GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Youth Bureau Director Rachel Wilson have announced the success of the Adopt-A-Family Program in its 35th year of bringing joy to 132 families this holiday season.
“Being able to lend a helping hand to families with this heartwarming holiday initiative makes a huge difference,” said Neuhaus. “The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to give back than by helping those in our own backyard, here in Orange County? Working alongside the Orange County Youth Bureau (OCYB) and with area businesses and organizations has allowed us to make a positive impact on the lives of families in need year after year.”
Adopt-A-Family is an initiative working to provide holiday gifts from the wish lists of Orange County families in need, matching them with generous organizations, businesses, and community groups. The holiday season can be an extremely difficult time, and this program assists in spreading cheer and joy in the lives of these families.
According to Wilson, this year they were able to help 132 families, which consisted of 393 youths and 155 parents/caregivers, thanks to generous donors from the County Government, nonprofits, businesses, and community groups from all over the County. Since it was first organized in 1989, over 3,300 families have been helped, which accounts for over 13,164 youths and their parents/caregivers throughout the County. This year 36 different departments within Orange County Government took part, including:
- County Attorney’s Office
- County Clerk’s Office
- County Executive’s Office
- District Attorney’s Office
- Department of Motor Vehicles: Goshen, Newburgh, Port Jervis
- Department of Social Services: SNAP at Quarry Rd
- Employment & Training Administration: Middletown and Newburgh offices
- Finance
- Department of Health
- Department of Health: Early Intervention
- Human Resources
- Mental Health: Newburgh
- Parks & Recreation
- Planning Department
- Probations: Goshen, Middletown, and Newburgh offices
- Probations: Crime Victims Program
- Public Works
- Real Property
- Tourism and Film Department
- Sheriff’s Office
- Department of Social Services
- Youth Bureau with Advisory Board
- Court Officers
Wilson would also like to recognize OCYB technician Melissa Yandaza for serving as this year’s Santa Sidekick Coordinator, working closely with the adopters and nominators.
“Through this program, we have seen countless families come together all the while creating holiday memories,” said Neuhaus. “We have witnessed the power of generosity and the impact it has on those we receive it from, and after all these years we are still going strong. I am grateful for the unwavering support from everyone here at Orange County Government.”
To see the full spirit of giving through the Adopt-A-Family program, join the Youth Bureau on Facebook at @OrangeCountyYB.
Photo: Orange County Tourism and Film, and its Director, Amanda Dana
