Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley connects people who care with causes that matter.

Childcare is often treated as a private family struggle, but the challenge is far larger than any one household. Reliabl...
06/11/2026

Childcare is often treated as a private family struggle, but the challenge is far larger than any one household. Reliable, affordable early learning helps parents stay in the workforce, helps employers retain talent, strengthens the regional economy, and gives children the foundation they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Our June 1 panel conversation revealed both a system under strain and a region with the knowledge, partnerships, and will to respond. Kicked off by Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and moderated by Jill Gomez, Executive Director of the Poughkeepsie Children's Cabinet, the discussion underscored that progress will depend on coordinated action across sectors.

➡️ Check out a recap here: https://communityfoundationshv.org/news-publications/news/childcare-early-learning-are-economic-infrastructure/

Thanks to our expert panelists— Madeline Henriquez (DAY ONE Early Learning Community), CommissionerSabrina Jaar Marzouka (Dutchess County Government Department of Community and Family Services), and Christopher White (SUNY - The State University of New York)—and to Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation for their partnership.

It was wonderful to welcome current and former trustees to last month’s board meeting for an afternoon of reflection, co...
06/04/2026

It was wonderful to welcome current and former trustees to last month’s board meeting for an afternoon of reflection, connection, and shared commitment to the Hudson Valley.

Today’s impact has been shaped across generations. Trustees help steward more than resources — they help grow relationships, credibility, community trust, and a long-term vision for lasting impact.

“It’s really passing the torch to each other over the last 50 years,” said CFHV Board Chair Robert Cotter. “We’re each standing on each other’s shoulders, the shoulders of giants. And that’s what made it stronger.” We are grateful to our current and former trustees for their leadership, care, and commitment to the Hudson Valley’s future.

Photos: Anita Rice, Elisabeth Giglio, Robert Cotter, Yu-Shin Chen, Kevin Quilty, Mayor Karen Strain Smythe, Benjamin Krevolin, Rebecca Reynolds, CPA, MBA, Laura Washington, Cristin McPeake, John Cina, Linda Clarke, Owen Clarke, Nevill Smythe, Karen Unger

06/02/2026

In addition to helping folks buy homes, Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County partners with homeowners to provide essential repairs that help them remain safe and secure at home.

To celebrate Dutchess Habitat’s expanded service area in Putnam, CFHV staff and fundholder Barb Adams recently lent a hand during a Women’s Build Day — supporting a local homeowner and the kind of neighbor-to-neighbor care that strengthens our region.

🤔 What happens when you ask high school students how to make the Hudson Valley better — and actually listen? You get fr...
05/28/2026

🤔 What happens when you ask high school students how to make the Hudson Valley better — and actually listen?

You get fresh ideas, real talk, and a clearer picture of what the next generation wants for their communities.

As part of CFHV’s ongoing Voices of the Hudson Valley work, students from the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Youth Leadership Program shared their ideas for tackling some of the region’s biggest challenges, including housing, food security, and mental health.

📢 The takeaway? Young people are paying attention — and they have ideas worth hearing.

Read more: https://communityfoundationshv.org/news-publications/news/from-conversation-to-change/

💙 May is National Mental Health Month. Last fall, we held a discussion based on findings from our "Voices of the Hudson ...
05/26/2026

💙 May is National Mental Health Month. Last fall, we held a discussion based on findings from our "Voices of the Hudson Valley" report, which identified mental health as a top regional concern—second only to housing.

The takeaway: lasting progress requires coordination among community members, nonprofits, government, and donors. Building a culture of care means noticing, asking, connecting, and acting.

Thanks again to panel participants: Heather Ann Pitcher (The Brain and Body Coalition , Commissioner Tara McDonald (Ulster County Government Department of Mental Health), Brandon del Pozo, (Brown University and Philipstown Behavioral Health Hub), and Rebecca Pearsall (Philipstown Behavioral Health Hub).

Photo: Philipstown Behavioral Health Hub’s International Overdose Awareness Day observance.

🍎 Celebrate the teachers, leaders, and students bringing big ideas to Hudson Valley classrooms On May 14, his year’s Par...
05/21/2026

🍎 Celebrate the teachers, leaders, and students bringing big ideas to Hudson Valley classrooms

On May 14, his year’s Partnership in Education Awards highlighted more than $60,000 in grants and scholarships supporting projects across Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, and Ulster counties — from 3D printing and adaptive science tools to therapeutic arts education and independent living programs for students with disabilities.

“Teachers who have very tiny budgets are advancing incredible passions and ideas in their classrooms,” said Cristin McPeake, CFHV Senior Vice President of Programs and Strategic Partnerships.

The evening also honored Millbrook High School student Caitlin Hammond with the Dennis J. Markle Memorial Scholarship for her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to environmental justice and education.

As Poughkeepsie Day School Head of School Spiro Gouras shared, CFHV donors “honor innovation and ideas” in education.

Support the next generation of Hudson Valley learners by donating here: https://communityfoundationshv.org/key-initiatives/partnership-in-education/

Which causes will you support during Hudson Valley Gives on May 20? 🌱 Explore the many incredible nonprofits making a d...
05/20/2026

Which causes will you support during Hudson Valley Gives on May 20? 🌱

Explore the many incredible nonprofits making a difference in our region at hvgives.org.

On and all year long, the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is here to help you .

“Philanthropy doesn’t require vast wealth. Even modest donations can make a difference for our neighbors.”— Deacon Bill ...
05/16/2026

“Philanthropy doesn’t require vast wealth. Even modest donations can make a difference for our neighbors.”— Deacon Bill Mennenga, CFHV Fundholder

May is National Affordable Housing Month, though the issue remains top of mind for many families year-round. Deacon Bill Mennenga has long championed the belief that stable housing builds a stable society. Through his donor-advised fund, he has become a passionate and consistent supporter of RUPCO's housing initiatives, helping families across Ulster County access safe, affordable housing.

Read more: https://communityfoundationshv.org/donor-stories/deacon-bill-mennenga-addressing-the-critical-issue-of-housing-through-philanthropy/

How can childcare policies and solutions strengthen families and the Hudson Valley’s economy? Childcare is becoming incr...
05/14/2026

How can childcare policies and solutions strengthen families and the Hudson Valley’s economy?

Childcare is becoming increasingly scarce, expensive, and strained across the region. When families can’t access reliable care, workforce participation drops, talent pipelines weaken, and economic growth slows.

Join us at Vassar College on June 1 at 8:30 am for a conversation on the policies, partnerships, and programs shaping the future of childcare and early childhood systems in the Hudson Valley — from labor force participation and retention to kindergarten readiness.

The panel of regional leaders includes:

Jill Gomez, Executive Director, Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet
Madeline Henriquez, Executive Director, DAY ONE Early Learning Community

Sabrina Jaar Marzouka, JD, MPH, Commissioner, Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services

Chris White, Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Upward Mobility, State University of New York (SUNY)

Presented in partnership with the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation. Free with RSVP: https://communityfoundationshv.org/events/voices-childcare-panel/

Address

25 Van Wagner Road
Poughkeepsie, NY
12603

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18454523077

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley:

Shortcuts

Share

Category