York-2021-K00677-Introduced.html
Assembly Resolution No. 677 BY: M. of A. Gallagher COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Polish and Slavic Center WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Polish and Slavic Center; and WHEREAS, The idea to establish the Polish and Slavic Center originated in the early 1970s, when Reverend Longin Tolczyk was working with Polish immigrants who had just arrived in New York City and was familiar with their needs and the obstacles they faced; these ideas and dreams became a reality in 1972 when the Polish and Slavic Center was formed; and WHEREAS, Five years later, through the Polish and Slavic Center, Reverend Longin Tolczyk formed the Polish and Slavic Federal Credit Union; and WHEREAS, Since that time, the Polish and Slavic Center has grown tremendously to become a true staple for the Polish community, promoting the culture and heritage of Poland, and supporting over 40,000 members and their extended community by providing social and legal services and enriching cultural experiences; and WHEREAS, Located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, the Polish and Slavic Center occupies two buildings which feature performing stages, a fully-functioning kitchen, and community meeting spaces; and WHEREAS, Today, the Polish and Slavic Center offers a robust array of social services programs aimed at improving the lives of those in the local Polish-Slavic communities; and WHEREAS, For nearly five decades, the Polish and Slavic Center's Extended Social Services Program has helped countless elderly members of the community access important social benefits programs; and WHEREAS, This vital organization provides essential information, help, and assistance in obtaining benefits related to Social Security, retirement, disability, Medicare/Medicaid, housing, unemployment, and more; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, its dedicated program team assists clients in various ways such as filling out and completing applications, prescreening for eligibility, translating various documents, understanding the New York City laws and regulations, and using its network of agencies and services to provide the best assistance to members; and WHEREAS, The Krakus Senior Center has been serving the senior community for over 30 years by offering a full schedule of social, health and wellness programming, as well as low-cost daily nutritious meals both on site and through the City Meals on Wheels program; and WHEREAS, The Krakus Senior Center is truly a second home for many senior citizens, enriching their lives and strengthening their community ties; and WHEREAS, Within the Krakus Senior Center, members participate in a range of educational and recreational activities which include a choir group, computer classes, lectures from medical professionals, and regularly scheduled trips, as well as book, cross-word and chess clubs; and WHEREAS, The Polish and Slavic Center's Immigration and Legal Services program offers free immigration and legal services, helping immigrants prepare and file legal documents regarding US citizenship, family sponsorship, Green Card extensions, and travel documents; and WHEREAS, Its bilingual staff also offers preparatory courses for the US-citizenship test and provides legal advice and personal assistance in landlord/tenant disputes, and child support and divorce matters; and WHEREAS, In addition to these services, the Polish and Slavic Center offers innovative and high-quality programming on Polish art, history, and culture, partnering with both established and up-and-coming Polish artists, musicians, and performers to host exhibitions, concerts, special lectures, and other cultural events; and WHEREAS, The organization also works with local youth to develop their creativity and confidence to invest in the next generation of Polish artists; and WHEREAS, The success of the Polish and Slavic Center is in direct correlation to the efforts of its President, Marian Zak, the members of the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and its dedicated donors, 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 sense of this Legislative Body that when 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 50th Anniversary of the Polish and Slavic Center; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Marian Zak, President, Polish and Slavic Center.