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January 2025 eNewsletter
Friends and supporters,
Thanks to you, this year's Annual Appeal raised $177,323!
If we could shout our thanks from the rooftops, we would—and it still wouldn’t be enough to express our deep appreciation. Because of your generosity, children, families, and seniors are continuing to receive the essential services they need through over 30 programs and services.
But wait—there’s even more to celebrate...
Thanks to you, we were one of the winners of this year's Times Union Capital Region Gives campaign!
This victory means that the advertising dollars we’ve earned will amplify our reach, helping us connect with even more people in need, as well as new supporters and volunteers who believe in our mission of lifting lives and building brighter futures.
Looking back, 2024 was filled with incredible moments made possible by your unwavering support. While we’re excited to share these stories with you soon, for now, we invite you to scroll down and see what your generosity accomplished in 2023—and catch a glimpse of what’s on the horizon for our community.
Thank you for being the heart of everything we do.
Andy Gilpin Executive Director
🎁 Spreading Joy: Toys for Toga
The magic of the holiday season came alive once again through Toys for Toga 2024, a cherished annual tradition that embodies the spirit of giving in our community. This year’s campaign brought together neighbors, businesses, and volunteers with one shared mission: to ensure every child experiences the joy of the holidays, no matter their circumstances.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, Toys for Toga collected hundreds of toys and gifts that were distributed to local children in need. From cuddly stuffed animals to board games and art supplies, each item brought a smile to a child’s face and hope to their family during what can often be a challenging time.
The campaign’s success is a testament to the power of community. Local businesses hosted collection boxes, volunteers worked tirelessly to sort and distribute donations, and families contributed with open hearts. Together, we made sure that the magic of the holidays reached every corner of our region.
Toys for Toga isn’t just about gifts—it’s about spreading love, kindness, and the message that no one is forgotten. To everyone who participated, donated, or shared the word, thank you for helping us make this holiday season brighter for so many.
Here’s to continuing this wonderful tradition and bringing even more joy in the years to come!
Thank you to all of the donors and sponors this year!
👏 Service, Strength, and Compassion: Our Leader, Andy Gilpin
We’re thrilled to share this incredible article celebrating our exceptional leader, Executive Director Andy Gilpin, featured in Clifton Park Neighbors - Best Version Media.
As a team, we can wholeheartedly say this piece beautifully reflects the true essence of Andy – a leader whose passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment inspire us daily. His vision drives us to work harder and dream bigger as we continue building brighter futures for our community.
💪 Building a Stronger, More Compassionate Community
While we prepare our report for 2024, we look back on 2023 with pride and gratitude for the incredible strides your support has made in uplifting our community. Through the unwavering dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters like you, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones that showcase our shared commitment to making a difference.
Housing Stability through the Solutions to End Homelessness Program
This year, we helped prevent homelessness for 65 households across Saratoga, Fulton, and Montgomery Counties. This achievement underscores the life-changing impact of our Solutions to End Homelessness Program and our dedication to ensuring housing stability for all.
Forever Homes through the Permanent Supportive Housing Program
In Fulton County, we celebrated the launch of our new Permanent Supportive Housing program. Thanks to this initiative, two individuals with disabilities who faced chronic homelessness now have permanent housing and ongoing rental assistance, offering them a safe and stable future.
Empowering Seniors through the Care Links Program
Our Care Links Program continued to grow in impact, highlighted by hosting the successful “Here Come the Boomers” event. This gathering brought together over 125 community members to address critical issues such as transportation, caregiving supports, and aging in place, strengthening support for our seniors.
Celebrating 25 Years of the Youth Shelter
The year 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of our Youth Shelter—a milestone that reflects decades of dedication to helping young people in need. We remain committed to ensuring every young person has a safe place to turn to during life’s challenges.
Record-Breaking Success at the An Unbridled Affair Gala
Our An Unbridled Affair Gala was a shining highlight of 2023, raising over $160,000—our most successful gala to date! This achievement reflects the incredible generosity and unwavering support of our community.
These accomplishments, and so many more detailed in this year’s Annual Report, speak to the resilience of our community and the profound impact we’re making together. We are deeply grateful for your support, which fuels our mission and helps us create meaningful change in the lives of those we serve.
Together, we are building a brighter, more compassionate future. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.
⛄ Comfort, Joy, and Lifelong Memories at the Youth Shelter
This past holiday season, the Youth Shelter was brimming with warmth, laughter, and joy—both inside and out—thanks to the incredible generosity of our community.
Your support made it possible for the youth at our shelter to enjoy a variety of unforgettable activities, including visits to Animal Land, Winterland at the Altamont Fairgrounds, Regal Cinema, Sky Zone, and Strike Zone.
From wandering through dazzling light displays to watching their favorite movies, from friendly bowling competitions to the adrenaline rush of laser tag and the pure joy of trampoline adventures, these experiences brought moments of happiness and connection during the holiday season.
Our dedicated staff and the amazing youth we serve have been able to create beautiful, lifelong memories—moments that remind us all of the power of kindness and community. Thank you for helping us make this holiday season truly magical!
✍ Celebrating 21 Years of Free Tax Assistance with the VITA Program
For more than two decades, CAPTAIN CHS has proudly operated the Volunteer Income Assistance (VITA) program, offering free tax preparation services to income-qualified individuals, families, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers across the Capital Region.
The VITA program, an initiative of the IRS, connects individuals with certified volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to ensure accurate income tax return preparation and electronic filing—all at no cost to eligible participants.
Now in its 21st year, CAPTAIN CHS’s VITA program continues to make a meaningful impact. Each year, IRS-certified volunteers donate countless hours to complete tax returns for over 500 households, helping families maximize their refunds and navigate the often-complicated tax process with ease.
If your annual income is under $67,000, you may qualify for this free service.
Review the instructions and scroll down to access CAPTAIN CHS’s appointment calendar.
If you need assistance booking, friends or family members can help you schedule your appointment.
Have questions? Contact us at 518-371-1185 x105, and we’ll be happy to help.
This vital program wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and the continued support of the community. Together, we’re ensuring that tax season is less stressful and more manageable for hundreds of families across the region. Thank you for helping us continue this important work!
🦸♀️ Honoring Heroism and Humanity: The 60th Annual Four Chaplains Memorial Service Honor CAPTAIN CHS Staff Member Melanie Puorto Conte!
We’re thrilled to celebrate Melanie Puorto Conte, the recipient of the 2025 Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award! Her extraordinary work with vulnerable youth, combating human trafficking, and empowering women and children has made a lasting impact in our community. Congratulations, Melanie, on this well-deserved recognition of your dedication and leadership!
Check out the photos from this year's Volunteer Appreciation Dinner! We had such a fabulous time celebrating all that our volunteers make possible and the incredible impact they have on our community!
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