A message from the Community Works Committee
December 2, 2021
Dear Vassar Community Members,
The Community Works 21st annual fundraising campaign is well under way. To date we have 77 donors and have raised over $41,000.
We continue to work toward our goal of raising $87,500 from 225 donors from the Vassar faculty, administrative staff, and service employees. Payroll deductions for 2022 must be submitted by December 20th and credit card/check donations must be completed by December 31.
Please support the ten local non-profit organizations selected based upon the nominations of fellow employees. For more information on the grant recipients, please see the list below or visit our website at www.vassar.edu/
All contributions are important no matter the amount.
Sincerely,
The Community Works Committee
John Bradley, Mary Ann Cunningham, Doreen Hammell-Backer, Rose Hartman, Miriam Mahdaviani, Matthew Righter, Nicole Scalessa, Laura Streett, Tracy Wright-Mauer
Organizations Funded Through the 2022 Community Works Campaign
Celebrating the African Spirit will present memorials to celebrate and commemorate the contributions of Africans and their descendants to the building and growth of Poughkeepsie and the Dutchess County region, from the work of the earliest enslaved persons through today. We will collaborate with other organizations and entities to provide opportunities for education and exploration, so that the entire community can learn more about this purposefully neglected and ignored aspect of American history.
The Poughkeepsie High School Teen Closet meets the needs of students where they are—at school. Federal and state programs don't always provide funding for items such as shampoo, sanitary pads/tampons, lotion, socks, underwear, etc...so families may have to do without those necessities, which increases absenteeism and social anxiety among teens. Sometimes the simplest solutions have the most impact and
this organization has had a tremendous impact on the City of
Poughkeepsie students and their families.The Dutchess Land Conservancy (DLC) is dedicated to preserving the scenic, environmental, and agricultural resources of Dutchess County. DLC carries out its mission by obtaining conservation easements on privately held land and monitoring those easements in perpetuity. DLC educates the public on matters of land conservation and stewardship.
Finish Strong is a non-profit organization located in the Family Partnership Building in Poughkeepsie that promotes the strengths and abilities of young people by providing trauma-informed services that empower and enrich them to face life’s challenges with confidence, competence, and dignity.
The Poughkeepsie Farm Project (PFP) located on the Vassar farm has the mission of cultivating a just and sustainable food system for the mid-Hudson Valley. PFP fulfils its mission by growing fresh fruits and vegetables for its Community Supported Agriculture shares, training future farmers, providing hands-on educational programs, and improving access to healthy locally-grown food.
Family Services Community Safety Programs works with individuals who have a history of gun-related, domestic violence, or aggression in their relationships in order to help them learn a healthier approach to the people in their lives and community.
Grace Smith House provides residential and non-residential services to victims of domestic violence and their families. They offer shelter, counseling, transitional housing, advocacy, safety planning, and preventative education to residents of Dutchess County.
Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary rescues domestic animals, farm animals and rehabilitates wildlife. It also runs a low-cost vet clinic with wellness appointments for cats, dogs and a spay/neuter program for cats, dogs, and rabbits.
Dutchess County Pride Center is a safe place for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Dutchess County including LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and their families, and allies to feel comfortable and free to express themselves. Their goal is to support, educate, and advocate through outreach, support groups, and social events.
Rebuilding Our Children and Community (ROCC) provides youth services 5–13 of Dutchess County through year-round programming. In addition to youth programs, ROCC hosts various community outreach events, connecting with over 1,000 families per year.
Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar