Every day we’re working to meet the needs of individuals who require social assistance, access to commodity foods, workforce training, or clean wastewater systems. Since 1969, we’ve been here with solutions to improve the quality of life for all who call the Purchase Region home.
Jeff Turner grew up in Texas loving low-rider bicycles and skateboards. He was an active kid who loved being outside. When he graduated high school, his mother suggested he consider going to college or going into the military. Knowing that he didn’t want to go to school, he enlisted in the Navy. At 18 years…
At 29 years old, Sarepta Elliott knows life doesn’t always go the way you plan. She knows that things will happen and they will interrupt your dreams. She knows it takes hard work to be successful. Along her journey to earning an associates degree in dental assisting, she’s had setback after setback. But she never…
This spring, hundreds of area residents will walk across stages and collect their college degrees. It is a proud, life-altering moment. A moment that perhaps more precious when you’re someone who decided to return to school beyond the typical age, outside the typical reasons, wanting to build and to achieve more than a typical life.…
The PADD celebrates the contributions of its Human Services Division during National Social Work Month. Each year, the National Association of Social Workers celebrates social work professionals confronting some of the most challenging issues facing individuals and families. Social work is defined as a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion,…
When he arrived in Germany in 1951, William Musser was 17 years old. Technically the countries were still at war. While fighting had ended in 1945 with VE Day, it wasn’t until October 24, 1951, that Truman proclaimed the war with Germany over. William was sent to the American Occupation Zone in the Bavarian city…
Not all heroes wear capes or uniforms. Some wear blue jeans. Jerry Chambers is one of those heroes. He has spent the last 22 years caring for his son against overwhelming odds. In the spring of 1993, Gerald “Ratt” Chambers was six weeks from graduating high school. He hunted, fished, and worked after school for…
Each year, more and more Americans are caring for a loved one with a chronic condition, disability, or the frailties of old age. November is National Family Caregiving Month. With the number of family caregivers growing every year, including millions of our nation’s Veterans – we recognize the importance of the role that family caregivers play. Duncan…
