Issuu

Central Hudson

Welcome from the President & CEO and Chair of the Board

Welcome to an evening dedicated to impact.

Tonight’s Celebration of Service is a tribute to the power of community. We are here to recognize the champions who don’t just witness our region’s challenges but step up to solve them.

A cornerstone of tonight’s program is the presentation of the Distinguished Leadership Award to Stephanie Raymond and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. Their enduring legacy of support has provided a foundation of hope for local nonprofits, allowing us to dream bigger and reach further.

Success on this scale requires a massive coalition. We extend our deepest gratitude to our over 200 workplace partners. Your employee engagement and supply drives are not just campaigns; they are lifelines. You provide the resources that allow us to pivot in times of crisis and provide stability in times of uncertainty.

At United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, our mission is clear: be there when it matters most. We strive to create pathways for families to achieve health, financial stability, and independence. And we’re committed to fostering vibrant, safe neighborhoods where everyone can thrive.

With the guidance of our dedicated Board of Directors and the tireless efforts of our staff, we have turned your generosity into action. This year, our Days of Sharing program alone moved over $400,000 worth of vital goods into the hands of those who needed them most.

Thank you for standing with us. Let’s continue to build a region where every individual has the opportunity to succeed.

We also extend a standing ovation to all those who participated in our Talent United competition this year. By sharing your passion and your craft, you have done more than entertain us—you have helped us raise the vital funds and awareness needed to fuel our mission. Thank you for lending your voices and your hearts to help our community thrive.

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

United Way Staff United Way 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

Jasmine Bonnell Resorts World Catskills

Fred Clarke, Esq Law Office of Fred Clarke

Matthew Cruz

DSL Financial Services

Jasmin Davis Sun River Health Foundation

Arthur DeDominicis, CPA Certified Public Accountant & Consultants

Christopher Gilbert

Central Hudson Electric Tranmission

Timothy Kane Retired, IBM

Phillip Lekanides Rhinebeck Bank

Michael Lesler

Orange Bank & Trust

Sharon A. McGinnis

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Matthew Murphy Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Marta Newkirk

Dutchess Community College

Stewart Petrovits

Blacktop Maintenance Corp.

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 DEPARTMENT

Elizabeth Manning

Vice President of Resource Development

Michelle Nepton

Vice President of Grants & Institutional Giving

Susan Marchewka

Director of Events

Isabella Hamel

Donor Development Coordinator

Anne Marie Schoonhoven

Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving

Brienne Cliadakis

Business Development Manager

COMMUNITY IMPACT DEPARTMENT

Rebecca Lull

Vice President of Community Impact

Sharon Shah

Data and Prospect Research Manager

Michelle Macina Community Navigator

Barbara Nectow

Food Security VISTA

Deidre Sepp

Food Security VISTA

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Sue Manning

Vice President of Finance & Administration

Jane Johnson

Director of Finance

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Samantha Lowe

Marketing Director

Patricia Ten

Marketing Assistant

UNITY IN ACTION a celebration of service

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026

City Winery, Montgomery, NY

5:30PM Cocktail Reception, Online Auction

PROGRAM

Emcee Welcome

6:30 – 8:30PM Dinner, Awards Ceremony, Entertainment & Live Auction

Anne Marie “Annie” Leamy & Ryan Dutcher

Dinner

Talent United Recognition

President’s Remarks

United Way President & CEO: Jeannie Montano

Chairman’s Remarks

United Way Chairman: Kevin Cleary

Campaign Recognition

Live Auction

United Way Mission Moment

Distinguished Leadership Award

Steph Raymond and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp

Closing

Thank you sponsors

Premier Annual Sponsors

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Pratt & Whitney

Annual Sponsors

CDPHP

IBM Corporation

PKF O’Connor Davies

RBT CPAs, LLP

Resorts World Catskill

TD Bank

Ulster Savings Bank

Bronze Sponsors

Candy & Bill Davies

Cassalina Dolan Cassalina & Marquis Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Partner Sponsors

Fox Hill Bruderhof Community

Kevin Cleary & Holly Wahlberg

Arthur DeDominicus, Certified Public Accountant and Consultants

Joy Insurance

Marshall+Sterling

Orange Bank & Trust

Orange & Rockland Utilities

Project My Day, Inc.

Event Sponsors

Vassar College - Photography Sponsor

City Winery - Dinner Wine Sponsor

Media Sponsors

Mid-Hudson News

Pamal Broadcasting

Sunrise Media

Wall Radio

WTBQ/WGHT

Honorary Committee

Sheila Appel

Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Z. Aronzon

Heather Bell-Meyer

Jasmine Bonnell

Frank M. Castella, Jr.

Kevin J. Cleary

Matthew Cruz

Catherine (Candy) E. Davies

Jasmin Davis

Arthur DeDominicis, CPA

Ryan Dutcher

Tim Eisentraut

Dr. Robert Gervasi

Christopher Gilbert

Michael J. Gilfeather

Steve and Susan Howell

Timothy Kane

Anne Marie “Annie” Leamy

Phillip Lekanides

Michael Lesler

Michael Mazzuca

Sharon A. McGinnis

Jeannie Montano

Matthew Murphy

Hon. Steven M. Neuhaus

Marta Newkirk

Steph Raymond

Senator Robert Rolison

Barry and Rita Rothfeld

Elizabeth Rowley

Hon. Sue Serino

John Stroligo

Mark Villanti

Kevin C. Weinman

Dr. Kristine M. Young

Former Distinguished Leadership Award Recipients

2016 Daniel Z. Aronzon, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Daniel Z. Aronzon was one of the founding partners and Medical Director of The Children’s Medical Group and served as President and CEO of Vassar Brothers Medical Center from 2004-2011. Danny is a longtime United Way volunteer including serving as Chair of the Board and is a Leadership Society member.

2017 Steve E. Howell, CPA, DABFA

Steve E. Howell is a Director at RBT CPAs, LLP. Steve has volunteered with United Way for many years including serving as Chair of the Board. Steve and his wife, Susan, are members of the United Way Tocqueville Society.

2018 Denise Doring VanBuren

Denise Doring VanBuren previously worked at Central Hudson for over 25 years. During that time, Denise served on the United Way Board, as Campaign Chair and on the Campaign Leadership Team.

2019 Maureen Halahan

Maureen Halahan served as President and CEO of Orange County Partnership for over 20 years. She is a longtime United Way supporter, former Board and Campaign Leadership Team member.

2020 Frontline Workers

We saluted hero Frontline workers and First Responders from Dutchess and Orange Counties as our Distinguished Leaders in 2020.

2021 KeyBank

KeyBank’s roots trace back 190 years to Albany, New York. KeyBank has a deep commitment to the communities where its employees work and live. We each have the power to change communities for the better. That’s why KeyBank supports and encourages its employees as they volunteer. Working together, all of us can create communities that will support and sustain positive growth.

2022 Adams Fairacre Farms

Adams Fairacre Farms is a community-minded business that loves to give back and they encourage their employees to give back as well. For many years, they have run successful workplace campaigns in their stores; they are deeply committed to serving their customers with the best fresh produce around, and they bring that same sense of commitment to their philanthropy and “fun”raising efforts that benefit the Dutchess and Orange communities at large.

2023 Millbrook Vineyards & Winery

Located in the heart of New York’s historical and bountiful Hudson River Valley, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery flourishes atop a 130-acre estate. Millbrook Winery is a unique combination of history, agriculture, family, and dedication to excellence. Having a long-standing commitment to the local community, the Dyson Family and Millbrook Winery take great pride in being able to support not-for-profit organizations like United Way throughout the Hudson Valley.

2024 RBT CPAs, LLP

RBT CPAs, LLP believes in listening, combined with expertise. This approach is evident in the diversity and depth of services offered to their clients, and in their commitment to meeting their unique challenges and goals. As a Certified Public Accounting firm, they celebrate 55 years of experience providing accounting, auditing, tax, and advisory services to their clients. Their highly qualified team allows them to provide their clients with the personal attention they deserve to help them succeed and grow.

2025 Orange Bank & Trust Company

With over 130 years of history and $2.5 billion in assets, Orange Bank & Trust is a premier Hudson Valley institution specializing in commercial lending, business banking, and wealth management. The bank combines the innovative technology of national chains with a deeply personal, relationship-driven approach across its offices in the Hudson Valley and The Bronx.

Distinguished Leadership Award Recipient

Congratulations

United Way is proud to present Steph Raymond and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation with the Distinguished Leadership Award. Beyond providing utility service, Central Hudson acts as a community anchor through the Good Neighbor Fund and 125 Acts of Service, proving their deep commitment to the fabric of the Mid-Hudson Valley. Steph Raymond was named President & Chief Executive Officer of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation in 2024. In this role, Ms. Raymond is responsible for setting company-wide strategic direction, operational leadership, financial management, and regulatory oversight.

Building on Central Hudson’s 125-year history, Ms. Raymond is leading the company’s effort to create a more resilient, sustainable energy future for everyone while driving customer-centered solutions for all residents and businesses of the mid-Hudson Valley.

Welcome to Tonight’s Emcees

ANNE MARIE LEAMY & RYAN DUTCHER

Anne Marie “Annie” Leamy, has been hosting mornings on the radio for close to 20 years. Her rock all these years has been her husband, Sean. He’s an elementary school teacher and collegiate basketball coach at Pace University. She has three boys, Michael, Christian and Aidan. Being outnumbered by the boys, she’s grateful to have her rescue dog, Maple. She resides in the Hudson Valley. She’s always ready to make new friends. Find her @annieonair on social media.

A few 2025 Pull the Tank teams photos on the opposite page counter-clockwise from top right: Veterans United, Hannaford, UPS, McKessen Metro NY, Sohns/Pull United/PKF O’Connors Davies, Tanksgiving/Bank of America, IBM Join us for Pull the Tank on June 20, 2026!

Ryan Dutcher is a full time entertainer, illusionist, and comedian born and raised in the Hudson Valley. Voted Best Comedian of the Hudson Valley 2 years running. Ryan loves to make people laugh. He launched his career through philanthropic work for charitable organizations and still to this day knows how important it is to be 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). Wow you’re invested, you’re still reading this bio… in all seriousness thanks for reading and for being here! Connect with him on social media @illusionistryandutcher or visit www. RyanDutcher.com .

2025 Campaign Award Recipients

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

IBM Corporation

RBT CPAs, LLP

Orange Bank and Trust Company

Hannaford Supermarkets

James L Taylor Manufacturing Company

C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc.

Marshall+Sterling

Orange County Government

Wappingers Central School District

TOP GROWTH AWARD

Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie

Top Corporate Campaigns

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation is an energy delivery company headquartered in Poughkeepsie, New York. The energy provider serves approximately 315,000 electric and 90,000 natural gas customers across eight counties in New York State’s Mid-Hudson River Valley. Central Hudson delivers natural gas and electricity within a 2,600-square-mile service territory spans a 2,600-square-mile service territory, extending from the suburbs of metropolitan New York City north toward the Capital District south of Albany. In addition to its core energy services, Central Hudson contributes approximately $2.6 billion in total economic impact and supports more than 5,000 jobs across the region. The company also proudly partners with local community service and business organizations through philanthropic initiatives, employee volunteerism, and economic development grants. Value-added products and services, including energy efficiency programs, payment assistance options, and economic development support, are available at www.CentralHudson.com.

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain a competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

RBT CPAs, LLP, with their roots stretching back to 1969, has grown significantly from its early beginnings thanks to their collective dedication and unwavering team values. Ranked among the top 200 largest US CPA Firms out of 42,000 US firms, RBT CPAs is the 3rd Fastest Growing Firm ranked by Inside Public Accounting. Their team of over 160 professionals includes 25 partners and more than 72 Certified Public Accountants. The entire team remains actively involved through a distinctly hands-on approach to leading and managing clients. Their process is not one-size-fits-all. Because the variety of their client base is so diverse, they understand that each client requires unique,personalized service from their team. www.rbtcpas.com

Hannaford Supermarkets started out as a fresh produce vendor in Portland, Maine, way back in 1883 - so they know a thing or two about quality. Hannaford is still connected to those early roots as a local market, and the connection they have to the sources of their fresh foods is core to the way they do business. www.hannaford.com

Orange Bank & Trust Company is the Hudson Valley’s premier financial institution focusing on commercial lending, business banking, and wealth management services. For more than 130 years, Orange Bank & Trust has been an economic engine of the community, managing more than $2.7 billion in assets and playing a vital role in increasing opportunities for local businesses, creating jobs for generations of residents, spurring region-defining developments, and maximizing investments to neighborhood-serving non-profits. Long considered a pillar of Orange, Rockland, and Westchester Counties, Orange Bank & Trust Company now has 16 offices supported by more than 250 of the industry’s brightest bankers, including a recent expansion into The Bronx. The independent bank’s continued robust growth is a testament to its deep ties to the community, vast knowledge of client industries and individual businesses, and corporate culture reflecting a constant commitment to innovation. Its constantly-evolving technology is competitive with the country’s largest banks, yet the community-level lender’s advantage is offering flexible, tailored and creative solutions, intimately personal and collaborative relationships, and around-the-clock human support that’s virtually unheard of at the national chains.

The James L. Taylor Manufacturing Company was founded in Poughkeepsie, NY in 1911 to produce a quick-adjusting, self-locking bar clamp. This began a series of innovations that have established James L. Taylor as the leader in machinery used in the production of wood products. Today, the company is comprised of three divisions: Taylor, JLT Clamps, and Cameron Automation. These three product lines are all manufactured in the same building--a recently purchased 100,000 square foot facility on Salt Point Turnpike in 2017. This move has allowed them to expand as a company and improve their manufacturing processes and continue to create new technology. We are the proud winners of five separate “New Technology” awards since 1986 which are presented at our biannual Machinery Exhibition (IWF Atlanta). www.jamesltaylor.com

C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC is a leader in food solutions across the United States. Established in 1918, C&S had its start as a supplier to independent grocery stores. Today, the C&S family of companies — including Grocers Supply, Hansen Distribution Group, The Davidson Specialty Food Group and SpartanNash® — delivers innovative supply chain solutions, products and services to chain, independent and military customers from 60 distribution centers nationwide. C&S offers a comprehensive range of products for every aisle of the grocery store, from fresh produce to household goods, including within our private label portfolio. C&S operates more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores primarily under the banners: D&W® Fresh Market, Grand Union, Family Fare®, Martin’s Super Markets and Piggly Wiggly®. C&S is deeply committed to corporate citizenship, actively supporting various charitable causes that help enrich and feed our communities. Learn more at www.cswg.com.

Founded in 1864, Marshall+Sterling is a 100% employee-owned, national independent risk solutions partner, helping clients protect what they’ve built and what comes next by empowering them to predict, prepare for, and preempt risk. Headquartered in New York and licensed in all states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Marshall+Sterling is committed to creating a future that’s safer and more secure through business and personal insurance, employee benefits, and wealth management solutions. The firm is consistently recognized by Business Insurance as one of the top 50 insurance brokers in the United States. Follow @marshallsterling on social media.

Orange County Government Since the beginning of Steven M. Neuhaus’ tenure as Orange County Executive, his administration and the 2,000 plus employees of Orange County government continue to work diligently for the now over 400,000 residents of the County, providing essential services, as well as a safe and wonderful place to live. Since 2014, Orange County’s employees have been tremendously generous, proudly donating over $205,000 to United Way of Dutchess and Orange through payroll deductions. This figure does not include direct, individual contributions from Orange County employees. These generous donations help to provide resources to better the health, education, and financial stability of the residents of our region. Orange County is honored to be named a Top Campaign. The County is grateful to the United Way of the Dutchess and Orange Region for this recognition and extends its congratulations to the other honorees. www.orangecountygov.com

Wappingers Central School District is one of the largest central school districts in New York State, with an enrollment of over 11,000 students. There are ten elementary schools, two junior high schools, two senior high schools, and one alternative high school. “The mission of the Wappingers Central School District is to empower all of our students with the competencies and confidence to challenge themselves, to pursue their passions, and to realize their potential while growing as responsible members of their community.” www.wappingersschools.org

Top Growth Campaign

Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie On January 21, 1847, a group of Poughkeepsie women called the Female Guardian Society met to form the Poughkeepsie Orphan House and Home of the Friendless to care for the poor, abandoned, and neglected in their communities, most especially the children. They believed that all children deserve a nurturing and caring environment. More than 179 years later, their work continues. Today, the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie provides a full range of community based and residential services giving hope and healing to at-risk children throughout the country. The Home is licensed by the New York State Office of Children & Family Services, the New York State Office of Mental Health, and the New York State Department of Health. The Children’s Home is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for its exemplary adherence to human welfare agency guidelines. In fiscal year 2025, the Home served approximately 1,683 children and their families.

2025 United Way Campaign

Thank you to our 2025 CAMPAIGN CHAIR

NICOLE GILMARTIN

Nicole graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a Master of Business Administration in Public Accountancy. She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in New York State. Nicole joined RBT CPAs, LLP in 2016 and is a partner in the client advisory department. She serves clients across diverse industries including professional services, real estate, manufacturing and construction. Her experience includes preparation of interim and annual financial statements, financial statement analysis, and comprehensive tax planning. Gilmartin excels in helping business owners not only understand their financial statements, but also uses them as meaningful tools for informed decisionmaking and business growth. Nicole is dedicated to building lasting relationships with her clients, striving to be a long-term partner and advisor to support them in reaching their goals.

Nicole is a longtime United Way volunteer. She has previously chaired the RBT CPA’s workplace campaign and is currently a member of both the United Way Emerging Leaders and Women United Committee. We thank Nicole for serving as Chair of the 2025 United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region campaign.

UWDOR: Board of Directors, Revenue Planning Committee

Catherine (Candy) Davis Chair

Kevin Cleary Chair of United Way Board of Directors Retired, IBM Corporation

Matthew Cruz DSL Financial Services

Employee Campaign Managers

Tim Eisentraut UPS

Mark Villanti Retired Educator

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.

2025 Workplace Giving

Adams Fairacre Farms

AMD

American Express

AT&T

Athene USA

Ball Corp

BMO Harris Bank & BMO Capital Markets

BNY Mellon Community Partnership

C&S Wholesale Grocers

Carpenter & Smith

Centene

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie

Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County

Destination Dutchess

Dutchess County Government

Dutchess Day School

EFCO Products Inc

Elevance Health

Emery & Webb Inc

Enlarged City School District of Middletown

Enterprise

Ethan Allen Workforce Solutions

Family Services Inc

Fearless, Hudson Valley, Inc.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Global Foundries

Hannaford Supermarkets

Hickey Finn and Company Insurance

IBM Corporation

Illinois Tool Works

James L Taylor Manufacturing Company

JC Penney

JP Morgan Chase

KeyBank

Kiryas Joel Village Union Free School District

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

Liberty Mutual

Liscum McCormack VanVoorhis

Literacy Connections - Hudson Valley

Macy’s

Marshall+Sterling

Masci, Hale, and Wilson Family Dentistry

Metal Container Corp

Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

Millbrook Central School District

M&T Bank

Newburgh Enlarged City School District

New York Life Insurance Company

One Main Financial

onsemi

Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc.

Orange Bank & Trust Company

Orange County Government

Orange Ulster BOCES

O’Reilly Auto Parts

Pawling Corp

Paychex Inc

Pine Bush Central School District

Poughkeepsie Public Library District

Price Chopper

Raymond James Financial Services

RBT CPAs, LLP

Rhinebeck Bank

Rhinebeck Central School District

Spackenkill Union Free School District

SUNY Orange

Target

TD Bank

TEG Federal Credit Union

The ARC Sullivan-Orange Counties New York

Think Dutchess Alliance for Business

Tompkins Financial Corporation

Tops Markets

Town of Chester

Town of Hyde Park

Ulster Savings Bank

United Health Group

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region

UPS

USAA

Valley Central School District

Verizon

Wappingers Central School District

Washingtonville Central School District

Westage Management LLC

United Way Community Partners

EDUCATION

Goal: Develop opportunities for lifelong learning to increase skill-based development

Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County Dress for Success (DFS) is dedicated to fostering economic independence for women. Through its comprehensive programs, DFS offers a robust network of support, professional clothing, and crucial development tools. These resources are designed to help women not only succeed in the workplace but also to flourish in all aspects of life. Participants gain invaluable skills and confidence, understanding they have the power to shape their own lives and achieve personal success.

Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh

Youth Force is a workforce development program that addresses barriers to career and college success by providing academic support, mentoring, paid internships, college readiness, and financial literacy. It helps students gain skills, real-world experience, and guidance to navigate higher education and career pathways, fostering long-term economic stability.

EDUCATION

Goal: Increase opportunities for positive youth development and literacy services

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County

Through its Workforce Training Program, Green Teen Youth Vocational Training actively engages at-risk youth aged 14-19. Participants earn wages while developing essential vocational and employment skills. The program operates after school three times a week in the Spring and Fall, and during the day throughout the Summer. Staff members are committed to identifying and building on individual strengths, which helps youth gain the confidence and social-emotional tools necessary to manage their behaviors and navigate their social environments effectively. All activities are strategically designed for comprehensive life and vocational skills development.

Culture

Connect

Community Connect is an after-school and summer academic enrichment program specifically designed for K-5 English as a New Language (ENL) students within the Rhinebeck and Red Hook School Districts. The program delivers essential academic support, addressing challenges that language barriers might present in the home environment. As a result, students experience improved language, reading, and writing skills, leading to increased literacy and academic performance, enhanced confidence, and better social development.

Family Services Inc.

Youth in communities like Poughkeepsie are facing an escalating mental health crisis, compounded by significant disparities in accessing support. THRIVE: Advancing Mental Wellness for Youth directly addresses this by providing essential behavioral health services. They are dedicated to helping young people overcome the long-term effects of trauma, such as violence, poverty, and food insecurity, which can lead to poor social outcomes and health disparities.

Hudson River Housing

River Haven provides emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth, assisting them as they collaborate with a Care Manager to either reunite with family or find alternative safe housing. The program offers a range of evidence-based Positive Youth Development opportunities and learning experiences designed to help youth heal from past trauma, acquire new skills, and cultivate protective factors essential for healthy development.

Land to Learn

SproutEd in Newburgh & Beacon offers a garden-based educational program specifically for K-2 students. The program involves maintaining school food gardens and providing lessons throughout the school year that focus on nutrition, cooking, plant science, ecology, and food systems. Its curriculum emphasizes experiential, hands-on learning, which allows students to engage in a fun and effective way to build their academic and social-emotional abilities.

Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley, Inc.Book

Buddies works to improve reading proficiency by recruiting volunteers to read individually with 3rd and 4th-grade students who are reading below their grade level. Volunteers are equipped with training on various materials to build students’ reading skills and confidence. Additionally, classroom Book Buddies volunteers engage in dialogic read-alouds, ensuring children have a positive and enriching experience with literature.

NAMI Mid-Hudson Inc.

Ending the Silence (ETS) delivers a powerful presentation to middle and high school students, featuring a certified NAMI lead presenter alongside a young adult who shares their personal story of navigating a mental health condition. This program directly addresses critical concerns including substance/alcohol abuse, suicide prevention, bullying, and the fight against stigma. By sharing these experiences, ETS works to increase awareness, alter perceptions of mental health, and cultivate essential citizenship skills that enable students to support their peers.

Pawling Free Library

Pawling Library’s Children and Young Adult Programs aim to improve social and educational outcomes for children by providing opportunities to learn, play, and interact positively with others. The staff focus on developmentally appropriate programs that utilize kids’ interests to improve the skills that will help them achieve ongoing school and career success. Literacy is a primary focus.

The Art Effect

Spark Studios offers film and media arts instruction to 60 underserved teens (ages 14-19). The program also provides paid work experiences and a safe, after-school environment where participants can acquire valuable technical and workforce skills, access technology, explore creative sector careers, build positive relationships, engage in creative activities and establish community connections.

Vassar College -

Vassar College Urban Education Initiative

The Vassar College-English Language Learners Outreach Program (VELLOP) endeavors to boost the academic success of English Language Learners (ELLs) within the Poughkeepsie City School District, a district challenged by a scarcity of Spanish-speaking teachers. VELLOP tutors, comprised of Vassar students (many of whom are Spanish speakers), work in partnership with teachers to support ELL performance. A total of thirty college students commit as much as eight hours per week to tutoring these schoolchildren.

Warwick Community Bandwagon Inc.

DBA Warwick Valley Community Center

Educational Non Profit

Life Skills for Teens is designed to cultivate internal assets and instill protective factors in teenagers. The program incorporates various prevention, educational, and cultural diversity activities, and supports students as they transition between elementary, middle, and high school. Participants engage in both community service and leadership skill-building initiatives. The program is further strengthened by the implementation of evidence-based environmental strategies and evidence-based/informed programs.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

Goal: Improve access to resources to alleviate short-term financial crisis in order to increase local families’ economic position

Catholic Charities Community Services of Dutchess County

The Financial Stability program provides a vital hotline for neighbors facing crisis and seeking to meet their basic needs. The program prioritizes direct, person-to-person communication, understanding that immediate connection is crucial during difficult times. All calls are either answered live or returned the same business day. Requests for assistance are promptly triaged by their Coordinator and Executive Director, with case managers assigned as appropriate to provide comprehensive support.

Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange, Sullivan, Ulster

The Financial Stability program offers essential care coordination services to help vulnerable individuals and families achieve financial security. They provide crucial support like rental assistance, utility assistance, and financial crisis intervention for challenges such as medical expenses, eviction, or homelessness. By addressing these critical needs, they empower children to thrive and enable families to become more engaged, contributing members of their community.

Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County, Inc.

The Crisis Intervention and Case Management program offers emergency financial assistance to families facing economic hardship. It also provides essential case management support to guide them out of crisis and toward stability. Many families are currently struggling to maintain housing and utility payments as the post-pandemic recovery continues to be difficult and protracted.

Dutchess Outreach

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.

Fearless! Hudson Valley

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

Goal: Increasing annual earnings and workplace advancement of individuals and families in our region

Grace Smith House

Meets Basic Needs helps survivors of domestic violence stabilize their lives. The program provides direct financial assistance to resolve impending financial crises, while also offering the necessary support and services to empower them and their children toward building a solid foundation of financial stability and independence from their abuser.

Hudson River Housing Inc.

Housing Navigator program 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 child care, health care, legal services and other community resources.

Jewish Family Service of Orange County

The Financial Empowerment Program offers a one-time financial aid solution for families and individuals facing temporary financial challenges. Applications are meticulously reviewed by a committee, which evaluates documentation of the short-term circumstance and the applicant’s potential for self-sufficiency post-assistance. Payments are disbursed directly to landlords, utility providers, or for auto-related costs.

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

Income Stabilization and Homelessness Prevention offers 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, Medicare, and Veterans Benefits. The program also provides Emergency Cash Assistance for rental and utility arrears and handles Consumer Law cases. This ultimately stabilizes household incomes at a subsistence level.

Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition

Through the CA$H Coalition Program, low and moderate-income residents receive crucial support with free tax preparation. The program is designed to assist them in identifying and claiming every refund applicable to their personal tax situation.

Goal: Increase access to healthy food for families in our community

Common Ground Farm

The Beacon Schools Food Access program actively works to ensure vulnerable students receive fresh, nutritious food. Each Friday, the program distributes groceries to students, providing essential food for their weekends. Furthermore, it engages families in broader food access initiatives by supplying double-up coupons and market cards for use at the Beacon Farmers’ Market.

Food Bank of The Hudson Valley

The Food for Dutchess & Orange County Feeding Program aims to provide nutritious food to low-income residents of Dutchess and Orange Counties through local food pantries and soup kitchens. The program achieves this by funding lines of credit at the Food Bank for these agencies. This funding covers handling fees for donated food and the cost of purchased food, allowing agencies to serve more people.

Food for Kids

Food For Kids supports an average of 250 students each week within the Washingtonville Central School District’s five buildings. The program offers sufficient provisions to cover two breakfasts, two lunches, beverages, and snacks for the weekend. For extended holiday weekends or school breaks, extra food is distributed. During the summer, the program supplied breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks for a six-week duration.

Newburgh Armory Unity Center Inc.

The Nourish Newburgh project will utilize the educational resources of NAUC to create comprehensive programming designed to overcome long-standing, systemic barriers to nutrition and healthy eating. This initiative will be integrated into an established food distribution program that feeds 500 local families monthly at NAUC, providing mutual benefit to clients of both programs.

North East Community Center

The Food Access Program is dedicated to distributing fresh food across Northeast Dutchess. It operates a food pantry that provides both weekly walk-in service and convenient home delivery. The program partners with farms to ensure the sourcing of fresh foods that align with cultural needs. Food distribution occurs in environments designed to uphold dignity, foster self-efficacy, and offer comprehensive wraparound services. Additionally, the program’s hub actively supports coalition efforts aimed at enhancing the resilience and equity of the regional food system.

HEALTH VETERANS

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

Hudson River Housing, Inc.

VetZero Program aids low-income veterans who are homeless or nearly so, with the primary goal of securing stable housing. It achieves this by providing vital services such as outreach, housing counseling, assistance with upfront housing costs, transportation, benefit support, and service linkages. This enables the program to quickly transition veterans into housing and offer the ongoing support required for them to maintain housing stability.

Pawling Resource Center

The Food Insecurity Program provides a food pantry accessible to individuals and families connected to Pawling/Holmes, NY, whether through residence, employment, schooling, or church attendance. The pantry offers clients access twice a month, with hours from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays (extended to 5 PM on Wednesdays), and from 10 AM to 12 PM on the second Saturday of each month. For homebound clients, food delivery is also available twice a month when requested.

Poughkeepsie Farm Project

The City FRESH program actively works to remove obstacles to healthy food choices, simultaneously encouraging healthy eating and lifestyle habits for youth and families. This is accomplished through providing access to nutritious foods, with a special emphasis on fresh vegetables, and by delivering positive, engaging learning experiences at PFP, PCSD schools, and throughout the community.

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

Legal Services for Veterans & Military Families provides free, comprehensive civil legal services to veterans and military family members residing in Dutchess and Orange County. These services span a range of practice areas, including Public Benefits/Income Stabilization; Housing/Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention, and Intensive STEHP Casework Services (Orange County only); Domestic Violence/Family Law; Disability Law; Elder Law; LGBTQ; and Veterans & Military Families Law.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Crisis Fund

We work with partner agencies to offer one-time grants or direct financial assistance to help individuals facing various emergencies. This can include help with vital medications, bills and other urgent financial needs. This fund helps ensure that children and families have access to their essential needs.

Essential Supply Hub

The Hub is a central location that collects, stores and distributes essential items to local organizations in need. This ensures that resources are efficiently allocated to those who require them most. These items typically include books, baby/youth supplies, household items, clothing, hygiene products, bedding and more.

Hudson Valley 2-1-1 Helpline

A free, confidential, multilingual service to assist the public in finding the answers to a variety of health and human services related questions. It is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Mid-Hudson Valley Community Profiles

Community Profiles is an indicator project and resource that assesses our Mid-Hudson Valley region to quantify strengths and challenges, and help determine priorities and launch community-wide discussions about improving quality of life.

Many Thanks to our members of

Deidre Sepp

SingleCare Pharmacy Savings Card

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is proud to partner with SingleCare to provide community members with access to affordable prescription medications, ensuring greater health and financial stability.

Social Care Navigation

Get immediate support, right from your phone! Our free 20-30 minute phone screening is the fastest, easiest way to connect with the helpful resources and support you need. Individuals are eligible for our services if you’re enrolled in Medicaid and need one or more of the health-related social assistances listed here: nutrition counseling, emergency food, emergency housing, transportation support, metal health support and more.

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. Offstage, I work in the summer at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in Garrison. Thanks to the fabulous team at United Way for putting me to good use!

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.

STRENGTHENING our neighborhoods

CDPHP® is proud to support the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region.

Thank you for all you do to improve lives throughout our community.

www.cdphp.com

Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc.

Capital District Physicians’ Healthcare Network, Inc.

CDPHP Universal Benefits,® Inc.

2026 TALENT UNITED Contestants

Ed Davis Singer/Guitarist

Gregory Liu Singer/Accordianist

Rebecca Raymond Singer

Chris Tomer Singer

Thank you for sharing your talents with your community!

Mia Oberpriller Singer

Hailey Woodruff Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist

Daniel Murphy Bagpiper

Emily Trupia Singer

When you’re ready to make a difference, we’re ready to help

Merrill is proud to support United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region Celebration of Service.

Cassalina, Dolan, Cassalina & Marquis

Marc P Cassalina, CFP® Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor 845.431.2204 marc_cassalina@ml.com

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

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