RISE honors Bonacio family for contributions
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> RISE Housing and Support Services (RISE) recently recognized the philanthropic contributions of the Bonacio family with its “Get it Done” award.
According to a press release, construction on RISE’s HOMEBASE project will begin this summer thanks to the active support of the Bonacio family and their company, Bonacio Development. HOMEBASE will combat isolation and provide semi-structured therapeutic opportunities for people to develop skill sets and a natural support system.
It’s a low-barrier, psychosocial day program that will provide a supportive, safe community for vulnerable citizens, including those experiencing homelessness, to simply exist and be accepted. HOMEBASE will be located at RISE’s headquarters following a site expansion.
Significant funding for the $3.6 million project was secured by U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) through Community Project Funding (HUD). Bonacio Development secured more than $300,000 in private contributions.
As renovation discussions began about the HOMEBASE project, RISE was introduced to the Bonacios. Sonny Bonacio immediately wanted to help, and within a week had secured the site for the Adelphi Shelter, a 24/7 low barrier homeless shelter. So far the shelter has helped 97 individuals, with more than 50 on a waiting list.
At the luncheon held recently to honor the Bonacios and Bonacio Development with RISE’s “Get it Done” award, RISE Director of Outreach & Advocacy Victoria Furfaro, who oversees the operations of the Adelphi Street Shelter, expressed her gratitude through tears of joy.
“Opening the shelter will be the one of the greatest accomplishments of my entire life. I believe everyone in this room has a mission on this Earth, to make life even a little better for those in our community who have not had the same opportunities, support, or encouragement as the rest of us. The shelter is a shining example of how to make life better for people who need help the most, and it would not have been possible without Sonny, Julie and Meg. I cannot thank them enough for their compassion and dedication to our community,” Furfaro said in the release.
“The Bonacios and (Bonacio Development employee) Ms. Kelly don’t really see barriers,” RISE Executive Director Sybil Newell said in the release. “They look at a mountain, climb it to the top; then help everyone else up. Their selflessness and community-minded actions have been a major help to RISE and our programs, but more importantly to the individuals we serve. The phrase ‘it takes a village…’ doesn’t just apply to raising children. I’m so thankful to Sonny, Julie, and Meg for seeing that, and acting on it.”
Also recognized at the luncheon were other members of the RISE community, including Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, Honorable Judge Francine Vero, Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford, Commissioner of Public Works Jason Golub, Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran, DPW Business Manager Michael Veitch.
For more information about RISE Housing & Support Services, visit https://www.riseservices.org/.