In Review: Golden Hill, SNAP, Schumer Highlight Busy Quarter

Family of Woodstock Ramps Up Services Amid Economic Crunch, Celebrates Golden Hill Opening, and Meets with Sen. Chuck Schumer

As we head into Winter, it’s worth noting that the past couple of months have been busy here at Family of Woodstock. Given current economic conditions, the demand for our programs has never been greater, and our staff have been hard at work serving those in need. We’ve also been increasing our community outreach and engagement, and welcoming support from individual donors and businesses.

Supporting Domestic Violence Services

In October, domestic violence awareness month, we held a Fall Harvest Dinner and Art Auction at Diamond Mills in Saugerties to financially bolster our domestic violence services. We had a great turnout, delicious food, and wonderful art from local artists as well as music from award-winning pianist Jeremy Baum. The event raised more than $20,000 and by all accounts was a success! But more needs to be done.

In the U.S., one in every four women has experienced some form of domestic violence or sexual abuse. For men, it’s one in every seven. Ulster County is not immune to these issues, which is why we support survivors and their children every day of the year. Family operates the county’s only domestic violence shelter, provides virtual and in-person counseling, housing assistance and case management services. The funds raised through the Harvest Dinner and private donations will help keep these programs running and helping.

Golden Hill Opens

In mid-November, Family and it’s development partner Pennrose Development hosted the grand opening of the Golden Hill Apartments, a new 164-unit affordable housing complex in Kingston. The $87 million project transformed the 20-acre former Ulster County Jail site into an all-electric, multi-generational community for families, seniors, and those needing supportive services.

Kudos to Michael Berg, our executive director, whose vision for the project serves as a model for how to address the housing problems so many people are struggling with in Ulster County. The completion of the project contributes to the NNYS Governor Hochul’s $25 billion, five-year Housing Plan, which aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

To see a video of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, CLICK HERE.

Share Your Childcare Challenges Story

Speaking of Golden Hill, Family of Woodstock is opening the Seedling Child Care Center at the site in early 2026. It will be open 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and serves children from six weeks to five years old. The center will operate two shifts, making it convenient for parents who work evening shifts such as hospital workers, employees of law enforcement, and restaurant staff. There are a limited number of spots available. To put your name on the list to be contacted, please, CLICK HERE.

In the meantime, Family knows that childcare is a huge challenge for many working families. We want to hear your stories. We will share them (without disclosing your name) with the public, government officials and policy makers to advance a safe, affordable, and high-quality early care and learning system for families, providers, and communities. To share your story, contact Kerry Wolfeil, kwolfeil@fowinc.org, or 845-532-4143.

Spotlighting SNAP with Sen. Chuck Schumer

Earlier this month. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer visited Family of Woodstock’s New Paltz center to discuss cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under the a bill created by the current administration, federal elected officials are looking to cut the program by $186 billion over the next decade. In November, the SNAP program was temporarily suspended leading to huge spikes in people visiting Family’s and other regional food pantries for basic food staples. Though the program was restored, it was clear that the proposed cuts would have a heavy, detrimental impact on families needing food to survive.

Family was honored to be a part of a candid, informed discussion. Representing the Agency were Michael Berg, Executive Direct and Paul Rakov, Deputy Director. Joining the round-table discussion were New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, representatives of the Hudson Valley Regional Food Bank, New Paltz elected officials and others. To read more about the visit, CLICK HERE.