MAY 2026 NEWSLETTER

SPRING FORWARD!

As spring arrives in the Hudson Valley, we are reminded of the power of renewal, growth, and community. At People’s Place, this season brings new energy and opportunities to connect, support one another, and continue building a stronger, healthier community together.

We are excited to once again offer our weekly outdoor Farm Stand, providing free fresh produce to our Ulster County neighbors every Tuesday through October. Access to healthy food remains one of the most important needs we see every day, and we are grateful to help make fresh, nutritious options more accessible for local families.

This spring also brings new offerings at our Wellness Empowerment Center, where we continue expanding classes and programs focused on wellness, education, and personal growth. These programs are designed to support the well-being of our community in meaningful and lasting ways, and we look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces.

As the needs of our community continue to evolve, so does our work. Over the past several months, we have seen a noticeable increase in families relying on our food security programs, as well as more community members shopping in our Thrift Store, which is proudly open to everyone. In response, we are making thoughtful changes internally to better meet these growing needs while staying true to our mission of caring for our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Thank you for being part of our People’s Place community. Whether you support us through volunteering, donations, shopping, participating in programs, or simply helping spread the word, your support makes this work possible.

With Gratitude, 


Christine

PROGRAMMING


FARMSTAND TUESDAYS

The 2026 Season is underway!

Join us every Tuesday through the end of October at our outdoor Farm Stand, where we’ll be sharing free fresh produce with our Ulster County neighbors.

The Farm Stand opens at approximately 8:30 a.m. and continues until 11:00 a.m., or until all produce has been distributed.

No ID is required, and all are welcome. Please remember to bring your own bags.

You can find us in the parking lot at 17 Saint James St. 

Any questions/concerns, please call us at: 845-338-4030 x105

WELLNESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

Mobility & Longevity Boot Camp w/ Vince Napoli


This workshop on mindfulness, balance and strength exercises will help you age gracefully and continue to thrive in the things you love! 

Every Monday at 12pm


REGISTER HERE!


To view the monthly "Road to Wellness" newsletter and to view the full schedule of classes offered, click here

MONTHLY SPECIALTY DINNER


Join us for a Spring Latin dinner

on Wednesday, May 27, 2026

from 5:00pm - 6:30pm

outside in our beautiful parking lot

at 17 Saint James St.

MENU:

Tacos with homemade salsa

Choice of: Chicken or Vegetable

Various dessert choices

Beverage: water or juice

First come, first served

STAFF PROMOTIONS!

Get acquainted with our newly promoted staff members, Jared Bertholf and Emily Gray-Marrero. Jared is our Director of Operations and Emily is our Director of Development. Both are extremely excited about their new roles and they are off to a fantastic start.


When asked about her new role, Emily said "I’m incredibly honored to step into the role of Director of Development at People's Place after spending the past four years growing within this amazing organization. In this new role, I look forward to strengthening community connections, expanding awareness of our mission, and helping create meaningful opportunities for others to support the work we do every day with compassion, dignity, and heart".


When asked about his new role as the Director of Operations, Jared said

"I was first drawn to People's Place because I believe that the individuals in our community deserve to be heard, valued, and cared for. My involvement with the organization is not merely occupational; it is in alignment with a deeply personal way of being in the world, a particular orientation towards life. As the Director of Operations, my aim is to support those I encounter - whether customers, volunteers, or staff - and enhance their experience at People’s Place to the best of my ability.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

MID-HUDSON VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

(Pictured above from l to r is: Bryan Gisiano, branch manager at MHVFCU, Christine Hein, Executive Director at People's Place & Taylor Craig, AVP regional manager at MHVFCU)

 

We value our partnerships throughout Ulster County and beyond! Donations such as these 800 reusable bags will help us pack food for our Thanksgiving food distribution program in November, known as "Talkin Turkey".

Thank You to our friends at Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union for the generous donation and continued community support!

SUNY ULSTER


HUMAN SERVICES SPRING INTERNSHIP

Meet our Spring 2026 Ulster Community College intern Javon Green.

Javon's Human Services practicum required 120 hrs. of on-site learning.

When asked how he felt about interning at People's Place, Javon responded "I am grateful for the opportunity People’s Place has given me. Their core values align with what I believe is most important: kindness, compassion, and respect. The organization focuses on supporting residents of Ulster County by providing essential resources and encouraging community growth.

During my time at People's Place, I worked alongside the volunteers and staff in the facilities and maintenance department, donations intake, the Wellness Empowerment Center, the food pantry, and the Community Café".

Javon was one of four college interns we had during the spring semester. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Candice DuBois from SUNY Ulster, Lindsey Fitzpatrick from SUNY Dutchess, and Eliza Grace Sloan from SUNY Dutchess.

A special thanks as well to Ulster County Community College and Dutchess Community College Human Services Departments for selecting People's Place as an internship site for students majoring in Human Services.

MAY'S FUNDRAISER

Register in-person or online here

JOIN US

We’d love to welcome you as a volunteer at People’s Place! Volunteering is a fantastic way to stay active, make new friends, and give back to your community. 

From helping in our food pantry, thrift store, or Wellness Empowerment Center to assisting with special programs and events, there’s a place for everyone at People’s Place. Whether you have a few hours a week or more, your time and talents can make a huge difference in the lives of those we serve.

Ready to make an impact? Sign up today and join our incredible team of volunteers!

 Get Started: Visit our website at peoplesplaceuc.org to learn more and complete a volunteer application.

 Questions? Feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to answer any questions you have!


Let’s make a positive difference together. 

Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter—we really appreciate your support!

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