winter 2015-16
Chamber Foundation awarded Youth One Stop program When Courtney Mitchell came to the Youth One Stop in April 2014, she was unsure about her career path and direction in life. After working with her case manager and attending a few workshops, Mitchell decided to enroll in a Certified Nursing Assistant Program. During her studies, she stayed focused by attending tutoring sessions for her CNA training, but also worked on improving her math skills. In March this year, Mitchell attained her CNA certificate and raised her math scores an entire grade level. By working with the Workforce Development Center’s Director of Employment Services, Mitchell applied for a position as a CNA with the Pines at Poughkeepsie, where she was hired and has been demonstrating her leadership skills since June.
Trivia Night at the Town of Poughkeepsie Senior Center
Students tour the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College
T
he good work of this program will continue as Youth One Stop seamlessly moves under the umbrella of The Chamber Foundation. The Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board awarded the program to the Foundation in November. “The Chamber Foundation, was selected because of the impressive program the team [at the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce] has created,” said Laraine Kautz, Executive Director of the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board. “They meet the young adults where they are in life and elevate them to where they can succeed in the workforce. They did a remarkable job in the first two years, learning curve and all. It will be exciting to see how their experience and very ambitious vision grows Youth One Stop over the next two years.” Youth One Stop is a comprehensive education and job-training program utilizing local re-
Students spend the day at Lake Taghkanic State Park
Pumpkin picking at Barton Orchards sources to benefit at-risk youth in Dutchess County. “The Youth One Stop is a great program that motivates and pushes us to work towards the goals we want for ourselves. It helps us when we feel we are not where we want to be in life and are not sure how to get there,” said Tatiana Cintron, a Youth One Stop participant.
The program is open to income-eligible Dutchess County youth—including youth with disabilities and veterans—ages 14-24 who are facing obstacles inhibiting them from completing school, finishing their High School Equivalency or gaining employment. Participants explore career options in the community and gain practical experience through
jobs and internships, as well as gaining access to tutoring, mentorship and degree/certification programs. “The Youth One Stop program has made a name for itself as a valuable asset to the community and of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce for two years. Now, under the Foundation, it can only grow and continue to contribute to the county’s economic growth by supporting employers and job seekers through its resources and services,” said Frank Castella, Jr., President and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and President of The Chamber Foundation, Inc. “We are proud to work cooperatively with the DC WIB and the more than 30 community agencies we partner with on a regular basis to deliver exceptional mentoring to our participants.” The Dutchess County Youth One Stop provides access to skilled, pre-screened workers for employers as well as on-the-job and customized training opportunities. For the job seeker, career preparation and counseling, training or employment advancement opportunities and a full service resource room are also available. “The Youth One Stop is amazing; through all my ups and downs they [are] right there by my side. My case manager does everything in her power to find a solution to any problem I have. They’re truly a blessing and wonderful people to have during the good and bad times of my life,” said Takeisha Smith, a Youth One Stop participant. For a full list of services and more information, visit the Dutchess County Youth One Stop website at www.myyos.org or call (845) 454-7629.
winter 2015-16
Connecting students & mentors Connecting students to the future
Student shines through the benefit of mentoring “He told me that even if there are obstacles in my way, I have to keep pushing forward.” These are the words of Poughkeepsie High School senior Tamika Mincey describing her experience with her mentor, Irwin Goldberg from the Poughkeepsie Journal. Mincey participated in The Chamber Foundation’s Lead- ing someone step out of their ership Connections Mentorship comfort zone and grow. That’s Program last school year and had exactly what Tamika did to get the opportunity to participate in a published. She had to be willJob Shadow Day with Goldberg, ing to speak to new people, acwhere she experienced a typical cept constructive criticism and day for a journalist and learned open up to talk about herself,” how the Journal opsaid Goldberg, erates. Consumer ExpeMincey and rience Director at Goldberg kept Connections the Poughkeepsie in touch after the Journal. mentoring pro“Being a part of the mentorgram ended, which resulted in ship program was a great expeher receiving the opportunity of rience and I plan to continue to a lifetime for a high school stu- be involved as much as I can be,” dent: she was given the chance Goldberg said. “It was through to publish an article in the my high school and a former Poughkeepsie Journal. graduate who came in [to speak] Paying it forward is Gold- about journalism, and took my berg’s mantra. “There’s noth- calls that I became interested in ing more rewarding than see- journalism. If I can help a student
LEADERSHIP
sort out what they want to do, im- exist. “I really want to thank my prove themselves and help them achieve their goals – regardless mentor, Irwin, for helping me,” of their career choice, then my Mincey said. “He told me that even if there are obstacles in time has been well-spent.” Through this experience, my way, I have to keep pushing Mincey gained career readiness forward. … This is an obstacle I skills, built a professional con- have overcome, since I probably tact and, most of all, gained con- wouldn’t have [had] this opporfidence. “Since this was the first tunity if it weren’t for Irwin in the time I was ever … published, I first place.” Tamika Mincey is a Poughwas really nervous [about] how people would look at my writing. keepsie High School senior and Now that I am published and graduate of the Leadership Conconstantly being complimented nections program. on a great job I did, I feel much more relaxed. There’s absolutely no reason for me to feel nervous anymore,” said Mincey. When all is said and done, the mentors are the heart and soul of The Chamber Foundation Mentorship Program and without them, the pro- From left, Frank Castella, Jr.; Tamika Mincey; Irwin Goldberg; gram would not Dr. Nicolé Williams; and Dylan Miyoshi.
In Other newS...
2015 dutchess county
AthenA Awards® Congratulations to Toni Favata of Cosimo’s Brick Oven of Poughkeepsie for having the winning baseball that landed in the car at Dutchess Stadium at The Chamber Foundation’s Home Run Helicopter Drop. Favata won $2,000. Thank you to all of our sponsors and everyone who purchased a baseball. Finally, thank you to Dutchess Stadium for letting us put this event on for a second year in a row!
The Chamber Foundation proudly celebrated 10 of Dutchess County’s outstanding leaders and honored Lara Litchfield-Kimber with the 2015 ATHENA Award. Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, gave an inspirational keynote presentation. A special thank you to all of the generous sponsors, staff and attendees who helped make this event successful. Nominations are now open for the 2016 ATHENA Awards. Visit ChamberFDN.org to download a nomination form. The deadline is May 8, 2016.
Visit ChamberFDN.org to see our Corporate Sponsors.
ChamberFDn.org
Signature leaderShip programming in the hudSon Valley
Youth Leadership internships create opportunities
P
By Billy Smart
articipating in Youth Leadership was a life changing experience. For my twenty hour internship, The Chamber Foundation put me in contact with Lydia Biskup, Director of District Operations for Senator Sue Serino. I was welcomed by the Senator’s staff with open arms. They were eager to show me the ins and outs, and each day at the office, I learned a tremendous amount. From listening to carefully handled phone calls with constituents, to working firsthand
with bills as they go to the Senate, I was given many opportunities to get involved. During spring break, I had the opportunity to visit the New York
State Capitol. There, I was met by the Senator’s Albany office staff and received a personal tour of the Capitol, took a picture with Senator Serino on the Senate Floor, and even had the chance to observe the Senate in session. I enjoyed the experience so much that I asked and was given the chance to continue my internship through the summer. Youth Leadership opened my eyes to how I can I apply myself in the future. After graduation this June, I plan on studying political science. I now have clear goals for myself. I feel that the résumé building, interview
training, and internship experience from Youth Leadership has brought me to new levels as a young professional.
“One of the best things we can do for young people in our community is to give them the opportunity to get involved. Billy is an incredibly talented young man who brought real value and a unique perspective to our office. He’s a true gogetter, consistently taking initiative and asking all the right questions. We enjoyed hosting his internship and I am confident he’s gearing up for a very bright future.” – Senator Sue Serino
Leadership Dutchess – the biggest secret is out!
L
eadership Dutchess graduates are ready to make big differences and take on new opportunities in the Hudson Valley community. One of the biggest secrets is that these individuals are perfect for board openings, volunteer opportunities and much more. With over
600 graduates in the program, Leadership Dutchess is a great resource for any nonprofit looking to find an individual to match the needs of their organization. We often hear it is hard to find board members and vol-
unteers to help carry out the work of our many Hudson Valley nonprofits. Through Leadership Dutchess, participants gain and sharpen leadership skills including participating in a board training day. Through the program, they also
Leadership Dutchess helps builds confidence, team skills
I
By Terry Williams
n June of 2014, I attended a Leadership Dutchess Graduation. As I sat there watching the ceremony, I whispered to my boss, “I want to do this.“ I knew that night I wanted to be a part of this wonderful program. I was nervous walking into the first class because I was not sure what to expect. I knew I was going to have to stand up in front of everyone and tell a little bit about myself, and I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. When it was time for me
to introduce myself, my heart was pounding and my hands were very sweaty. When I was finished I wasn’t sure what I had even said. That feeling didn’t last long. By the third session, I found myself sitting closer to the front and raising my hand to ask questions; I was well on my way to overcoming my fear of public speaking and was definitely becoming more confident with myself. As part of my Leadership Dutchess experience, I co-led the class in a Rebuilding Togeth-
“The impact of the program was immediate. She brought her new knowledge, leadership skills and enthusiasm back to us in our business. Terry has expanded her network outside of the local community, stays active with the Chamber and has volunteered for additional leadership programs. She was always a valued colleague, but she increased her presence and influence in many positive ways for our business. She wanted to grow, and Leadership Dutchess gave the opportunity.” – Patrick Moore, Partner, Antalek and Moore Insurance Agency, LLC
Terry with co-project lead, Bill Cochran er project, putting my newly acquired leadership skills to work to build the team and finish the job. I soon realized my classmates also played a big role in helping me prosper. As a person in sales at the Antalek and Moore Insurance Agency, I have become more confident dealing with all aspects of my job including customer interactions and traveling alone for business. As for public speaking, I can proudly say I have conquered this fear and that is an incredible feeling!
gain an understanding and passion for the Hudson Valley community. Why not incorporate this passion in your organization? If this is the case for you or an organization you know, reach out to The Chamber Foundation and let’s work together to see if we can find a match.
Are you an alum? Are you a graduate of Leadership Dutchess? Are you not receiving our communication? Reach out and let us know! Contact Nick at (845) 4541700, ext. 1026 to update your contact information and stay in the loop of everything Leadership Dutchess!
Want to be a part of the Youth Leadership/ Leadership Dutchess Classes of 2017?
Apply today at ChamberFDN.org
It takes a community…
T
he good work of The Chamber Foundation would not be possible without the tremendous support of our volunteers. From our Leadership Connections mentors to our event committee members, each person plays an integral part in our success. In 2015, The Chamber Foundation was lucky to work with over 100 volunteers who put in 2,500-plus hours!
Youth Leadership students and mentors at Sharpe Reservation
Bill Francis at the Leadership Leadership Connections students and mentors Dutchess Day of Service
Save the DateS Sunday, February 28
Annual Bowling Tournament 1-4 p.m.
ThurSday, March 31
Celebrity Servers Dinner 5:30-9 p.m.
Monday, May 23
Norman and Rita Nussbickel Memorial Golf Tournament
Staff
Board of Directors
Frank Castella, Jr. President & CEO 845-454-1700 Ext. 1008 frank@dcrcoc.org
OfficErs Tina Walz, Chair M & T Bank Stacey Langenthal, Vice-Chair Bank of Millbrook Anthony Morando, Treasurer Cuddy & Feder LLP Amy Dittmar, Secretary Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. Stephen E. Diamond, Of Counsel Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond, LLP DirEctOrs Tina Hawkinson Red Cap Cleaners Maureen Kangas Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel & Conference Center John E. Mack Western Connecticut Medical Group Peter Maher Mid-Hudson Subaru Carmen McGill Dutchess Community College Barbara E. Ostrander Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP Dr. Greer Rychcik Hyde Park Central School District Charles “Chip” Simon Taconic Advisors, Inc. Skip Weisman Weisman Success Resources, Inc. David Wise Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP
Audra B. Gerty Vice President 845-454-1700 Ext. 1007 audra@dcrcoc.org Nicholas Shannon Executive Director 845-454-1700 Ext. 1026 nick@chamberfdn.org Nancy DeWitt Foundation Associate 845-454-1700 Ext. 1025 ndewitt@chamberfdn.org Louise McLoughlin Vice President of Workforce Development 845-454-1700 Ext. 1024 louise@dcrcoc.org
10:30 a.m. - Registration 12 p.m. - Shotgun Start
WedneSday, June 1
Youth Leadership Recognition Dinner 6 p.m.
Youth One Stop Staff ThurSday, June 9
Leadership Dutchess Graduation 5:30 p.m.
WedneSday, June 15
Scholarship Awards Contact Breakfast 7:30 a.m.
Visit chamberFdn.org to find out more!
Rhett Myers gives a golf lesson to mentorship program students at Vassar Golf Course
Jessica Vitolano Youth One Stop Coordinator Rosemary Grabowska Youth One Stop Assistant Coordinator Rachel Bassett Youth One Stop Case Manager Dylan Miyoshi Youth One Stop Case Manager Ashley Wright Youth One Stop Case Manager
assOciatE bOarD mEmbErs Kristen Huss Hudson Valley Renegades/Pittsfield Suns Ryan Judge Millbrook Central School District Akeva Morrison Youth One Stop Student
the chamber foundation, inc. One civic center Plaza, suite 400 | Poughkeepsie, NY 12601