Thursday 17th January, 2019 - 2:28pm
Three Capital Region non-profit organizations have joined forces to share resources and serve the community in a larger capacity! This morning, Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region (Girls Inc.), LifePath (formerly Senior Services of Albany), and Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA), cut the ribbon on the newly renovated building at 80 Central Avenue in Albany.
“Turning the challenges of three non-profits into one collaborative community solution has been an incredible journey,” said Ashley Jeffrey Bouck, Executive Director for Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region, an organization providing free after-school and mentoring programs to girls grades K-12. “We’re excited to see our collective vision come to life because it doubles the capacity for Girls Inc. and allows us to serve more girls, particularly in the City of Albany.”
NABA, who assists individuals, who are blind or visually impaired, achieve independence and growth, has owned the 8,300 square foot property for many years. “We had been searching for another non-profit organization to fill the building’s vacancy, “ said Christopher Burke, NABA’s Executive Director, “Bringing all three of us together under one roof, by building out the two unfinished floors of the property, was a great idea that allowed us to maximize the available space.”
“We are thrilled to be part of this innovative collaboration,” said Monika Boeckmann, Executive Director of LifePath, an organization whose mission is keeping our older neighbors and friends healthy and safe by providing effective programs and support to help them stay connected to our communities. “This community center will provide inter-generational programs, evidence-based health education, and a large variety of recreational activities for older adults in the City of Albany. It will be a place to access community resources and provide neighbors with a place to connect.”
With daytime programming for seniors and after-school and evening programming for girls grades K-12, the new community center will now be fully utilized. The shared resources of the three organizations connects their missions, and provides opportunities for intergenerational and non-traditional programming that enriches the lives of children, seniors, and the visually impaired. The collaboration also advances Albany Mayor, Kathy Sheehan’s plan to reduce the number of vacant buildings in the City of Albany.
A capital campaign to renovate the building began in 2017 and is ongoing. “Our tri-nonprofit collaboration has had tremendous support from Capital Region donors and philanthropists who believe in what we’re doing. Without them, none of this would be possible,” said Ashley Jeffrey Bouck.
Mark your calendars
Tuesday 15th January, 2019 - 11:36am
You won’t want to miss our upcoming special events that fund the important mentoring programs we do with girls year round.
30th Annual Dinner & Auction – April 25, 2019 at Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia, 5:30-8:30 pm
5th Annual Fuel Her Fire Awards Celebration – September 25, 2019 at Wolfert’s Roost Country Club. A business luncheon that inspires, this event is now from 11:30 am – 1:00 p.m.
2nd Annual unGala – Giving Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at the location of your choosing!
January Registration
Wednesday 2nd January, 2019 - 9:17pm
Registration for our free Spring 2019 after-school programs will begin in Schenectady on Tuesday, January 8th from 12 pm to 7 pm, and in Albany on Wednesday, January 9th from 12 pm – 7 pm. *Please note that our Albany location has moved to 80 Central Ave!*
Got questions? Call us at (518) 374-9800.
Spring 2019 Registration Packet
Spring 2019 Program Packet – Schenectady
Spring 2019 Program Packet – Albany