State Senator Gustavo Rivera announced that legislation S.6632/A.8369, which he co-authored with Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo, has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo. This is the sixth bill sponsored by Senator Rivera that has been signed into law since being elected in 2010.
This law will change the deed for 2322 Valentine Avenue, which was transferred from New York State to Catholic Guardian Services in 2005, to expand its scope of assistance and offer housing and shelter to additional special populations. This bill passed the New York State Senate on June 15 and the New York State Assembly on June 21. It was signed into law by Governor Cuomo on August 21.
"I am very pleased that this law will allow Catholic Guardian Services to continue operating at the property at 2322 Valentine Avenue by granting the facility the ability to service developmentally disabled members of our community," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "Catholic Guardian Services has a great track record of providing vulnerable populations with essential services and this bill will allow them to provide developmentally disabled members of our community with the person-centered care they need to live and thrive in a self-sufficient environment."
"Catholic Guardian Services does tremendous work in our community and this law allows them to keep fighting for those who need it most," said Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo. "By expanding the scope of its services, the organization can help more people get the support they deserve here in the Bronx."
For more than a century, Catholic Guardian Services has forged an outstanding reputation for providing critical assistance to New York City's most vulnerable individuals and their families. Under this new law, Catholic Guardian Services will be able to re-purpose the property at 2322 Valentine Avenue, which was previously used to provide housing to homeless families. Further, this change will properly reflect the organization's expanding services and the need to better utilize the property's composition. Under the new deed, Catholic Guardian Services aims to collaborate with the New York State Office of People with Development Disabilities (OPWDD) to offer housing and services to six individuals with autism.
"We are grateful to Senator Rivera and Assemblymember Pichardo for shepherding this bill into law," said Craig Longley, Executive Director of Catholic Guardian Services. "It now permits us to expand our services at 2322 Valentine Avenue to people with developmental disabilities. CGS will offer individualized residential services that will allow them to live a fully integrated life in the community. They will become valuable members and make a meaningful contribution to the blossoming neighborhood of Fordham Heights."
