Making the Holidays Brighter for Many Through Community Giving

Since Giving Tuesday is upon us, we hope today’s story will inspire giving gifts that keep on giving well beyond the ho-hum of mass-produced items for the holidays. Let’s focus on how we can celebrate and help the nonprofit organizations that so generously support our communities through family support, advocacy, abuse prevention, low-income housing, food banks, mental health support, social services, and legal aid. We invite you to donate to some of these incredible programs for yourself or on behalf of loved ones (your contribution will be tax-deductible.) Thankfully, even small contributions go a long way to meet the ever-rising need, proving yet again that big things can come in small packages. Let’s kick this off with a quote on the subject of giving:

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”

– H. Jackson Brown Jr.

And now, with no further ado, INSIDE+OUT Upstate NY is proud to present the following Hudson Valley organizations. It is by no means a complete list; just a meager compilation of our local heroes committed to supporting families and flourishing communities for all. Thank you, neighbors + friends, for keeping the hope lantern burning bright by providing essential services, emergency support and long-term solutions for our vulnerable populations. We love you!

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Family of Woodstock  | Woodstock, Kingston, New Paltz + Ellenville NY |  @familyofwoodstock
Born from the spirit of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, FAMILY of Woodstock has grown into a cornerstone of community support, offering over 20 life-changing programs. Starting with the single longest-running 24-hour volunteer hotline, it serves the community through Walk-In Centers in Kingston, New Paltz, Ellenville and Woodstock. Guided by their motto, “Anything Under the Sun,” FAMILY addresses a wide array of needs, embodying the essence of care and connection. They provide services ranging from child care, food security, suicide prevention, domestic violence support (link here), legal and youth services to housing assistance and are currently building 164 units of new affordable housing + more! Read our interview HERE.

Grace Smith House | Poughkeepsie NY |  @gracesmithhouse
Grace Smith House is dedicated to providing emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence. Their programs offer safe housing, advocacy, and counseling to help individuals rebuild their lives free from abuse.

Seasoned Gives | Kingston NY |  @seasonedgives
Founded by the power-duo, Tamika and Martinique Dunkley, the mission of Seasoned Gives is to create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and social injustice through education, ownership, and self-sufficiency. They focus on educating, incubating, and promoting ownership and entrepreneurship within marginalized and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities, as well as among women. By paving pathways to resources, they emphasize that economic equity is not only vital but often underestimated in the pursuit of justice. Read our interview about the co-founders HERE.

Food Bank of the Hudson Valley (aka Regional Food Bank) | Hudson Valley NY | @foodbankneny

The Regional Food Bank works hard to fight hunger and cut down on waste by sharing donated food and everyday essentials with over 1,000 local programs across 23 counties. From farmers and grocery stores to schools and shelters, they make sure folks in need—like kids, seniors, and hardworking families—get the help they deserve. Stretching every dollar to provide up to four meals, they’re all about neighbors helping neighbors and making our communities stronger. Read our article about a local business dedicated to working with this organization to help feed the community during Thanksgiving and beyond HERE.

The Reservoir Food Pantry | Boiceville NY |  Facebook
The Reservoir Food Pantry in Boiceville provides nutritious food and essentials to families in need across the Ulster County area. They aim to alleviate food insecurity by offering free groceries and fostering community connections for those facing economic hardship.

Ulster County Habitat for Humanity | Kingston NY | @ulsterhabitat

Ulster Habitat is committed to providing safe, affordable housing, helping families build stable futures through home construction, advocacy for fair housing, and resources for improving shelter conditions. Partner families contribute “sweat equity” toward their homes, which come with affordable mortgages, easing financial burdens. Volunteer involvement is key to their mission, with opportunities available on construction sites and in the ReStore. Ulster Habitat embraces diversity and invites people from all backgrounds to help make safe, affordable housing a reality for everyone.

HomeShare Woodstock | Woodstock, Hurley, Saugerties, Shandaken + Kingston NY |  Facebook
HomeShare Woodstock, a FAMILY of Woodstock program, is a free service that connects homeowners with extra space to individuals seeking affordable long-term housing in the Woodstock, Hurley, Saugerties, and Shandaken areas. The program skillfully matches “Home Providers” with “Home Seekers” based on shared interests, lifestyles, and needs. In exchange for affordable rent, the home seeker may offer companionship and/or assist with light house/yard work, transportation, computer assistance or pet care. It also offers support to the matches after a trial period and placement. In 2025, it is expanding to the City of Kingston and will be renamed HomeShare Ulster County. 

Hudson Valley Clubhouse | Poughkeepsie NY | @hudson_valley_clubhouse

Their therapeutic, working community assists adults living with severe and persistent mental illness to live healthier and more fulfilling lives within their community, including obtaining better housing and employment. The Clubhouse provides resources and opportunities for members to develop meaningful relationships, improve self-esteem, and take charge of their own recovery process. It is open on all major holidays, and in the spirit of giving this year, it is seeking donations that will allow it to help its members foster long-term recovery through its uniquely designed supportive community.

Hudson Valley National Center for Veteran Reintegration (HVNCVR) | Cairo + Lake Katrine NY | @hvncvr
HVNCVR offers programs like Kayak Building, Veteran Writers, Mindfulness Walking, and Equine Encounters to improve veterans’ emotional, social, and physical health. By using peer counseling, occupational therapy, and team-building activities, the program empowers veterans through camaraderie and focuses on replicating the positive aspects of military community life. These initiatives, including many other health and peer programs, help veterans heal through creativity and focus, providing support to combat veterans, those with physical or psychological injuries, and homeless veterans.

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

– Nelson Mandela

Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center | Kingston NY | @lgbtqcenter
The Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center is a central hub of support, advocacy, and education for the LGBTQ+ community in the Hudson Valley. The Center offers a wide range of programs and services, including mental health support, social services, legal aid, and health resources tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. They provide a safe, inclusive environment for individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Additionally, the Center hosts community events like Pride celebrations and cultural activities and works to create a more equitable society through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and public policy initiatives. The Center is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowered community for all LGBTQ+ people in the region.

Camphill Hudson | Hudson NY | @camphill_hudson

Camphill Hudson is a vibrant community where people of all abilities come together to live, work, and grow in an inclusive, supportive environment. Residents, including co-workers, their children, and adults with developmental disabilities, share extended-family-style households, contributing to daily life in ways that foster both independence and interdependence. Rooted in the international Camphill Movement and inspired by Dr. Karl Koenig and Rudolf Steiner, Camphill Hudson celebrates the unique gifts of each individual while nurturing social healing, equality, and care for the earth. Through meaningful relationships and shared purpose, it offers a model of renewal for society and a life of dignity and connection for all.

Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) | Windham NY | @adaptive_sports_foundation
ASF is a nonprofit organization based in Windham, NY, that offers life-changing experiences for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as chronic illnesses. Through outdoor physical activities, education, and community support, ASF helps individuals discover a new identity tied to sport rather than their disability, often for the first time in their lives.

Community Action of Greene County | Catskill NY | Facebook
CAGC empowers disadvantaged families through advocacy and services like financial independence support, domestic violence intervention, and housing assistance. Their Family Services program helps families achieve long-term stability, while the Pay It Forward Thrift Store provides affordable goods and volunteer opportunities. The Domestic Violence Program offers free, confidential shelter and support services, and all proceeds from the store benefit CAGC’s programs.

Ulster Immigrant Defense Network | Kingston NY | @ulsterimmigrantdefense
The Ulster Immigrant Defense Network advocates for the rights of immigrants in Ulster County by providing legal services, support, and resources. They work to ensure access to justice and fair treatment for immigrant families, especially in the face of legal challenges and immigration-related issues.

Center for Creative Education | Kingston NY | @cce4me
The Center for Creative Education offers arts-based educational programs that inspire and empower youth in the Hudson Valley. Their initiatives blend creativity, learning, and community engagement to help students build confidence, critical thinking skills, and a love of learning through the arts. Let’s help raise healthy, inspired kids learning to alchemize life’s challenges through creativity, play, mutual support, and healthy bonds.

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

– Harriet Tubman

I Am Beacon | Beacon NY | @i.am.beacon
I Am Beacon empowers individuals to positively impact the community by promoting inclusivity and a healthy environment for all. Through education, awareness, and effective communication, they highlight local issues, community leaders and provide volunteer opportunities. Their programs include a Youth Art Program, Back 2 School Block Party, Making a Difference Scholarship, and This is Beacon Podcast, all designed to engage and support the community.

UlsterCorps | Kingston NY | @ulstercorps

UlsterCorps is all about building a stronger, more connected community in Ulster County through volunteerism and teamwork. They help folks of all ages get involved in giving back, with a special focus on teaching young people about service and leadership. UlsterCorps connects volunteers with local organizations that provide everything from housing and food to health services, education, and support for veterans and seniors, making it easier for everyone to pitch in and make a difference. Follow upcoming volunteering events on their Facebook or Instagram pages.

If you are still reading this and agree that giving is receiving, we are thankful you might play a vital role in making change. By the way, all these organizations welcome volunteers, so jump on where and when you can. When you do, everyone feels the love!

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

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THANK YOU again to all the incredible local heroes who work so hard to support thriving communities.
THANK YOU, reader, for giving in the ways you can and do.
On behalf of our family at INSIDE+OUT, we wish you a peaceful and abundant holiday season.