POUGHKEEPSIE – The Junior League of Poughkeepsie has honored Unshattered and North East Community Center as their 2021 Community Grant recipients. Both organizations will receive $500 to carry out their missions.
“The Junior League of Poughkeepsie is so fortunate to be able to award two $500 grants to our community. While all the applicants are deserving of support, we felt most drawn to supporting Unshattered and the North East Community Center,” said Junior League President-elect Jacqueline Altwerger. The head of the local Junior League added “We are excited to see them put the winnings to good use and help these deserving organizations flourish.”
Founded by Kelly Lyndgaard, Unshattered employs women in recovery and provides pathways toward economic independence and sustained sobriety. Their team creates handbags from upcycled materials such as sets from Broadway shows, retired military uniforms, scrap from premium manufacturers, and more. “An “Unshattered bag is not only an extension of personal style, but it’s also an expression of concern for social justice,” said the Junior League in announcing the grant. Unshattered will be using their grant winnings to fund new equipment for their studio.
North East Community Center (NECC), established in 1988, has expanded over the years to become a highly-respected provider of a wide range of programs and services, addressing needs not only in Millerton and the town of North East but also in surrounding rural towns in northeast Dutchess County. NECC will be funding their Latin Day Festival with their community grant earnings.
Founded in 1919, the Junior League of Poughkeepsie is committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Junior League of Poughkeepsie is a volunteer organization for women interested in making an impact in their community.
The Junior League of Poughkeepsie is a member of The Association of Junior Leagues International, an organization of transformational female leaders who set goals, open their circles, disrupt convention and change the conversation for the betterment of civil society. Today, there are Leagues across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
