For Barb Adams, helping her neighbors is “simply the right thing to do.” As part of the family behind the beloved Adams Fairacre Farms stores located throughout the Hudson Valley, Barb and her husband Pat established a donor-advised fund at CFHV to support causes close to their hearts— education for at-risk children, food security and affordable housing. Through the Foundation’s annual Wish Book, they identify local organizations to support from their family fund.

One of the non-profits they regularly donate to is Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County. The high cost of housing in our area limits the ability of families with limited income to enjoy the security of owning their own homes. Habitat Dutchess builds up to four homes a year as cost-effectively as possible, using volunteer work force, in-kind material donations and support from local tradespersons, as well as supplemental funding from their local ReStore—a retail outlet selling donated household goods at affordable prices.

Habitat Dutchess has special meaning for Barb. Beyond financial support, she’s volunteered in a variety of roles: as a construction volunteer, build captain, repairs volunteer, coordinator for accessibility ramps, administration assistant, events coordinator, ReStore volunteer, and now as a member of the Board of Directors. a themed performance piece that culminates in a special performance at the Philipstown Depot Theater.

“My work with Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County has taught me the value of REALLY getting to know the organizations that I wish to support.”Barb is heartened by the stories people share of their joy upon receiving the keys to the first home they’ve ever owned. She remembers one mother beaming with pride as she boasted about how well her daughter is doing in school. And another occasion when a young man in a wheelchair approached her at Home Depot to thank her once again for helping to build a wooden ramp providing him independent access to his home. Barb’s commitment is rooted in her desire to foster meaningful change in our community—lifting up as many neighbors as she can.