2024 Community Breakfast Program Journal by United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region

BREAKFAST Community

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 | 7:30 AM

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON, POUGHKEEPSIE

Welcome from President & CEO & Chair of the Board

Welcome!

We’re thrilled you’ve joined us to celebrate the launch of our 2024 Workplace Campaign. Together, we’re honoring the extraordinary efforts of the Newburgh Free Library and Poughkeepsie Public Library District in advancing literacy in our community.

Public libraries are essential community hubs that provide invaluable resources and services to people of all ages. They offer free access to books, magazines, newspapers, and other materials, fostering a love of learning and lifelong education. Libraries also provide computer access, Wi-Fi, and digital resources, bridging the digital divide and empowering individuals to connect with the world. Moreover, public libraries play a vital role in supporting literacy, promoting cultural understanding, and fostering community engagement. They are safe spaces where people can gather, learn, and grow together.

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is dedicated to providing a helping hand to those in need. Our tireless work ensures that our community members have access to food, shelter, education, healthcare and employment opportunities. Through partnerships with community organizations, corporations, and volunteers, we supported over 150,000 individuals last year. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to expand and enhance our programs, benefiting not only our nonprofit partners but also faith-based organizations and schools.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our Kindness Champion and all nominees for their unwavering commitment to giving back. Your generosity and compassion inspire us deeply.

If you’re interested in getting involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your impact is crucial to our mission.

Thank you for your continued support of United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region and our commitment to promoting the health, education, and financial well-being of every member of our community.

Sincerely,

Jeannie Montano, President & CEO Kevin Cleary, Chair of the Board

United Way Staff Board of Directors

BOARD OFFICERS

Kevin Cleary, Chair Retired, IBM

Tim Eisentraut, 1st Vice Chair UPS

Catherine (Candy) E. Davies, 2nd Vice Chair Retired, SUNY New Paltz

Susan L. Howell, Treasurer RBT CPAs, LLP

Michael Mazzuca, Secretary TEG Federal Credit Union

BOARD MEMBERS

Heather Bell

President & CEO, Orange County Chamber of Commerce

Amy J. Berger Retired, IBM

Fred Clarke, Esq Law Office of Fred Clarke

Matthew Cruz DSL Financial Services

Arthur DeDominicis, CPA

Certified Public Accountant & Consultants

Christopher Gilbert

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Timothy Kane Retired, IBM

Phillip Lekanides Rhinebeck Bank

Kadiyah Lodge, M.S. Ampact

Sharon A. McGinnis

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Marta Newkirk

Dutchess Community College

Michelle S. O’Reilly PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP

Kimberly Pennington KeyBank

Barry Rothfeld

Retired, Poughkeepsie Journal

John Stroligo TD Bank

Mark Villanti Retired Educator

Jeannie Montano

President & CEO

Lauren Spangler

Executive Assistant to the President & Office Manager

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Elizabeth Manning Vice President of Resource Development

Michelle Nepton

Donor Development Director

Isabella Hulihan

Donor Development Coordinator

Susan Marchewka

Events Senior Manager

Christina Powers Director of Major & Planned Gifts

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Melissa Clark, MA

Vice President of Community Impact

Rebecca Lull

Director of Community Impact

Sharon Shah

Data and Prospect Research Manager

Kendra Anderson

DC NOEP Outreach Coordinator

Persia Ali

Community Outreach Assistant

Barbara Nectow

Food Insecurity VISTA

Lorraine Middleton

Food Insecurity VISTA

Deidre Sepp

Financial Empowerment VISTA

Natalya Shemchuk

Financial Pathways VISTA

FINANCE

Sue Manning Vice President of Finance & Administration

Jane Johnson

Director of Finance

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Samantha Lowe

Marketing Director

Patricia Ten

Marketing Associate

BREAKFAST Community

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

Doubletree by Hilton, Poughkeepsie

Program

Welcome and Introductions

Ryan Dutcher

Pledge of Allegiance

Invocation

Pastor Nikisha Telesco Wimberly

Door Prize & Centerpiece Giveaways

President’s Remarks

Jeannie Montano, United Way President & CEO

Board & Sponsor Recognition

Kevin Cleary, United Way Board Chair

James Bernard

Author of Frank

Raffle Drawings

2024 Campaign Chair

John Stroligo, TD Bank

Community Champion Honorees

Ben Gocker

Newburgh Free Library Director

Tom Lawrence

Poughkeepsie Public Library Executive Director

Raffle Drawings

Kindness Nominee Recognition

2024 Kindness Champion Award Presentations

Final Raffle Drawings

Adjourn

Thank you Sponsors!

Premier Annual Sponsors

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

M&T Bank

Pratt & Whitney

Annual Sponsors

IBM Corporation

RBT CPAs, LLP

Resorts World Hudson Valley & Resorts World Catskill

TD Bank

Ulster Savings Bank

Silver Sponsor

Kevin Cleary & Holly Wahlberg

Petro Home Services

Poughkeepsie Public Library District

Bronze Sponsors

Adams Fairacre Farms

Affinity by Molina Healthcare

PKF O’Connor Davies

Partner Sponsors

Arthur DeDominicis Accountant and Certified Consultants

Brereton Family

DSL Financial Services

Marist College

Orange Bank & Trust

Media

RYAN DUTCHER

Ryan Dutcher is a full-time entertainer, illusionist, and comedian born and raised in the Hudson Valley. He launched his career through philanthropic work for charitable organizations and enjoys being engaged in the community. You have seen him on some of your favorite TV shows and movies. He has opened for some of today’s biggest superstars, and travels the country restoring laughter and wonder! When not performing, Ryan loves spending time with his rescue pup Copper (extra bonus points if you know who he’s named after). Ryan is living proof that you are never too young or old to start living your dream.

Connect with him on social media @illusionistryandutcher or visit www.RyanDutcher.com.

Thank you for Raffle Donations!

Carter’s Restaurant and Lounge, Beacon

City Winery

Crown Maple

Dorfman Pacific

Hudson Valley Brewery

Samantha Lowe

Susan Marchewka

Marist College

Welcome to James Bernard Author of Frank

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery

MVP Healthcare

Michelle Nepton

Oblong Books, Rhinebeck

The Pastry Garden

Peaceful Provisions

Wellness Through Wisdom

United Way of the Dutchess - Orange Region

James P. Bernard is a chemist by education, and at 22 became an owner in a color manufacturing business in his hometown of Poughkeepsie, NY. His love for this business grew as did his expertise. It was the creative problem solving that he loved. Each day presented new challenges that helped him grow and appreciate the world of color of which he was a part.

Just as his work experience grew, so did his family. He was blessed with three healthy children (two boys and a girl). As they grew, he loved reading them bedtime stories each night as they fell asleep. He found that the stories he made up about the adventures of Frank were the ones that were requested the most. His children loved them, and he kept creating new stories and new characters.

When he became a grandfather, Frank stories were always requested. The legend of Frank was successfully passed on from one generation to another.

His color business was also a success and he sold it. Jim’s color fascination continued to thrive, and he went to work for a young man who was just starting out in the color and chemical business. Jim is still there after 19 years solving color problems, loving what he does.

Honoring our Public Libraries

Ben Gocker

Director of the Newburgh Free LIbrary

Since 1852, the Newburgh Free Library has provided library resources that enhance their residents’ quality of life. They offer lifelong learning opportunities for all ages. NFL is an active community and economic development institution that addresses key issues such as literacy, job information, early childhood education and community vitality.

NFL’s service area is the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, making them the hometown library for the City of Newburgh, the Town of Newburgh, and the Town of New Windsor. The Newburgh Free Library has a diverse collection of books, movies, and music. They lend digital download media in the form of eBooks, eMovies and eMusic. As one of the area’s cultural and education centers, they offer programs for all ages. Residents can enjoy free WiFi at computers, desktop or laptop, and expand technology skills at the free classes in the eLearning Center.

Tom Lawrence

Executive Director of the Poughkeepsie Public LIbrary District

The Poughkeepsie Public Library District is a special legislative district created to provide public library service to the residents of the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, New York. As such, the voters in each municipality annually vote on an operating budget and, from time to time, supplemental and capital programs. The Library District is its own independent authority and is governed by its legislation, applicable public law, and its by-laws.

Their vision is to provide vibrant libraries where people want to be. It meets the needs of a diverse and growing constituency by providing services and partnering with other community organizations. The Board of Trustees and the staff work together to serve the public and to respond to the changing nature of library services.

JOHN STROLIGO Campaign Chair 2024

John Stroligo has been a commercial banker for the past 25 years and is currently the Regional Vice-President of the Lower Hudson Valley & Capital Regions for TD Bank. John’s primary role is managing the Commercial Group, which provides a full array of banking products and lending solutions to companies located throughout both regions. Prior to joining TD in November of 2022, John was an Executive Director for JP Morgan Chase in NYC and was a VP with M&T Bank prior to Chase. In addition to managing the Commercial Team, John plays an active role in expanding TD’s community presence throughout the Hudson Valley and Capital District

John was previously on the board of April’s Child in Westchester County and has been involved with numerous charities and not-for-profit organizations in Westchester County throughout his career, including the March of Dimes and American Heart Association. While working for Chase, he was involved in several of Chase’s volunteer initiatives such as promoting financial literacy and workshops in affordable housing. Since he has two sons that were active in sports, John has also been involved with coaching and managing fundraising efforts for several athletic associations over the past 20 years. John and his family reside in Westchester County.

2024 Campaign Partners

Adams Fairacre Farms*

AmericanExpress*

Arlington Central School District

AT&T*

Ball Corp*

Berkshire Bank

BMO Harris Bank & BMO Capital Markets*

BNY Mellon Community Partnership*

Bon Secours Health System

C&S Wholesale Grocers*

Carpenter & Smith

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.*

The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie

Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County

Dutchess County Government

Dutchess Day School

Dutchess Tourism, Inc

EFCO Products, Inc*

Elevance Health*

Emery and Webb, Inc

Enlarged City School District of Middletown

Enterprise Holdings

Ethan Allen Workforce Solutions

Family Services, Inc

Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

FedEx Corporation*

Focus Media

Gannett Fleming

Global Foundries*

Grace Smith House

Hannaford Supermarkets*

Hickey Finn and Company Insurance*

HONOR , Inc

Hudson Valley Credit Union*

IBM Corporation

Illinois Tool Works*

James L Taylor Manufacturing Company*

JCPenney

Jewish Family Service of Orange County

Joy Insurance Agency, Inc

JP Morgan Chase*

Kennametal Inc

Kirshon & Company, PC

Kiryas Joel Village Union Free School District

LaBella Associates

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

Liscum McCormack VanVoorhis LLP

Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley

Macy’s, Inc

Marshall and Sterling Insurance

Masci, Hale & Wilson Advanced Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry

McCabe and Mack LLP

Metal Container Corporation*

Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

Millbrook Central School District

Nationwide

New York Life Insurance

Newburgh Enlarged City School District

Onsemi

Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc*

Orange Bank & Trust Company*

Orange County Government

Orange County Partnership

Orange Ulster BOCES

Pawling Corporation

Paychex

Pine Bush Central School District

Pine Plains Central School District

Poughkeepsie City School District

Poughkeepsie Public Library District

Prager Metis CPAs*

Precision Pipeline Solutions

Price Chopper

RBT CPAs, LLP *

Rhinebeck Bank*

Rhinebeck Central School District

Riverside Bank

SEI

Spackenkill Union Free School District

SUNY Orange Target

TD Bank Corporation

TEG Federal Credit Union*

The ARC Greater Hudson Valley

Th!nk Dutchess Alliance for Business

Thrivent Financial

TJX

Tompkins Mahopac Bank

TOPS Friendly Markets*

Torrco

Town of Chester

Town of Hyde Park

Ulster Savings Bank*

UPS*

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region

USAA*

Valley Central School District

Verizon

Wappingers Central School District

Washingtonville Central School District

Westage Management LLC

*Indicates the company gave a corporate gift.

2024 United Way Campaign

2024 Campaign Chair

John Stroligo

Regional Vice-President of the Lower Hudson Valley & Capital Regions for TD Bank

Resource Development Committee

Tim Eisentraut

Chair of Resource Development Committee

Member of United Way Board of Directors

UPS

Carolynn Alvarez

Precision Pipeline Solutions

Kevin Cleary

Chair of United Way Board of Directors

Retired, IBM Corporation

Loaned Executive

Alexander Ellick

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Employee Campaign Managers

Sharon McGinnis

Member of United Way Board of Directors

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Shelby Outwater

Hyde Park Central School District

We want to extend our gratitude to the more than 200 individuals who have committed to manage the campaigns for your workplace. We know the hard work and commitment it takes to run a great campaign and share the work of United Way within your organization. You are the backbone of our workplace campaign.

United Way Community Partners

EDUCATION

Develop opportunities for lifelong learning to increase families’ access to education, workforce training and other skill-based development programs.

The Early Elementary Education Program

Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh, Inc.

The Early Elementary Education Program is intended to improve academic outcomes for youth through literacy instruction. The program operates during the school year, Monday-Friday from 3:00pm-6:00pm and consists of three structured hours of activities including homework help and tutoring, academic enrichment and electives including classes in the arts, science and technology and sports.

Green Teen Youth Vocational Training Through Workforce Training

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County

Green Teen Youth Vocational Training Through Workforce Training helps at-risk youth, ages 14-19, earn wages as they learn vocational and employment skills. They attend programs 3 times/week after school in spring and fall, and during the day in summer. Staff focus on their strengths to give them the confidence and social-emotional skills to exert control over their own behaviors and social environment. Activities center on life and vocational skills development.

EDUCATION

Community Connect CultureConnect

Increase opportunities for positive youth development and literacy services to develop positive behaviors and/or read proficiently at grade level.

Community Connect is an after-school and summer academic enrichment program for K- 5 ENL students in the Rhinebeck and Red Hook schools. The program offers academic support that may not be available at home due to language barriers. Improved language, reading and writing skills increase their literacy and academic performance, builds their confidence and improves their social development.

The Teen Resource Activity Centers (TRAC)

Family Services

The Teen Resource Activity Centers (TRAC) provides a safe trauma-informed space for youth to feel a sense of belonging and receive mentorship and support. TRAC helps youth develop their athletic, academic, creative, workforce and social skills in supportive and challenging ways. Staff work with youth to challenge acceptance of violence to prevent involvement in and exposure to gun and gang violence.

River Haven

Hudson River Housing

River Haven provides emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth as they work with a Care Manager toward family reunification or securing another safe residence. The program provides a variety of evidenced-based positive youth development opportunities and learning experiences to help youth overcome past trauma, develop skills and build protective factors linked to healthy development.

SproutEd in Newburgh & Beacon

Land to Learn

SproutEd Newburgh & Beacon is a garden-based educational program for K-2 students. We maintain school food gardens and deliver lessons during the school day, year-round, that educate children in nutrition, cooking, plant science, ecology and food systems. Our curriculum is experiential and hands-on, offering students a fun, engaging way to apply and develop their academic and social emotional skills.

Book Buddies

Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley Book Buddies recruits volunteers to read one-onone with 3rd and 4th grade children who have been identified by their teachers as reading below grade level. Volunteers are trained to use differentiated material to help students improve their reading skills and confidence. Volunteers read aloud, using a dialogic reading method to give children a positive experience with books.

Ending the Silence (ETS)

NAMI Mid-Hudson

Ending the Silence (ETS) is a presentation to middle and high school students given by a certified NAMI lead presenter and young adult with a mental health condition who shares their journey of recovery. ETS addresses substance/alcohol abuse, suicide prevention, bullying and overcoming stigma. It raises awareness and changes perceptions about mental health and instills good citizenship skills to help their peers.

Teen Team

North East Community Center

Teen Team is a resilience-building, community-engagement group for low-income, at-risk youth ages 14-18. The group coordinates its own community service activities and cultural/recreation events. It also benefits from education in social and cultural diversity, healthy relationships, and other life skills that deter harmful behaviors, chosen by our Program Director.

YES Newburgh

The Osborne Association

YES Newburgh offers wrap-around services to disadvantaged youth in Newburgh, New York, that create opportunities and teach lifelong skills that will carry them into adulthood. The program provides positive youth development and educational support (including literacy services), cognitive-behavioral therapy, substance use disorder prevention education, and various workshops.

Vassar College-English Language Learners Outreach Program (VELLOP)

Vassar College Urban Education Initiative

Vassar College-English Language Learners Outreach Program (VELLOP) strives to improve academic achievement of ELLs in the Poughkeepsie City School District, which is challenged to educate these students due to lack of Spanish-speaking teachers. VELLOP tutors are Vassar students (often Spanish speakers) who work alongside teachers to support performance of ELLs. Thirty college students devote up to 8 hours per week to tutoring schoolchildren.

Life Skills for Teens

Warwick Valley Community Center

Life Skills for Teens helps develop teens’ internal assets. It provides protective factors through prevention, educational and cultural diversity activities, and helps transition from elementary to middle and high school. Members participate in community service and leadership skill-building activities. Evidence-based environmental strategies and evidence-based/informed programs are implemented.

HEALTH

Increase access to healthy food for families in our community experiencing food insecurity.

Food for Dutchess & Orange County Feeding Program

Food Bank of the Hudson Valley

Food for Dutchess & Orange County Feeding Program will provide low-income Dutchess and Orange County residents with nutritious food when they visit local food pantries and soup kitchens. The grant will fund lines of credit at the Food Bank which agencies will use to secure food. Funds will cover handling fees for donated food and costs for purchased food and will expand agencies’ capacity and enable them to feed more people.

Nourish Newburgh

Newburgh Armory Unity Center

Nourish Newburgh project will leverage the educational resources of NAUC to develop comprehensive programming that surmounts longstanding, systemic barriers to nutrition and healthy eating. This will be incorporated into an established food distribution program that feeds 500 local families monthly at NAUC, providing mutual benefit to clients of both programs.

Food Access Program

North East Community Center

Food Access Program distributes fresh food throughout NE Dutchess. Our food pantry offers weekly walk in service and home delivery. We work with farms to source fresh foods that meet cultural needs. Food is provided in settings that promote dignity, self-efficacy and wraparound services. The hub also supports coalition work to improve resilience and equity in our food system.

Beacon Schools Food Access

Common Ground Farm

Beacon Schools Food Access program ensures that vulnerable students have access to fresh, nutritious food. We distribute groceries to students each Friday so that they have food over the weekends. We also encourage families to participate in our market-based food access programs by providing double up coupons and market cards to use at the Beacon Farmers’ Market.

Food for Kids

Food For Kids currently serves, on average, 250 students on a weekly basis from all 5 buildings of the WCSD. We provide enough food to cover two breakfasts, two lunches, drinks, and snacks for the weekend. We provide additional food when there are longer holiday weekends or extended school breaks. In summer 2023 we provided breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks to cover 6 weeks.

The Food Insecurity Program

Pawling Resource Center

The Food Insecurity Program provides a food pantry that is open to individuals/families that either live, work, and attend school or church in Pawling/Holmes, NY. Clients access the food pantry twice a month on Mon - Fri. 10am - 4pm and until 5 pm on Wed. and every second Saturday from 10am - 12noon. Homebound clients also get food delivered twice a month as requested.

City FRESH

Poughkeepsie Farm Project (PFP)

City FRESH removes barriers to healthy food choices and encourages healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices among youth and families by providing access to healthy foods, especially fresh vegetables, and positive, engaging learning experiences at PFP, PCSD schools, and in the community.

Increase nourishing food options in Dutchess and Orange Second Chance Foods

Increase nourishing food options in Dutchess and Orange serves individuals and families struggling with food insecurity by increasing the amount of nutrient-dense food available. Our innovative model reduces food waste and connects more food to the community that needs it by rescuing and redistributing fresh produce and groceries and also cooking healthy meals.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

Financial Stability

Improve financial access for ALICE and low-income individuals to alleviate short-term financial crises in order to increase local families’ economic position.

Catholic Charities Community Services of Dutchess County

Financial Stability program offers an emergency hotline. Every day the hotline has many calls from neighbors in crisis, seeking to meet basic needs. All calls, if not picked up, are returned the same business day. Being able to speak to a person directly, as opposed to leaving voice mail, is huge for those looking for help. All requests for assistance are triaged by the Coordinator and ED and if appropriate are assigned a case manager by the latter.

Financial Stability

Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange, Sullivan, Ulster

Financial Stability program provides basic care coordination services that include rental assistance, utility assistance, and financial crisis intervention due to medical expenses, eviction, or homelessness. In order to assist vulnerable population in achieving financial stability. As a result, helping children thrive and families become more engaged, contributing members of their community.

Crisis Intervention and Case Management

Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County

Crisis Intervention and Case Management program provides emergency financial assistance for families faced with an economic crisis and case management support to help them navigate out of crisis and into stability. Families are struggling to keep their housing and stay current on their utilities. The post pandemic recovery continues to be difficult and lengthy.

Emergency Assistance Program

Dutchess Outreach, Inc.

Emergency Assistance Program works with families and individuals who are facing various emergencies in their lives and help them become self-sufficient through case management and advocacy to overcome a financial crisis.

The Financial Assistance Program (FAP)

Fearless! Hudson Valley

The Financial Assistance Program (FAP) supports access to emergency financial assistance for the crisis intervention needs of victims and survivors engaged with Fearless! services. The program is intended to increase access to safety and sustainability by minimizing the harmful and ongoing impacts of intimate partner victimization and abuse, including financial/economic injury.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

Meets Basic Needs

Grace Smith House, Inc.

Improve financial access for ALICE and low-income individuals to alleviate short-term financial crises in order to increase local families’ economic position.

Meets Basic Needs is designed to help victims of domestic violence victims stabilize their lives by providing direct financial assistance to alleviate an impending financial crisis while providing support and services needed to empower them and their children to move towards building a solid foundation of financial stability and independence from their abuser.

Housing Navigator

Hudson River Housing

Housing Navigator provides emergency housing assistance to low-income households. The Housing Navigator works closely with households to help them develop housing stability plans tailored to their needs. The Navigator may assist them in applying for public benefits, connect them with employment opportunities, and/or refer them to childcare, health care, legal services, and other community resources.

The Financial Empowerment Program

Jewish Family Services

The Financial Empowerment Program offers one-time financial assistance to families and individuals experiencing a temporary financial setback. Applications are reviewed by a committeebased on documentation of the temporary circumstance and the applicant’s ability to move forward after assistance hasbeen provided. Funds are paid directly to the landlord, utility,

Income Stabilization and Homelessness Prevention

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

Income Stabilization and Homelessness Prevention provides legal assistance to individuals who have been incorrectly denied, or terminated from, public assistance programs, including TANF, SNAP/ Food Stamps, WIC, Unemployment Insurance, Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, and Veterans Benefits; provides Emergency Cash Assistance–rental and utility arrears; handles Consumer Law cases. This stabilizes household incomes at a subsistence level. or auto-related expense.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

CA$H Coalition Program

Increase annual earnings and workplace advancement of individuals and families in our region.

CA$H Coalition Program provides free tax preparation service for low and moderate income residents helping them to claim all available refunds applicable to their personal situation.

VETERAN

Veterans & Military Families

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

Increase accessibility to affordable housing and legal services for veterans and their families.

Legal Services for Veterans and Military Families will offer free comprehensive civil legal services to veterans and military family members living in Dutchess and Orange County, across a range of its practice areas: Public Benefits/Income Stabilization; Housing/Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention and Intensive STEHP (Orange County Only) Casework Services; Domestic Violence/Family Law; Disability Law; Elder Law; LGBTQ; Veterans and Military Families Law.

VetZero Program

Hudson River Housing, Inc.

VetZero Program provides housing assistance for low-income veterans who are homeless or are at imminent risk of homelessness. Through provision of outreach, housing counseling, assistance with initial housing costs, transportation, benefit assistance and service linkages, we quickly place veterans into housing and/or offer the support they need to achieve housing stability and establish community connections.

Barbara Nectow

I first served as a VISTA volunteer in 1980 as a community organizer stationed in Denver, Colorado. As I progressed through my various careers (social worker, public interest lawyer, catering director and labor leader - yes, in that order!) I always knew that I was not destined to retire quietly. I have always been interested in the issues of food security and hunger relief and since retiring I served a year as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Ann Arbor, Michigan coordinating a “food as medicine” project for three health clinics. While in Michigan I also volunteered at food pantries, delivered for Meals on Wheels and made and served food for the Jewish Family Services Nourish Nutrition Kitchen. I am thrilled to be able to continue this work here at home for the United Way through their VISTA program.

Lorraine Middleton

I am the first born child to my parents and was naturally a leader to my siblings while growing up. This innate leadership trait continued throughout high school and college where I served as a Class Captain and a Computer Lab Assistant, respectively. I believe that serving in these capacities has developed in me a nurturing heart of servitude to those in my community who are in need of help. Whether that community is family, neighbor, friend or associate, my natural reaction is always to see how I can help to effect change for the better. Volunteering as a VISTA at United Way has provided multitudes of opportunities for me to do just that. I enjoy the day-to-day activities of rolling up my sleeves to join a team of staff members who joyfully give back to the underserved - without any reservations.

Deidre Sepp

After retiring from 40 years as a career development professional at Mount Saint Mary College, Susquehanna University, and Marist College, I joined AmeriCorps as a Financial Empowerment VISTA for the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region. My role is to help those living in our area who are at or below the poverty line to achieve financial stability and independence. I have served on the boards of the American Cancer Society and Mount Gulian Historic Site, and as president of the PTO at Poughkeepsie Day School. I am a member of the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the Citizen’s Climate Lobby and have served as a facilitator for Parents’ Anonymous, a self-help group for parents with the goal of preventing child abuse and providing support for parents. I am also a theater nerd, performing with a number local theater companies.

Natalya Shemchuk

I have always been passionate about helping others. I am happy that AmeriCorps gave me the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives by volunteering here at United Way. When I joined as Financial Pathways VISTA, I could see how many people need help obtaining financial stability. Working on various projects through the Food Bank or helping people during short crises with essential needs I realized that every effort counts and together we can help people who are struggling through hunger or financial crisis to feel economically secure. Hearing the success stories of people in need helps you understand the importance of the work we are doing. I appreciate that I can be a part of United Way’s invaluable work.

Brett is the owner of Granite Barbell, a small gym in Orange County. Brett is not only an amazing trainer and well acknowledged for what he does, but he cares about everyone that walks into that gym. Brett always has a funny joke to tell and offers a smile and a welcome that feels warm to the heart. He helps everyone not only through their fitness journey but with everything he can. He has hosted fundraisers for Animal shelters, for people in need, cancer, autism, helps the youth, and works with kids with special needs, just to name a few.

Dawn loves to find ways to help her community. With her colleagues at Petro Home Services, she has given back to the community in many ways by volunteering at local nonprofits. Dawn has been a United Way supporter by hosting supply drives at Petro. Recently she coordinated United Way’s School Supply Drive at Petro and was part of UW’s distribution day. Her efforts ensured that the youth would have a successful school year.

Marist College student Delaney Roth interned at Finish Strong Wellness Center during the Spring 2024 semester. She excelled at providing academic and emotional support to Poughkeepsie youth, especially those with autism. Her exceptional dedication and kindness made a significant impact on the program’s participants, who were devastated to see her leave. Delaney’s contributions perfectly exemplify Finish Strong’s mission and make her a deserving recipient of this award.

Erika, a dedicated healthcare professional with 20+ years of experience, is passionate about improving her community’s health. She works at HealthFirst, providing resources like free dental screenings and helping residents access affordable insurance. Her positive attitude and commitment make her a valuable asset to both her team and the community.

Jasmaine is such a visible figure in the City of Poughkeepsie. She collects personal care items to give away to those facing homelessness and is an advocate for seniors, youth and veterans. She believes that investing in our community today will create better tomorrows.

Jemika Hall, a Newburgh resident, is the founder and creator of a local nonprofit called Marc’s Friend’s Support Groups. She formed her nonprofit after losing her son to gun violence. The group is on a mission to help at risk youth by teaching them about the dangers of gun violence at an early age. Jemika has done tremendous work in the community providing for families in need.

CHAMPIONS Kindness 2024

Besides being a Pastor who conducts regular ministerial duties, Nikisha Wimberly is a Youth Athletics Coach for Poughkeepsie inner city kids, a NY state licensed childcare provider, runs a food Pantry in Beacon for over 10 years, and is now operating a Hot Meal Program on Main Street in Poughkeepsie in her attempt to mitigate hunger within the homeless community.

Ophelia, a longtime PTO volunteer, embodies the spirit of this award. As a grandmother of a former student, she’s always been a dedicated supporter. Her enthusiasm, kindness, and consistent involvement make her an invaluable asset to our school community. From fundraisers to special events, she’s always there, cheering us on and contributing her time and energy. Her positive impact is undeniable, and we’re grateful for her dedication.

Sean is currently the director of a volleyball tournament that has raised so much money for Hudson River Housing over the last 30 years. This year, Rooftime raised almost $20k!

Shaniesha, a dedicated early childhood educator and community leader, tirelessly advocates for her students and Poughkeepsie community. As a preschool teacher at DAY NE, she’s launched programs like “Birthday in a Bag,” “Class in a Bag,” and “Laundry Care Packages” to support her students’ learning and address families’ needs.

Shaniesha actively volunteers with various organizations, including JS Self-Care, Life Flows through Everybody, Springfield Baptist Church, Elant Nursing Home, and G.E.M.M.S. She also helps plan the city’s Martin Luther King celebration.