The summer has kicked off to a great start for the AFF team, with many exciting announcements, grants, and visits already happening and more to be expected over the next couple months.
Directors Nick and Fran with CPCA leaders and staff.
Earlier in June, Directors Fran and Nick visited the Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, located in Poughkeepsie and a multi-year AFF grant recipient. CPCA is a nonprofit that offers Personal Safety Programs in many Dutchess County schools, as well as runs a Child Advocacy Center that provides resources and a safe space to children and their families. Fran and Nick had a great time meeting with their incredible staff and learning more about the important work they do for children across the county.
From time to time our Directors have the opportunity to apply for AFF Director grants. Director Jen was able to extend her previous grant to the Backpack program, which was working in collaboration with Red Hook Harvest. Director Sophie applied for a grant on behalf of Fiesta Youth, a nonprofit in San Antonio, Texas, that serves LGBTQIA+ youth, their families, and allies. Their goal is to empower young people to build a future where all people are accepted, affirmed, and loved as they are. The AFF grant will support Fiesta Youth’s new robotics program, which will kick off this summer!
We had the honor of awarding two more Ascienzo Family Foundation Scholarships to graduating Red Hook High School seniors: Lauryn Menz and Michelle Salas. Congratulations to Lauryn and Michelle, as well as last year’s recipients Cassy, Ava, and Lucia, who all received second year extensions of their scholarships.
And huge congratulations is also in order for Sophia Lawder, AFF intern who graduated from Bard College in May. Sophia has been our intern for the last two and a half years and become a part of the AFF family! We wish her all the best in the start of her post-grad career and adventures.
As always, please keep in touch! We’d love to hear what you’re up to, how we can help support you or organizations you admire, or how you’d like to be more involved with the AFF. If you know of anyone who may be a good candidate for joining our next Ambassador cohort, please send that name our way!