United Way of Dutchess County Testimonials

Testimonials

Raising a Reader
Teaches children ages 0-6 and their parents about the importance of literacy.

"It's so important for parents to understand that they have a critical role as their child's first teacher. This program provides parents with tools they can easily use to encourage their child's development of words and language."

--Margaret Keefe, Coordinator of Youth Services
for the Mid-Hudson Library System

River Haven
Shelter, services and counseling for runaways and youth in crisis.

"Some children who come to us don't want to run away from home, but their home life is comething they just can't handle anymore. Other families are in a crisis situation such as a parental illness, and the teen may need to be out of the home for only a short period. Each situation is unique and while some require little intervention, others may require ongoing counseling and hard work to put the family back together."

"Many of our young people and their parents find that their brief time part allows them to gain new insights and re-kindle deeper feelings--feelings that can be momentarily lost in the heat of an argument or crisis. This enables them to work things out with the help of a River Haven counselor, who seves as mediator."

--Pat Kellett, Director of Youth Services for Hudson River Housing

"We develop a strong level of mutual trust with our kids and they feel comfortable coming to us with all kinds of issues. It's gratifying to know that our approach is working and reaching them when they need it most."

--Jocelyn Johnson-Kearney, Case Manager

Child Advocacy Center
Aid for child victims of abuse and their families (legal advocacy, counseling, and other services).

"This is a vital program in our community that allows the child to tell the story of abuse only once in a child-friendly setting. Our multi-disciplinary approach to investigation and prosecution of abuse spares the child from re-victimization and helps them begin the healing process."

--Catherine Hexel, CAC Team Leader and Executive Director
for the Child Abuse Prevention Center

Pawling Transportation/Driver Pool
Volunteers transport seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping.

"This service provides seniors with more than just the transportation they need. It also creates an opportunity for them to have some social time by interacting with our volunteers, many of whom are seniors themselves. For many, this service may be their only outside contact in an otherwise lonely week."

--Reverend Russ Feroe, Board Chair for PCRSC

	Testimonials Raising a Reader Teaches children ages 0-6 and their parents about the importance of literacy. "It's so important for parents to understand that they have a critical role as their child's first teacher. This program provides parents with tools they can easily use to encourage their child's development of words and language." --Margaret Keefe, Coordinator of Youth Services for the Mid-Hudson Library System River Haven Shelter, services and counseling for runaways and youth in crisis. "Some children who come to us don't want to run away from home, but their home life is comething they just can't handle anymore. Other families are in a crisis situation such as a parental illness, and the teen may need to be out of the home for only a short period. Each situation is unique and while some require little intervention, others may require ongoing counseling and hard work to put the family back together." "Many of our young people and their parents find that their brief time part allows them to gain new insights and re-kindle deeper feelings--feelings that can be momentarily lost in the heat of an argument or crisis. This enables them to work things out with the help of a River Haven counselor, who seves as mediator." --Pat Kellett, Director of Youth Services for Hudson River Housing "We develop a strong level of mutual trust with our kids and they feel comfortable coming to us with all kinds of issues. It's gratifying to know that our approach is working and reaching them when they need it most." --Jocelyn Johnson-Kearney, Case Manager Child Advocacy Center Aid for child victims of abuse and their families (legal advocacy, counseling, and other services). "This is a vital program in our community that allows the child to tell the story of abuse only once in a child-friendly setting. Our multi-disciplinary approach to investigation and prosecution of abuse spares the child from re-victimization and helps them begin the healing process." --Catherine Hexel, CAC Team Leader and Executive Director for the Child Abuse Prevention Center Pawling Transportation/Driver Pool Volunteers transport seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping. "This service provides seniors with more than just the transportation they need. It also creates an opportunity for them to have some social time by interacting with our volunteers, many of whom are seniors themselves. For many, this service may be their only outside contact in an otherwise lonely week." --Reverend Russ Feroe, Board Chair for PCRSC		Top 10 Reasons to Invest in United Way of Dutchess County What exactly does United Way of Dutchess County do with my investment?