NEWSLETTER October 5, 2011 - See You at Lunch!

Posted by Kaitlin Russitano 
on Oct 5, 2011
 
        At our meeting on September 28, 2011, Bo Goliber of the Franklin Community Center spoke about the Not for Profit service agency located at 10 Franklin Street in Saratoga Springs.  The Rotary Club recently gave the Center a major gift of $7,000.00 to replace windows at its location.

           Ms. Goliber eloquently described the Center’s much needed services that aid citizens Saratoga Springs and surrounding towns.  The Center operates a food pantry and provides furniture distribution.  Individuals seeking benefits are not questioned about their personal situation.  Ms. Goliber said the Center positions itself as a safety net that helps single mothers and other people needing help to avoid slipping through cracks in the social services system.

 

            Another service touted by Ms. Goliber was “Project Lift”.  This is a free, after-school prevention program for children in grades 1 through 5.  “Project Lift” features youth development activities and programs that help young people learn how to make constructive decisions on their own. 

 

            Ancillary services provided by the Center include summer camp scholarships, school supplies and holiday assistance.  Social interaction is facilitated by family events that occur throughout the year.    

 

            Ms. Goliber noted the Center’s small staff consists of four full time and five part time employees.  Volunteers, including students from local high schools and colleges, pick up some of the work load.

 

            The economic downturn has made the Center even more important to the community.  The food pantry on Washington Street is a tremendous source of food and personal items for individuals in need.  Ms. Goliber estimated that each year the Center serves three thousand people in need in the greater Saratoga Springs area.