Rolison and Dutchess Outreach honor volunteers that keep doors open

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Rolison praising Dutchess Outreach volunteers

POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess Outreach, one of the Hudson Valley’s busiest service providers, honored its vital volunteers at a small ceremony on Wednesday.  The ceremony was held in the auditorium of the Family Partnership Center where Dutchess Outreach provides meals, a food pantry, clothing, and other services to those in need.

Dutchess Outreach Executive Director Renee Fillette introduced Poughkeepsie Mayor Rolison, known for his substantial support of the organization, to the honorees and their guests.  “Mayor Rolison and his team were here when the pandemic started, and the Rolison team is still here.,” she said.  “The mayor, his team, and the city have been a tremendous help in our mission to help everyone, even as the need reached unimaginable numbers.”

Dutchess Outreach Executive Director Renee Fillette.

Rolison, now running for the New York State Senate praised the honorees.

“If you didn’t do it, Dutchess Outreach wouldn’t be as successful as they are in helping as many people as possible,” and noted that their dedication was instrumental in helping Dutchess Outreach provide needed services during the COVID pandemic.

“It’s vital that we honor our volunteers because they are, unequivocally, the soul and force behind every program at Dutchess Outreach. We are a team of only 12 employees, but nearly 1,000 volunteers connect with our agency each year,” Fillette said.  “Some have been with us for decades giving generously and selflessly of their time and resources.  We are grateful every day for the compassion and care they bring forth, preparing meals, operating our pantry, working on our urban farm and so much more.”  Fillette, with a successful history of leading community organizations, noted that volunteers are the lifeblood of non-profit providers. “We truly could not do this work without them.”

Former Dutchess Outreach board member and longtime bank executive Brandi Rider, one of the event’s emcees added “Our volunteers are invaluable – they are the life and breath of the organization. Without our volunteers, our doors would be closed,” adding “We cannot thank our volunteers enough for all they do.”




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