Throughout March, Jersey Mike's customers can round up their order and make donations at the register or through the Jersey Mike’s mobile app.
The campaign will culminate with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 27, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100% of the day’s sales – not just profit – to CAPTAIN CHS!
With the support and initiation from the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Leap of Kindness Day was invented with the intention to inspire members and community to use their extra day to do something kind for someone else.
We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the donors who have generously contributed their time, talents, and treasures to helping others in our community:
Alpine Sport Shop matching donations of hats and socks for every item sold
Volunteer Keith from SEDC, retired teacher Dennis, Bethany from Ace Handyman, and retired teacher Patricia supporting Cheryl's Lodge Homework Help program
Your kindness and compassion have made a meaningful impact, and we are truly grateful for your support! Let's keep leaping into kindness together!
🥂 The Event of the Summer: An Unbridled Affair Gala
Join us on Thursday, July 18th from 6:00pm-10:00pm at Prime at Saratoga National Golf Club for this year's An Unbridled Affair Gala!
As one of the premiere events of the Saratoga summer, I hope that you will join Honorary Chairs Tom and Karen Bellhouse, and Co-Chairs Denise Desmond and Belinda Kucharski as we will dine and delight while mingling with friends and special guests from the world of Thoroughbred Racing,
We’ll honor Jeff and Kara Haraden of Mohawk Honda, a couple dedicated to the betterment of our community through support of our programs and services, particularly our Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter. We’ll also honor award-winning 2023 Horse of the Year, American Thoroughbred Cody's Wish.
As a special treat for 2024, enjoy an incredible conversation, Honoring Our Heritage; Transforming for the Future with CAPTAIN CHS Founder Dr. Bill Long and Bill Casey, another longtime volunteer, supporter, and former Interim Executive Director and Board President.
Discover the inspiring narratives that your generosity has facilitated, featuring remarkable change-makers: Chad and Brittany Gregory, proud proprietors of Next Generation Roofing, Siding, and Paving; and Danielle Darrow, currently serving as a staff attorney at a local legal aid office dedicated to supporting low-income families. Their empowering stories showcase the tangible impact of your support, illustrating how it has fueled transformations in lives and communities alike.
We hope to make this year’s Gala the most spectacular and successful ever with Saratoga National’s award-winning golf course offering unsurpassed views and world class cuisine in an open-air tent. Of course, we’ll also have new and exciting items for our auction and raffle, entertainment by J Yager and Chris Dollard, a captivating program emceed by Spectrum News 1 anchor, Dan Bazile, and many more surprises!
❕ Volunteer Mentor Kathy Chapman Named One of Hannaford's 20 Outstanding Women!
We're so excited to announce that our esteemed Family Mentoring volunteer, Kathy Chapman, has been selected as one of Hannaford's "20 Outstanding Women!"
Join us in honoring and celebrating the relationship between the Care Links Volunteers and Care Receivers at the most exciting Senior Services social event of the year - filled with laughter, fun, and a great deal of love!
This year's annual dinner show, themed A Care Links Wedding, includes a special presentation: "Care Links Volunteer of the Year" and "Golden Inspiration" Awards.
Dine and dance to the music ofMaddalone Entertainmentwith Nick, Zack and Terra while mingling with your friends and our special guests, the Care Receivers and Volunteers of Care Links.
🏡 North FEASST Initiative Eases Path to Affordable Housing for Vulnerable Families
The North FEASST group, in collaboration with member CAPTAIN CHS' Family Assistance Program, has taken decisive action to tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing in Saratoga County. Through concerted efforts with individuals and families, the formidable obstacle of security deposit affordability has been overcome, enabling dozens to secure their own apartments.
“Back in October 2023, we learned that a local affordable housing project had completed renovations on dozens of units,” shared Andy Gilpin, CAPTAIN CHS Executive Director. “Coincidentally, we recognized a significant number of individuals on the wait list for this project were those experiencing true homelessness – many living in a shelter, in vehicles, and even on the street. With a subsidized rent program already in place, the remaining issue for many was affording the security deposit and we could not miss this unique opportunity to combat local the housing crisis and provide a brighter future for many residents.”
Despite the existence of a subsidized rent program to reduce the burden of monthly payments, the requirement of full security deposits for each unit posed a significant challenge, particularly for individuals grappling with poverty and homelessness. While some new tenants managed to cover these costs through personal means or existing assistance programs, many others found themselves in desperate need of support to secure stable housing.
According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, security deposits can be one of the largest barriers to accessing affordable housing. Individuals who are homeless face serious challenges obtaining employment, accessing services, and saving for up-front housing expenses such as security and move-in costs.
“The North FEASST group, comprising faith-based and agency-based members committed to addressing homelessness, really stepped it up and rallied together,” continued Gilpin. “Recognizing the imperative of providing housing for vulnerable individuals, the group embarked on a determined quest for funding to meet the substantial $29,000.00 required for security deposits.”
Through a coordinated effort, North FEASST members pooled resources and pledged financial support for each individual case, ensuring that the necessary assistance was provided to those in need. CAPTAIN CHS facilitated the client intake process, liaised with the landlord, and managed all required paperwork, streamlining the assistance process. Thanks to the collective efforts of the North FEASST group and the cooperation of the landlord housing office, all new tenants were successfully accommodated by December 12, 2023.
“We were so happy to hear from CAPTAIN that so many clients were now in housing and had a safe place to live. It has been a pleasure being a part of such a worthy endeavor,” shared Dawna Miczek, Outreach Coordinator at St. Clement’s Church.
“This achievement underscores the transformative power of community collaboration,” added Gilpin. “By joining forces, this coalition of dedicated agencies has demonstrated that together, we can achieve what no single entity could accomplish alone. Through shared resources, expertise, and unwavering commitment, this group has not only provided homes but also instilled hope and stability in the lives of those in need.”
Join the CAPteens on Thursday, April 25th, beginning at 5:00pm at the Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library (475 Moe Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065) for a conversation about underage vaping and drug use.
This program is held in partnership with CAPTAIN CHS and Shenendehowa CSD. Stay tuned for more information!
