News
Children's Home 2011 Newsletter (PDF)
Children's Home 2010 Annual Report (PDF)
NOVEMBER 28, 2011
Contact: Theresa Kerin - 845-452-1420 x155
CHILDREN'S HOME RECEIVES FREE SHOES
This holiday season, the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie was delighted to learn that it would be a Payless Gives Partner. As a Partner, the Children’s Home received 75 - $20 coupons to be used toward children’s shoes at Payless ShoeSource.
In total, the 2011 Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program gave $1.2 million in free shoes to children in need across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Latin America. The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie feels very lucky to be among the organizations included in this year’s program. From the children and staff at the Home, THANK YOU PAYLESS SHOESOURCE!
Please visit www.paylessgives.com to learn more about this wonderful program.
A couple of the boys showing off their new slippers!
SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
Contact: Theresa Kerin - 845-452-1420 x155
THREE RECEIVE AWARDS FROM CHILDREN'S HOME
On September 22, over 200 friends and supporters of the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie came out to honor Associate Board Member Anne Cross, Retired Dutchess County Family Court Attorney Referee Adina Gilbert, and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation who were presented with the Margaret Garrison Race Award. The event was held at Dutchess Golf & Country Club.
This annual event honors the memory of Margaret Garrison Race who left an indelible mark on the Home and on all the residents who were cared for during her remarkable service as executive director. Proceeds from the event are used to improve recreational facilities and programs at the Children’s Home. Children’s Home Executive Director, Walter Joseph said, “The generosity of our supporters has made this year’s Margaret G. Race Awards Reception our most successful event to date. For that, we are truly grateful. “
Anne Cross demonstrated her commitment to children early on. In 1962, Anne was asked by an acquaintance at her church to house one of the girls from the Children’s Home for several weeks during the summer. The next year, Anne welcomed another girl into her family. This marked the beginning of a long and wonderful relationship with the Children’s Home. Anne went on to serve 25 years on the Board of Managers. She has been a tremendous friend to the Children’s Home and continues to serve the Home, quietly and cheerfully, never seeking the limelight, but always available to help.
Adina Gilbert has shown her commitment to children and families for years as a public servant. A graduate of St. John’s University School of Law, Adina went on to serve our communities through a number of roles within the Dutchess County Courts system. Most recently she served as the Family Court Attorney Referee until her retirement last year. Adina is well known and respected by her colleagues and loved by the children whose cases she shepherded through the court system. Her total commitment to helping children and youth have a better future is greatly admired.
Over many decades, Central Hudson as a company and their employees individually has been committed to the communities in which they do business. From raising funds for at-risk children at the Children’s Home, or supporting senior citizens through special programs, to encouraging neighbors to help neighbors in need through their Good Neighbor Fund, or encouraging their employees to become involved in the community, Central Hudson has been a model of corporate responsibility and philanthropy. Linda Harrison accepted the award on behalf of Central Hudson.
1) Honoree Anne Cross poses with Board President, Carol Weber and Children’s Home Executive Director, Walter Joseph as she is presented with the Margaret G. Race Award. 2) Adina Gilbert accepts the Margaret G. Race Award with Board President, Carol Weber and Children’s Home Executive Director Walter Joseph. 3) Linda Harrison of Central Hudson Gas & Electric accepts the Margaret G. Race Award with Board President, Carol Weber and Children’s Home Executive Director, Walter Joseph. 4) Director of Development, Theresa Kerin poses with Jane Whitman.
July 6, 2011
Contact: Theresa Kerin - 845-452-1420 x155
STUDENTS RAISE MONEY FOR CHILDREN'S HOME
On June 23, Fiona Drunkenmiller and Samantha Bott, both students at Saint Denis – Saint Columba School in Hopewell Junction, proudly presented two checks to the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. Fiona and Samantha collected donations from their fellow students by coordinating two separate fundraisers.
The two girls became inspired after watching a video in school about children that grow up in less fortunate situations. They approached the school’s Principal, Sister Kathleen Marie, and explained that they wanted to organize a fundraiser to benefit local children. Sister Kathleen told the girls about the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie and the work that they do to help foster children and their families. The girls decided the Home was a great cause and launched their fundraising campaign.
Their first effort was to put a jar out during the school’s Field Day activities and collect donations from the participants and attendees. Donations started to come in and at the end of the day the girls were able to successfully raise money for the Home. But Fiona and Samantha felt they could still do more. So, the two girls coordinated a second fundraiser, going classroom to classroom throughout the school and soliciting additional donations from their classmates. Again, the girls were successful in their efforts, raising even more money for the Children’s Home.
In total, the girls were able to raise $760 from their classmates to benefit the Children’s Home. Fiona and Samantha personally presented the donation to the Brad Weaver, Development Associate for the Children’s Home, during the School’s end of year ceremony. Brad explained to the girls and their classmates how amazed he was by their efforts saying, “It’s incredibly impressive to see young people doing such amazing things.”
Photo:
Students Fiona Drunkenmiller and Samantha Bott present Children's Home Development Associate, Brad Weaver, with the donations raised through the two fundraisers they coordinated at their school.
June 7, 2011
Contact: Theresa Kerin - 845-452-1420 x155
IBM VOLUNTEERS CREATE CHILDREN'S GARDEN
IBM’s big Day of Volunteering on June 15 to celebrate the company’s centennial got off to an early start last Saturday when a group of IBM volunteers showed up at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie to build an herb and vegetable garden for the children. Under sunny skies, eight volunteers from IBM brought their construction and gardening skills to bear on the 15’ square garden project. IBM chose to celebrate the company’s centennial by inviting employee volunteers from the company to find projects to help not for profits on June 15. But some of the IBM employees have other work or personal commitments on the 15th yet still wanted to help somehow. The Children’s Home had a perfect answer.
The Home proposed a garden project that is the brainchild of Staff Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Lee, Case Worker Mikhaila Simeon, Activities Coordinator Jay McGinnis, and Special Projects Coordinator Peter Fitzpatrick. If funding could be found and the garden created, then the children would be involved in its upkeep and harvesting. Everyone knows that digging in the dirt and making things grow can be great therapy! The Anne Parks Strain Flower Fund of the Community Foundation of Dutchess County provided funding and thus a garden was created.
“We’re so very grateful to the wonderful volunteers from IBM. They were a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, committed group of people who created a lovely, fully-fenced garden that the children can learn to care for and enjoy,” said Dr. Lee. Walter Joseph, the Home’s executive director, agreed. “IBM has been involved with the Children’s Home throughout their history here in the valley” he said. “They are generous, responsive, and have a tremendous variety of skill sets to bring to projects,” Joseph added.
Photo Caption:
IBM volunteers lay out the garden for the Children’s Home. L to R are: Victoria Calero, Arvind Shah, Sheila Appel, Bob Arelt, Christopher Setzer, Patrick Meaney and his daughter Meghan, Michelle Szynal and Jeff Mann.
December 22, 2010
Contact: Theresa Kerin - 845-452-1420 x155
CHILDREN’S HOME RECEIVES REPLICA IN GINGERBREAD
The 700+ students at Myers Corners Elementary School presented the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie with $700 they raised by selling raffle tickets for a huge gingerbread house replicaof the Children’s Home. The winner of the gingerbread house, 6th grader Kristen Chery, donated the house back to the Children’s Home. The very special gingerbread house was made by TerryPerri, who has made smaller houses for the past four years as a benefit for the Children’s Home by the school. She uses all fresh ingredients and the entire house is edible, so the children will enjoy munching it over the holiday. Terry said it took her one week to complete the complicated project. It’s size created special challenges for roof support that would be edible.
Wappingers Central School District Superintendent James Parla joined Myers Corners Elementary School Principal Sydnie Vasquez, the Children’s Home Executive Director, Walter Joseph, and several members of the school’s board as well as the Home’s Board of Managers for the raffle drawing to congratulate the winner. All expressed enthusiasm for the project which teaches children about giving back to the community. “We are very fortunate to have so many friends in the community and especially in the schools. Our children learn that there are many people out there who really do care about them and want to help,” said Mr. Joseph. “This gingerbread house is an amazing work of love and I’m sure our children will enjoy looking at it and then eating it,“ he added.
The photos:
1. Raffle winner Kristen Chery, a sixth grader, with the gingerbread house.
2. LtoR: Children’s Home Board Member Nancy Blose, gingerbread house maker, Terry Perri,
Wappingers Central School District Supt. James Parla, (back row) Children’s Home Exec. Dir.
Walter Joseph with Board members Carol Weber, (front row)Beth Devine and Janet Powers.
October 19, 2010
Contact: Theresa Kerin 845-452-1420 x155
CHILDREN’S HOME HONOREES RECEIVE AWARDS
Nearly 200 community leaders, political dignitaries and friends of the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie came out to help the Children’s Home honor Associate Board Member Margaret Calista and IBM and their employees who were presented with the Margaret Garrison Race Award. The event was held at Dutchess Golf & Country Club on October 14.
Margaret Calista, currently dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Science at Marist College, worked for the Children’s Home in her early years as a social worker, and returned years later to serve as interim executive director upon Margaret Garrison Race’s retirement after 36 years of service. In the late 1980’s Ms. Calista began serving the first of two 9-year terms as a very active member of the Board of Managers for the Home, while she continued her work at Marist College.
In her acceptance remarks, Margaret Calista noted that “every one of those 18 years was filled with good work on good projects. The sense of team work, collaboration and cooperation was exceptional. There was so much to learn and so many ways to contribute. To serve with so many outstanding women leaders has been such an exceptional opportunity.” Sheila U. Appel, Manager of Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs for IBM, accepted the award on behalf of the company and the thousands of employees who have volunteered and supported the Children’s Home over all the decades of their presence in the region. She noted that while the programs for philanthropy within the company are different, the dedication to doing good and encouraging individual employees to volunteer and support their communities has not changed.
From the company’s earliest days in the area in the 1940’s, IBM and their employees have embraced the Children’s Home’s residents and mission, providing dozens of holiday parties, camping and other outings and Easter egg hunts for the children. Their employees gave of their time as well as their financial resources—and continue to do so for the Children’s Home as well as dozens of other not for profits.
This annual event honors the memory or Margaret Garrison Race who left an indelible mark on the Home and on all the residents who were cared for during her remarkable service as executive director.
Photos from Margaret Garrison Race Awards Reception October 14, 2010.
Children's Home Executive Director Walter Joseph shares a moment with Ed Robinson and Gordon Cruikshank of Silver Sponsor Kirchhoff-Consigli Construction Management
State Sen. Steve Saland (a past honoree) with current Board President Sandra Kegan, Executive Director Walter Joseph and Honoree Margaret Calista and Honoree Sheila Appel (accepting for IBM and their Employees)
NY State Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro, State Sen. Steve Saland, Honoree representative for IBM and their Employees Sheila Appel, Children's Home Board President Sandra Kegan, Honoree and Associate Board Member Margaret Calista, and Executive Director for the Home Walter Joseph pose for a photo.
Former Honoree and Associate Board Member Randi Petrovits with Associate Board Member Deborah Gustafson who served on the Honorary Committee
Bridgeway Federal Credit Union Marketing Director Melissa Walsh and Financial Services Representative Kirschen Jerrick
L.to R.:Event Chair Karolyn Osborne, Board member and Vice President of the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce applauds as Honoree Margaret Calista accepts the Margaret Garrison Race Award from Executive Director Walter Joseph and Board President Sandra Kegan
Associate Board Member Mary Bagley and her spouse, David, who is retired from IBM Corporation and served on the Honorary Committee
October 4, 2010
Contact: Theresa Kerin 845-452-1420 x155
NEW BOOK TO BENEFIT CHILDREN’S HOME OF POUGHKEEPSIE
Noted local and nationally recognized child psychologist and author David A. Crenshaw, Ph.D., ABPP has written a book of poetry and prose to benefit the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. The new 57-page book, A Place of Healing and Hope speaks eloquently of the mission of the Home and the challenges faced by both the children who are placed there due to abuse and neglect, and the staff who work to help them heal. Whimsical stories and eloquent artwork by some of the children and anecdotes by staff members are included with Dr. Crenshaw’s inspiring poetry and articulate commentary.
An excerpt from one of the poems, “Honoring Our Unsung Heroes” reads:
“…When children who’ve missed out on the ‘goodies’ of life raise money for the SPCA,
When countless children and teens bear immense suffering with dignity and courage,
When an enraged youth refuses to come inside and his peer brings him a blanket and sandwich, these are our unsung heroes.”
Dr. Crenshaw currently serves as Clinical Director at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. He is the Director and Founder of the Rhinebeck Child and Family Center, LLC, a private practice serving children and families and also providing training and consultation to agencies serving at-risk children. Dr. Crenshaw was recently named Fellow of the American Psychological Association and also a Fellow of the APA Division Child and Adolescent Psychology. He has written numerous books on play therapy and child psychology. He served for many years as Clinical Director at the Astor Home for Children and continues to serve as an officer on their Board. Dr. Crenshaw is also a Faculty Associate of Johns Hopkins University.
A Place of Healing and Hope is available for $10 through the Children’s Home, 10 Children’s Way, off Fulton Street in the Town of Poughkeepsie, or by calling Cindy LaPaitra at the Home: 845-452-1420 x122. The book can be mailed for a total cost of $15, charged to a credit card. All proceeds from the book will support the work of the Children’s Home.
The new book will also be available for sale at the upcoming Margaret G. Race Award’s Reception at Dutchess Golf & Country Club on October 14. Proceeds from this annual event go toward improved recreational facilities and programs for the children. For details and reservations contact Cindy LaPaitra at the number above.
July 19, 2010
Contact: Theresa Kerin 845-452-1420 x155
CHILDREN’S HOME WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS
The Children’s Home Boards welcome seven new members who bring great talent and experience to help govern the Home. Joining the Board of Managers are:
Kitty Adamo graduated from the University of Illinois and had a career in food science research with General Foods before returning to earn her Masters in Library Science. She is currently substitute Reference Librarian at East Fishkill Community Library and also finds time to volunteer in schools and to quilt.
Danielle Marxer graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Therapist serving as Director of Admissions Marketing and Resident Relations at Lutheran care Center in Poughkeepsie. Besides presiding over the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education, Danielle serves on the Rotary, Abilities First and Women’s Leadership Alliance boards.
Gail Sisti has a Masters in Educational Psychology and is a Certified School Psychologist. She has been a school psychologist for 37 years and spent 24 years in the Wallkill School District. She has extensive experience working with children of all ages and developing appropriate programs for troubled youth.
Patricia Jarvis White received her Master of Science from SUNY New Paltz and retired from teaching at the elementary level in Beacon. She has been an active volunteer, serving the Girl Scouts of Dutchess County, New Day Repertory Theatre, United Way of Dutchess County, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and several others.
Michelle Almeida Wohlfahrt earned her JD from NY Law School and recently accepted a new position as an associate at Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP in Poughkeepsie. She serves as 2nd Vice President and co-chair of the Capital Campaign Committee for the board of the SPCA, and is active in Women’s Leadership Alliance.
John Wadlin joins the Board of Counselors. With a law degree from Syracuse Law School, John is a partner with Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner and Martuscello in Kingston. He is an accredited estate planner. John is past president of the Ulster County Bar Association, and past Board Chair for Ulster County Community College. John also rates all golf courses in a 6-county area.
April 26 , 2010
Contact: Theresa Kerin 845-452-1420 x155
ENERGY COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS AT CHILDREN’S HOME OF POUGHKEEPSIE
Twelve members of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce ENERGY Committee helped build a storage shed for the Group Emergency Foster Care (GEFC) program’s South Cottage on Saturday, April 24. Led by Committee member Jim Marcotte, the group showed up bright and early Saturday and followed the directions of local contractor David P. Gilman to construct the 8x10 shed for the Home. The project will allow the Home to convert an attached single car garage at South Cottage into much-needed additional play space.
Jenna Rosenberg, a member of the ENERGY Committee, learned of the need from the program’s director, Malcolm Campbell, several months ago, and offered the group’s help. David Gilman donated his time and talent to order all the materials and prepare the foundation ahead of Saturday’s work group. The GEFC program needs the storage shed to hold the strollers, tricycles and other outdoor toys currently housed in the garage.
“We enjoyed the day very much and this was a new volunteer experience for us,” said Jim Marcotte. “I learned a lot about building a shed” laughed Chamber Liaison Kara DeMaio. “They were just a great group of energetic and committed professionals who gave up an absolutely beautiful day to make this happen” said Malcolm Campbell. “We are so very grateful for their commitment and enthusiasm,” he added.
The GEFC program opened in 2003 and is licensed for 23 beds in three cottages. The program provides temporary services to children from birth to 21 who must be removed from their homes on an emergency basis 24/7, and it has been at capacity for most of the past year. Due to the number of babies placed in care, a room in South Cottage had to be converted to a nursery with three cribs, leaving only a modest living room for play for up to 10 children of all ages who can be housed there.
Other ENERGY Committee volunteers were Jennifer Rosinski, also a Chamber Liaison to the group, Justin Grater, Lisa Reed, Ryan Russell, Mike Carozza, Kim Suarez, Andrew Cueter, Jason Lipka, Marc Chadaba and ENERGY Co-Chair Frankie Castella.
April 22 , 2010
Contact: Theresa Kerin 845-452-1420 x155
CHILDREN’S HOME RECEIVES TREE FROM BNI LEADERS CHAPTER
“It was very thoughtful of this BNI Chapter to bring us such a large and lovely tree,” said Children’s Home Executive Director Walter Joseph. “It will grow and become a beautiful focal point in that area of the campus,” he added. Activities Coordinator Jay McGinnis used the opportunity to involve the children in the tree planting and its care and to learn about Earth Day.
“We wanted to do something good in honor of Earth Day, and what better project to do than plant a tree for the children at the Children’s Home” said BNI member and project leader Mary Ellen Alexander of Realty Stop and Shaklee Products. As a business group, we are also committed to making the community a nicer place in which to live and work, and we believe that the children at the Children’s Home are truly deserving of whatever we can offer.” Joining Mary Ellen at the Home were Mike Warner of Adams and Ron Foster of Foster Flooring.
The BNI Leaders Chapter of LaGrange donated a new pear tree from Adams Fairacre Farms to the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie in celebration of Earth Day. The 13-foot tree is planted on the main campus, near the two Rauscher Cottages and will be visible from most of the buildings on campus.
March 25, 2010
Contact: Theresa Kerin 845-452-1420 x155
Children’s Home Receives Books from Brinckerhoff Elementary 4th Graders
Children’s Home Executive Director Walter Joseph, Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse representative Barbara O’Dea and Hudson River Housing rep. David Glickman pose with the 4th graders.
Fourth Graders taught by Jennifer DiGregorio from Brinckerhoff Elementary School in Fishkill are donating 150 new books they won to the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. The 21 children were winners of Scholastic Books’ National Classrooms Care Challenge. To qualify to win, the children in the class had to read at least 100 books between September and December, 2009. Out of 12,000 national entries, the winning 200 classes each won 500 books to donate to worthy causes. In addition to the donation to the Children’s Home, DiGregorio’s fourth graders are donating some of the books to the Child Abuse Prevention Center and Hudson River Housing. Encouraging reading and helping those less fortunate were the twin goals of the program. “The children just jumped right in and were really motivated to qualify. They enjoyed reading their books and I am very proud of them,” said Ms. DiGregorio. The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie serves at risk children and their families in the Hudson River Region through several programs. “Reading is critical to success in life, so we are constantly encouraging our children to read books,” said Executive Director Walter Joseph. “This is a great donation,” he added. The children at the home range in age from babies to 21 year olds. Photo Caption: Children’s Home Executive Director Walter Joseph, Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse representative Barbara O’Dea and Hudson River Housing rep. David Glickman pose with the 4th graders.
March, 9 2010
Contact: Theresa Kerin 845-452-1420 x155
INNER LIGHT HEALTH SPA BENEFITS CHILDREN’S HOME OF POUGHKEEPSIE
Inner Light Health Spa owners Ann Marie Shirley and spouse Kraig Kallmeyer
Recently the owners of the Inner Light Health Spa hosted a Baby Shower to benefit the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie’s new Young Mothers Program. Owners AnnMarie Shirley and Kraig Kallmeyer, who are expecting their first child, wanted to do something for the girls in the Children’s Home’s new program to help them get the supplies and clothing they need for their new babies. Said Ms. Shirley, “We didn’t need anything for our baby, but my friends wanted to do something, so we thought of this as a way to help young mothers who have less than we do.”
The Children’s Home opened the new program’s cottage in January to assist girls in foster care who become pregnant or are new mothers and need services. Before the cottage opened, there were no programs between Yonkers and Albany for pregnant foster care girls. The program quickly filled to capacity with three girls and two new mothers.
“This wonderful gesture made by AnnMarie, Kraig and their friends at the Inner Light Health Spa to support our residents is truly inspiring,” said Malcolm Campbell, Director of the Young Mothers Program for the Children’s Home. “The amazing outpouring of clothing, bedding, diapers, and other equipment and supplies this shower generated will support the mothers and babies we have and will soon have for some time to come,” added Campbell.
The Inner Light Health Spa is located at 4158 Albany Post Road (Route 9) in Hyde Park. They offer a full line of massage, skin care, makeup, manicure/pedicure and other services including spa party packages for all ages. They can be reached at 845-229-9998 or www.InnerLightHealthSpa.com.
November 9, 2009
Contact: Theresa Kerin 845-452-1420 x155
Children’s HOME Benefits from Generosity of Old Navy
On November 7, a team from Old Navy came laden with food and gifts for the twelve boys in Rauscher East cottage on the campus of the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. Spurred by a corporate donation of $1,000 to use for a charity project, the manager of the Old Navy in the Poughkeepsie Galleria, Christina Minasi, sent her team into the Mall armed with a “wish list” of items needed or desired by the Rauscher boys. Using the donated funds as leverage, they convinced several Mall stores to give discounts to help stretch the funds and provide some unexpected gifts for the children. Ruby Tuesday even supplied dinner for all 12 boys and staff. Besides the gifts from Old Navy, other stores involved included Target, Best Buy, and the Finish Line.
”We had a great time with the boys. They were terrific--so very polite and appreciative,” said Christina from Old Navy. “Amber, Justin, Keith and I had a lot of fun doing this. When we arrived with everything and saw how excited the children were, it was contagious,“ she added.
October 14, 2009
Contact: Theresa Kerin 845-452-1420 x155
CHILDREN’S HOME HONORS TEACHERS
On October 21 in the newly renovated Mair Recreation Center, fully decorated for Halloween, The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie hosted the 72nd annual Teachers’ Open House and presented three teachers with the Gold Star Award.\
This year’s winners were: Andy Bruno from Astor School, Earla Van Kleeck from FDR High School, and Eric Delahoyde from Dutchess County BOCES. Winning students Skyler, Josh, and Nadya read their essays and presented the teachers with certificates and Gold Star Award pins.
A special Gold Star Award was also presented to retiring Hyde Park Central School District Superintendent Carole Pickering for her years of dedication to the district’s children. Retiring Arlington School District Superintendent Frank Pepe will also receive an award but was unable to attend the Open House.
The Teachers’ Open House represents an annual opportunity for the Board of Managers and Staff at The Home to thank the teachers who work with children residing in the agency’s homes, either on the campus at 10 Children’s Way, off Fulton Street in the Town of Poughkeepsie, or at one of the three agency boarding homes in the area. “We really appreciate this opportunity to thank all the teachers and school administrators for their dedication to our children, and to especially recognize three teachers with this award.” said Executive Director Walter Joseph. “This year we got to show off our newly renovated Recreation Center in addition to the great Halloween decorations that are up” he added.
October 7, 2009
Contact: Theresa Kerin 845-452-1420 x155
Children’s Home Honors Three with Margaret Race Award
On Thursday, October 1, The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie honored three local recipients with the Margaret Garrison Race Award at Dutchess Golf & Country Club. The evening was filled with great camaraderie and celebration. Named in memory of Margaret Race, who served as Executive Director of The Home for 38 years, the award celebrates her extraordinary leadership, values and commitment to providing a caring and nurturing environment for at-risk children.
This year’s honorees are Randi Petrovits, Christopher Downey, and Marshall & Sterling Insurance. All have long-standing close relationships with The Children’s Home. Randi served on the Board of Managers for 19 years, including three years as president. She remains a strong advocate for The Home and its young residents. Chris served on the Board of Counselors for 9 years, chairing the Investment Committee for three years. He continues to serve as an Associate Counselor. Chris has also brought other groups to help on work projects and fund raising for The Home’s benefit. Marshall & Sterling has a business relationship with The Home that dates back at least to the 1930’s. In addition, the well-known company’s employees are generous gift-givers to The Home’s residents during the December holiday season, and the company is also financially supportive of The Home’s activities, as well as being well known for its general corporate support of regional charities. John O’Shea, Chairman of the Board for Marshall & Sterling, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
“Each of these recipients not only reflects the strong values and care for children and families so ably demonstrated by Margaret Race, but they also are known for their commitment to the community at large,” stated The Home’s Executive Director Walter Joseph. “We are very pleased they agreed to accept this honor,” Joseph added.
Announcing The Young Mother's Program!
The Young Mother's Program was established to meet a need in the mid-Hudson region. This program is structured to care for young women in Foster Care who are pregnant and/or have a very young child and need residential support services. In addition to a home, these young women receive services and education in a variety of areas including pre- and post-natal care, parenting, medical support, academic support, independent living skills and vocational training. The focus is on empowering these young mothers to reach their full potential by providing resources to enable them to overcome the significant challenges faced by teen-mothers. Currently the closest places for foster girls needing residential maternity services are located in Yonkers or Albany.
The Young Mother's Program assesses the needs of each individual as we strive to ensure a healthy outcome for each young mother and child. In the short term this program provides a safe and secure environment with adult supervision, guidance and emotional support to allow for a successful pregnancy, delivery and development of parenting skills. In the longer term the program is geared toward transition into a Supervised Independent Living Program through skills training, job placement, and encouragement to pursue higher education where appropriate. Program staff strives to help these teen parents develop the tools for full independence and enable them to take responsibility for their families' futures.