AGENCIES:
“A few words about UlsterCorps. They are gifted and compassionate human beings that give, without asking, to those who are hungry and lonely in this new world of food vacuum . They have given to Heart Street, through their kind and dedicated volunteer staff, and have made life for CHS better in ways that cannot be totally expressed. They have brought fresh vegetables to us over the summer. And with them, this house has been able to offer a completely balanced diet to everyone who is hungry. The quiet people behind the scenes make it possible for the land to be one with people in need. This includes the volunteers as well as the farms that feel the need and fill it with their graciousness. We oftentimes do not see clearly, what it takes to provide food or housing to others. We cannot do it alone and Ulster Corps, by their volunteer programs and outreach to young people at risk, give more back to a community than we could ever imagine. By teaching young people the beauty of selflessness, UlsterCorps is helping, in their way, to change a generation and ultimately the ones following. And, in helping seniors, they bring light and love to all.”
– Mary Chisholm, Chiz Heart Street
“I just want to send you a short note to let you know how much we, at the Rochester Food Pantry, appreciate all that you did with the gleaning efforts to bring great fresh veggies and fruits to our clients this summer. And I’m sure they received some “new” items into their diet…. During 2015, the Food Pantry provided food sufficient for over 30,000 meals for more than 2500 people belonging to 644 households. Within those households, about 40% are children and 8% are seniors. It’s so nice to be able to give these folks fresh veggies rather than canned green beans, and the efforts now underway to keep that going throughout a good part of the year… with the frozen items… is such a big step forward. Thank you for all you did.”
– Marge Bonner, Rochester Food Pantry
“UlsterCorps has become an exemplary support service for many of our region’s front line efforts to combat hunger and other community non-profits. Having both Family and UlsterCorps collaborate to address the problem of food insecurity in our region is heartening.”
-Sam Magarelli, Woodstock Volunteers Day
“Thank you again for helping us last year when we needed help building our new playground for our students with autism at Spectrum Services! What a wonderful resource you all are!”
-David Juhren, Center for Spectrum Services
“UlsterCorps has provided a critical service to Ulster County, by linking volunteer based agencies such as the Ulster Literacy Association to the community at large seeking ways to get involved.”
-Casandra Beam, Ulster Literacy Association
“I just want to thank UlsterCorps! Both at work and personally, I’ve used these volunteer opportunities. At RCAL, I have a volunteer intern that found us through UlsterCorps. Also, I often show the listings to clients who are looking for something to do. Lastly, on Saturday I volunteered to serve food at the Rondout Grower’s Harvest festival. It was great! I highly recommend it! Thanks again.”
– Fran Wishnick, Public Policy/Advocacy Director, Resource Center for Accessible Living
“I’m delirious…UlsterCorps has been wonderful for us. No kidding. I think I got five volunteers for our last training. Eleven lucky people get to come off our waiting list.”
-Grian MacGregor, Ulster Literacy Association
“They packed food-pantry orders and helped us move things around. They did a lot of lugging for us. It’s pretty amazing what 12 people prepared to work can do.”
– Peter Quinlan, People’s Place
“New Pro has embraced the significance of preserving the history of this worship community. The Harvesting A Lifetime project is an almost seamless attachment to this historical preservation initiative our Church Anniversary Committee recently began.”
– Pastor G. Modele Clarke, New Progressive Baptist Church
“I recently learned about UlsterCorps and had the opportunity to meet with Rik, Beth, and Laraine to discuss collaboration between the students in the Concentration in Human Services (Department of Sociology) at SUNY New Paltz and UlsterCorps. And… we are now collaborating! Very exciting and very worthwhile! Thanks!”
– Mette Christiansen, Director, Concentration in Human Services, SUNY New Paltz
“I am thrilled at how well the Harvesting experience went and also delighted that it has sufficient ‘legs’ to continue on. Also, how wonderful to have the possibility of having people train students –
what an amazing opportunity on so many levels.”
– Leslie Malin, Executive Director, Jewish Family Services
“Thanks so much for all that you’re doing for health and human service providers in our community. It means so much to the people we all serve.”
– Jane Elven, Director HIV Prevention Services, PPMHV
“Thank you so very much for your continued efforts to work collaboratively throughout our community. You continue to foster friendships, cooperation and a unified sense of togetherness, while tackling the larger problems with common sense and grace. I am so very grateful and honored to have been included – and so incredibly thankful to have you in my life.”
– Victoria Langling, Executive Director, Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
“It was an honor to participate in the Volunteer Summit with the people that I consider the “Saints of Ulster County.” Volunteers and Ulster Corps, in particular, are the backbone of what gives our county the creative, vital spirit it has. People caring about each other, people giving to each other, people sharing with each other is really what it’s all about…and Ulster County has that kind of spirit.”
– Nancy Schaef, Director, Ulster County Office of Employment and Training
VOLUNTEERS:
“The experience volunteering has made me realize that everyone counts. There is such a need for all community members to connect with the less fortunate. Community service and giving back is my investment in my community and all the people who reside in it. I volunteer to serve my community because I want to help others. UlsterCorps has helped me connect with Caring Hands and given me the opportunity to help my community.”
– Joey D, Caring Hands Soup Kitchen volunteer
“I must say on a personal note that I was extremely impressed with my first experience with your organization – the energy was high (with some help from the Director, of course), people truly enjoying themselves – both participants and volunteers alike and there was true team spirit for the cause…. In my view, UlsterCorps / U-team is an innovator and visionary to set the foundation and model of the standard of excellence of building a culture of volunteerism to support our community, whether that be ST, LT or reoccurring.”
– Nancy T, Zombie Escape Volunteer
“The conception of UlsterCorps, and its mission, to build a culture of volunteerism and service in Ulster County, was implemented and realized by two of the most dedicated, gifted, and integritous people I know, Beth and Rik. They are community heroes in the hearts of many. The impact in Ulster County has been astounding and is an example of what individuals can do.”
– Diane B, UlsterCorps Volunteer
“What an amazing community effort to capture the hopes, dreams and history of our valued community members. I am honored to participate in capturing these moments on film for us to treasure for all time.”
– Ilene C, Harvesting a Lifetime Volunteer Videographer
“I met Beth from UlsterCorps through the meaningful Harvesting a Lifetime activity where my late mother in law was interviewed. Since then, Ulster Corps gained a good place in my heart. When I learned through Julie Wegener from Arts for Peace that Ulster Corps was now organizing Arts for Ulster, I didn’t doubt to become part of the committee. I created a specific artwork, “Loving Pets” for this multifaceted event. This artwork will represent the Ulster County SPCA, one of the 50 organizations that will benefit from Arts for Ulster’s auction at WAAM. Since I volunteer at the UCSPCA walking dogs, I feel honored that I’m the artist representing them.”
– Elisa P, Arts for Ulster Particpant
“I remember with cheer and fondness the two days of interviews I was privileged to participate in. Thanks for including me in your Harvest.”
– Nancy KP, Harvesting a Lifetime Interviewer
“I’d first like to thank the instructors for volunteering their time to help with this project. All the instructors were great; whenever I had a technical problem, I knew I could count on one of them to
lend me a hand. I think the people I met and plan to meet, thanks to this project, is what will last much longer than the technical skills I learned. It’s all about the connections made between people.”
– David C, Harvesting a Lifetime Summer Youth Workshop Participant
“Thanks for being the crucial link in this chain. I can’t tell you how pleased I am to have found you and UlsterCorps!”
– Julie J, Participating Farmer, Farms to Food Pantries Project
“Thank you so much for your help finding volunteer opportunities! Before I contacted you, I had done a lot of searching and making calls myself, and finally connecting with you was like hitting the jackpot!”
– Rick F, St. John Bosco Child & Family Services
“I have never volunteered my time prior to [the Hudson Valley Hunger Banquet], but I can tell you I will never miss another opportunity again. I found that I was excited, enlightened, and inspired in a way I have never felt before. The energy within the UlsterCorps organization is so powerful, and I wouldn’t mind telling anyone and everyone how incredible they will feel by getting involved, volunteer something, dig deep and give the most precious gift of all…. your time. Once again I thank you for opening my eyes and allowing me the opportunity to join your wonderful organization. I cant wait for the next event!!”
– Rochelle J, Hunger Banquet Volunteer
“Just wanted to let you know I think UlsterCorps is fantastic! Thank you so very much for this structure and organization. Several other people I met on MLK day had used UlsterCorps to find a volunteer activity. I will be much more likely to volunteer now that I have this resource. There are many of us out here in the community that want to volunteer but work and life keep us from knowing exactly where and how to give back. This is a great resource that gets people like me out in the community. Thank you.”
– Amanda L, MLK National Day of Service Volunteer