In 2015, a spark of community spirit ignited at the Schaghticoke United Presbyterian Church on 165 Main Street. What began as a festive Christmas Shop, a Coffeehouse open mic night, and the Community Builder’s program has evolved through a transformative journey, culminating in the establishment of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity dedicated to supporting the village of Schaghticoke NY with multiple community services.
Our story unfolds with the Schaghticoke United Presbyterian Church generously opening its doors to become a Christmas Shop for a day. This early initiative laid the foundation for the birth of the Community Builders program, a visionary project conceived by a group of like-minded individuals. As spring blossomed into summer, the Community Builders introduced the community to the vibrant Strawberry Festival, followed by the enchanting Christmas Around the Corner event—all meticulously planned and executed by the dedicated Community Builders team.
The church played a pivotal role in this journey, hosting memorable events such as Chicken BBQs during the Super Bowl and Strawberry Festival, May yard sales, the heartwarming Christmas Nativity to reflect on the timeless story, and the poignant Holy Week Cross narrating the Easter Story. These events not only enriched the life of the church but also fostered a sense of unity within the broader community.
In 2019, our team recognized the growing need for a food pantry, prompting our pursuit of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. This designation enhances our capacity to efficiently serve the monthly nutritional needs of approximately 100 individuals. Simultaneously, it ensures the continuity of beloved community programs developed over the past 8 years.
