Schlobach Fund invests in organizations and programs to meet needs of access, service
 
Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announces grants totaling more than $140,000 to invest in quality of life for Dutchess residents experiencing poverty. Through the Jeannette F. Schlobach Fund, these awards will support programs that promote economic stability, create access and opportunity.
 
“The Foundations is proud that Mark Dennis, CPA entrusted us to steward Mrs. Schlobach’s generosity and community dedication,” said March Gallagher, President & CEO of the Community Foundations. “Her interest in making life better for those she would never meet demonstrates the charitable spirit of our community. By transferring her trust to the Foundations, her vision will continue to enhance the work our local nonprofit partners do.”
 
One such grant was made to Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) to underwrite their work serving veterans and their families. At a ceremony for recipient organizations on April 17^th, Legal Services shared the story of a recent victory they achieved for an Afghanistan Veteran. Lawyer Solomon Chouicha represented a service member who returned to Dutchess County with PTSD. “In an effort to return to the workforce, he attended a local job fair where he suffered a serious anxiety attack. After assessment from the VA he was determined to be 70% disabled, and unable to work,” Chouicha stated.
 
“He was taking turns sleeping on his mother’s and brother’s couches, and unable to sustain himself. The veteran then applied for social security and was denied. That’s where LSHV was able to assist him. With an appeal, we were able to secure a livable income so that someone who sacrificed for his country could independently live in his community with dignity.”
 
“The work Legal Services provides to the community is invaluable,” said Gallagher. “We are proud to support their work and all of this year’s grantees whose projects will make a tangible difference in the Hudson Valley.”
 
This year the Schlobach Fund awarded the following organizations: Art Effect, Barrett Art Center, Boys & Girls Club, Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Community Family Development, Dutchess Community College, Harriet Tubman Academic Skills Center, Jewish Social Action Coalition in Partnership with S.F. Morse Elementary, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Mediation Center of Dutchess County, North East Community Center, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie Coming Home Re-entry Project and Walkway Over the Hudson.