Happy Thanksgiving to our cherished clients, loved ones and community members. We hope that you have a safe and fun holiday making memories with those dearest to you.
Our team is especially grateful for the many local nonprofits that work around the clock to provide vital services to our region – even during the holidays. As the season of giving commences, many of these organizations are depending on community support to bring healing, comfort and care to those who need it most. There are many ways to make an impact, including by making a financial donation, volunteering or spreading awareness through your networks.
If you’re looking for a place to start, these organizations are near to our team’s hearts:
Abilities First
Abilities First is a nonprofit organization that provides people who face developmental challenges, and their families, support to attain independence, self-determination, integration and acceptance by others through education, exploration and experience. The organization serves more than 1,400 individuals ages birth through life throughout the Hudson Valley region in day programs, schools, employment training, community habilitation programs and residential services.
To learn more, volunteer or donate, visit https://www.abilitiesfirstny.org
Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts of Dutchess County
Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts of Dutchess County (CARE of DC) is a no-kill, non-profit pet adoption agency located in Wappingers Falls, NY. The shelter protects the welfare of a variety of animals, including stray and abandoned cats and dogs, by providing temporary shelter and medical care, helping them find loving homes, advocating for humane treatment and promoting spaying or neutering to keep stray populations at minimum.
Feldman, Kleidman, Coffey & Sappe LLP’s (FKC&S) Partner Kathryn C. Collins adopted her dog, Pongo, from CARE of DC in September 2020.
To volunteer, apply to adopt or donate money/supplies, visit https://careofdc.org or call (845) 240-4862
Family Services
Founded in 1879, Family Services brings people together to find the support they need, improving their lives and communities, and building a stronger, safer Hudson Valley. The organization’s program areas include behavioral health, victim services, family programs, youth services, community safety and prevention. Last year, nearly 11,000 children, adults and families benefited from Family Services programs in Dutchess, Ulster and Orange counties.
The organization also manages the Family Partnership Center, where the community can come together for conversation and the exchange of ideas, participate in athletics and arts programming and where a variety of nonprofits and related organizations can co-locate and collaborate to offer enhanced services that create real access.
Jeffrey M. Feldman, founding partner of FKC&S, currently serves on the Family Services Board of Directors.
To learn more or donate, visit https://familyservicesny.org
Hudson Valley Hospice
Hudson Valley Hospice’s mission is to enhance the quality of living and provide compassionate care, programs, services and support for men, women and children of Dutchess and Ulster Counties who are facing life limiting illnesses of themselves or of a loved one.
FKC&S founding partner, Jeffrey M. Feldman, currently serves as 1st vice chairperson for the Hudson Valley Hospice Board of Directors and Partner Kathryn C. Collins was recently appointed to the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation Board of Trustees.
To learn more about the organization, or to donate, visit https://www.hvhospice.org
Hudson Valley Young Professionals Toy Drive benefitting Grace Smith House and Community Matters 2, Inc.
The Hudson Valley Young Professionals are hosting a holiday toy drive benefitting Grace Smith House and Community Matters 2, Inc. Running through December 10th, the drive is sponsored by Guardian Self Storage and Foam & Wash Car Wash. Donation boxes can be found at five Foam & Wash locations in Dutchess County, including two in Poughkeepsie, two in Fishkill and one in Wappingers Falls. Only new toys will be accepted.
Grace Smith House is a private nonprofit that provides residential and non-residential services to victims of domestic violence and their families. The organization offers shelter, counseling, transitional housing, advocacy, safety planning, preventive education and more to residents of Dutchess County, NY. Grace Smith House’s hotline is available 24/7 at 845-471-3033 and they accept requests for help regardless of a person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, orientation, age or disability. To learn more or to donate directly, visit https://www.gracesmithhouse.org.
Founded in Poughkeepsie, NY, Community Matters 2, Inc.’s mission is to initiate communal growth by organizing events and establishing programs with local organizations for residents and youth with common goals that spark community engagement. Projects include HOOK (Helping Out Our Kids) Youth Boxing and Mentorship Program, Think Out of Bounds – a digital STEM and creative thinking program, community clean-ups in collaboration with local organizations and more.
To learn more, get involved or donate, visit https://www.communitymatters2.org
The Arc Greater Hudson Valley
The Arc Greater Hudson Valley’s mission is to support people with unique abilities to live as valued and contributing members of the community. Created in January 2021, the organization is dedicated to providing supports to over 2,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Sullivan, Orange and Dutchess Counties. Formerly known as The Arc Sullivan-Orange Counties and The Arc of Dutchess, The Arc Greater Hudson Valley provides innovative, high-quality services including residential services, clinical services, day services, family support services, guardianship services, children’s education services, employment services, recreation, respite and more.
To learn more or give to the organization, visit: https://arcghvny.org
