Creating a better quality of life for our community is an important part of our culture at HVCU. From helping out loved ones in a time of need to raising much needed funds for nonprofits, here are some of the unique ways our staff make a lasting impact on the lives of our neighbors.
Helen Bruce, Financial Services Representative II, LaGrange Branch, Valued Employee Since 2005
“A small gesture made a big difference to this family during these challenging times and I was happy to do it.“
LaGrange FSR Helen Bruce made it a Thanksgiving to remember for a close friend of 15 years she met when they worked together at HVCU. Unfortunately, Helen’s friend, her husband, and two young children were all diagnosed with COVID-19 days before Thanksgiving. After receiving the news, Helen jumped into action, cooking a full Thanksgiving dinner for her friend to ensure the family could still enjoy a Holiday meal while recovering. Helen woke up early to prepare a turkey and all the “fixin’s” including side dishes, beverages, and pies. She delivered the hot food and kept her distance in the driveway while wishing her dear friend a Happy Thanksgiving, returning home to start cooking her own Thanksgiving dinner.
Colleen Scherrieble, Manager of Member Support Services, Valued Employee Since 2000
“I am grateful to serve my community because my community serves me.“
Outside of HVCU, Colleen serves an important role as a Death Doula. Patients or family members of those with a terminal diagnosis hire Colleen to stay with the patient and their family through their death and beyond. She has helped multiple families and especially those individuals who may not have family members by their side at the end. As a Certified Hospice worker, Colleen helps to ease their burden during one of life’s most difficult times. Her work is inspirational, and is just another facet of how focused she is on the well-being of her team and staff, as well as our community.
Jonnie Wesley-Krueger, Manager of Organizational Development, Valued Employee Since 2019
“I am extremely proud to serve as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Nora Cronin Presentation Academy, a private not-for-profit middle school for girls whose families are living below the poverty line.”
Founded by nuns with a mission of educating low income young women to become leaders of tomorrow, the Nora Cronin Presentation Academy (NCPA) serves girls in grades 5-8 whose families live below the poverty line. Jonnie was first introduced to the school as Co-Chair of the Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund, an organization that raised funds to assist programs and agencies helping address the financial concerns of women and their families. She currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for NCPA, helping to increase the school’s profile and fundraising to help their girls find a pathway out of poverty through education. Since its founding in 2007, the school has had a near 100% graduation rate, with most girls going on to college or the military. As they receive no federal, state, or Archdiocese funding, NCPA relies entirely on grants and private donations, with parents helping to offset costs by serving meals and keeping the building and property clean and orderly. Through educators, donors, and volunteers like Jonnie, Nora Cronin Presentation Academy ensures their girls learn to value faith, hope, justice, freedom, and human dignity.
Kari DeStefano, Collections Loss Mitigation Team Leader, Valued Employee Since 1990
“If we all do a little, a lot can happen. Together, we can make a difference!“
For more than two decades, the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative has united communities in the fight against this deadly disease and funded breakthrough research, 24/7 support for breast cancer patients, and access to lifesaving screenings. For several years, Kari has rallied her friends and family to create Girls Gone Pink, a Making Strides Walk team that’s raised approximately $10,000. As a long-time volunteer, she’s seen firsthand the good this organization has done. Without volunteers like Kari and her walk team, much of what the American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer accomplishes would not be possible.
Linda Scianna, Senior Administrative Assistant, Valued Employee From 1990-2005 and Since 2007
“Right now it is more important than ever to help others. An act of kindness can help change our community a little at a time.“
There are many opportunities to help out in the community, and Linda has found several ways to donate her time and talents. Whether it’s as a member of volunteer organizations, a phone call to check on a friend, or bringing dinner to someone, an act of kindness can help change our community a little at a time. As a Southern Dutchess Kiwanis member, Linda’s helped them fundraise through a difficult year. She helped distribute child safety packets and pumpkins for children to decorate at a harvest festival as well as collect toys for a drive to benefit Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital. As a Poughkeepsie Elks Lodge member, Linda helped make to-go box lunches for NYS Senator Sue Serino’s Annual Veterans’ event. For many years, she has organized the annual auction for Family Services’ “Family of the Year” event, and recently she joined the Earth Angels Foundation, which helps local cancer patients and their families. Each week Linda finds ways to spread good news and kindness.