For almost two years now, a small group gathers every first and third Thursday of the month at 1pm in the Parish House of the Palisades Presbyterian Church, our local Community Conversations group. Recently, many of our conversations have focused on our concerns for our country, world, and, especially, our immediate community. Upon request, information has been gathered on ways we can support our community, specifically with what local organizations need right now given the current political climate. As you may be aware, there are a number of organizations doing wonderful work in Rockland County. More than can be named in just one post. A variety of organizations that have been doing great work in our community for a number of years are listed below. Some are under threat for losing government funding, whether grant related or otherwise, or experiencing delays in receiving such funds that threaten disruptions in their work. Please consider how you might be able to support these local organizations:

Center for Safety and Change – https://www.centerforsafetyandchange.org/
Funds needed for recreation/enrichment: we purchase museum, zoo and aquarium passes for NYC, and other local facilities, and provide snacks, transportation and accompaniment to these as well as seasonal free and low-cost local activities like street fairs etc.  Cost for the whole shelter for the whole summer roughly $5000

Often requested items:

  • Diapers size 4 & 5
  • Menstrual pads (the kind that are individually wrapped inside the box)
  • Brand new (packaged) womens underwear
  • Brand new Women’s socks
  • New ( or nearly so) womens & children’s Sneakers, specifically
  • Brand new children’s undies ( unopenend)
  • Backpacks always end up going home with someone – so those are good. 
  • New and un-used hair care ( all types)  shamp,cond,mousse,gel, etc
  • Journals ( for writing/reflection, etc) 

    Items can be dropped off at the Center in New City on Mondays and Wednesdays. They ask that you please call before dropping items off to make sure they have adequate space – (845) 634-3391

At this time, the Center is unsure if they will continue to receive government funding (especially at the level it has been previously) and some programs might end as a result of lack of funding.

Proyecto Faro – https://proyectofarorockland.org/

  • Need donations for food pantry and “free store” (clothes, small housewares, small appliances) at Stony Point Center
  • Provide translators or transportation for immigrants through the organization
  • Provide food to restock outdoor community refrigerators (Palisades Presbyterian Church restocks one of the refrigerators every 2nd Sunday – perishable items only can be dropped off on the second Sunday of each month from 9:15am-12pm in the parish house. Please label it is for Proyecto Faro).
  • Rapid response teams needed to document/video (from a safe distance) any ICE activities witnessed and call the hotline. Rapid Response Hotline at (845) 262-9586

Proyecto Faro is seeking to raise $5000 quickly to bridge a gap in funding as a result in delays in receiving needed grants due to the halts/restarts that have come down from the federal government. To give specifically to this need, please see this link: https://proyectofarorockland.org/grow-the-love-2025-spring-fundraising-campaign/

Soup Angels – soupangels.com

  • Volunteers are needed every Mon and Wed 4:30-7pm to serve hot meals. More people have been coming in recent months for meals and groceries. Food preparation is in the morning and afternoon on Mon and Wed. Contact soupangels@gmail.com or register to volunteer on their website; soupangels.com

People to People – https://www.peopletopeopleinc.org/

  • Donate food either through the website or drop off in W. Nyack location
  • Donate money on their website.

From Diane Serrator, CEO of PtoP – “In 2024, People to People received nearly 500,000 pounds of USDA food from the Regional Food Bank and the Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley. RFB CEO Tom Narducci anticipates that – given the slashing of government funds for USDA – there will be 50% less USDA food available to the food bank. So instead of securing 500,000 pounds of USDA food from the Regional Food Bank in 2025, PtoP can expect only 250,000 pounds of food to be available. Maybe even less. Where am I going to get the other 250,000 pounds? Even if each pound of food were to cost $2 (and that’s a lowball estimate), PtoP would have to come up with another $500,000!”

Rockland Pride Center – https://rocklandpridecenter.org/

  • Donate money on their website
  • They are collecting various gift cards – can be dropped off at the Center in Nyack
  • Support the local Pride Day Event – Sunday, June 8th 2025

Now more than ever support is needed- monetary as well as vocal and physical support at various events. Please see the Pride Center’s website for a list of Pride Events throughout the month of June (and beyond) for ways you can stand in solidarity and love.

Nyack Homeless Project – https://www.nyackhp.org/

  • Donate money on their website
  • Christmas Toy/Coat Drive
  • Some from within our Community Conversations group will be starting a homemade blanket drive (items will be donated in Dec, more information to follow)

We will try to keep this information up-to-date with any changes or urgent needs. Thank you for considering ways to support our larger community!