Dutchess County agency helps man make it through tough times

Jack was a self- employed businessman who made a good living working with his hands.

But in 2013, that all changed for the woodworker when he developed a condition that left him unable to use his hands and forced him to give up the trade that he loved.

“I had a little bit of savings, so I was able to string out a couple of years of being able to make it,” the 61-year-old Pine Plains resident said.

As that money began to run out, Jack (not his real name) said he found himself in a position he never would have imagined: looking for assistance through county agencies.

It was through his search, he said, that he came across the Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County and learned the agency had an office in the nearby town of Red Hook.

The agency was able to help Jack apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program ( HEAP) which provides financial assistance to help pay for the cost of winter heating fuel and, through the agency’s food pantry, helps to keep his pantries stocked.

“I use it when I need certain things, like when they get vegetables and fruit,” he said of the food pantry. “I try to stay away from processed foods.”

Jack said the assistance he’s received from the Community Action Partnership has made a significant difference in his ability to remain in his home, providing him with the piece of mind that comes from knowing he can turn to it for support when times get tough.

I take one step at a time,” he said. “I don’t get worked up or depressed over things.” I think it’s very important that the community realizes that, even though we live in a somewhat aff luent area, there are individuals who fall on bad times and bad luck, and, instead of falling through the cracks, we’re able to have agencies to help us.

“I think without having agencies such as Community Action, a lot of people would be in dire straits and would be hurting more than they are now.”

To donate to the Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County, visit the agency’s website at dutchesscap.org or send checks to the agency at 77 Cannon St., Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 12601.

The Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County is one of five agencies that will be featured in Freeman articles in the coming weeks about services provided and people helped by them. The others are People’s Place in Kingston, Community Action of Greene County, Community Action of Ulster County and Family of Woodstock.