News
October 24, 2019Habitat Builds A Much Needed Accessibility Ramp for The Schenectady YWCA
The Chamber along with many leaders in the City of Schenectady cut a ribbon on Wednesday, October 23rd for the Schenectady YWCA.
YWCA NorthEastern NY has been serving the greater Capital Region since 1888, operating out of their current location in the Historic Stockade since the 1930s. The design of the building requires visitors to navigate a set of stairs to enter the building – either up or down. But that is no longer the only option. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County’s Ramp Up Program, there is now an accessibility ramp located in the rear of the building, allowing all visitors to easily access the building and YWCA NENY’s programs and services. The ramp, which took several months and hundreds of volunteer hours to complete, was a true community effort.
“Habitat for Humanity’s Ramp Up program has made the longstanding dream of YWCA NorthEastern NY come true due to the hard work of the volunteers led by James Gekakis and the funding for the project provided by IUE-CWA GE Union. With partners like these, there was no stopping us!” says Kim Siciliano, Executive Director of YWCA NENY. “As a YW employee for almost 20 years, I remember having endless conversations trying to devise a plan to make our high quality, supportive services accessible to all community members. And, Habitat made that happen for YWCA NENY in 2019! The ramp is located in the rear of our beautiful almost 90 year old building and offers access to anyone in a wheelchair, with a walker or with a shopping cart. We are so honored to be partnering with Habitat in so many community efforts and consider them a true partner, friend and supporter of YWCA NorthEastern NY. Thank you for believing this project was not just a dream, but a necessary reality!”
“We are proud to partner with YWCA NorthEastern NY as their commitment to our area echoes Habitat’s mission.” says Madelyn Thorne, Executive Director of HFHSC. “For over 25 years we have focused on bringing people together to build homes, revive our community, provide safe access and offer hope to the hard working families of Schenectady County. The IUE – CWA Union has stepped forward to underwrite our Ramp Up Program. Schenectady Habitat was able to join forces with YWCA NENY to build a ramp that is accessible to all through the support of the IUE and our talented, loyal volunteers.”
Rob M. Macherone, IUE-CWA Housing Corporation Director, was enthusiastic when he first learned of the collaborative project between YWCA NorthEastern NY and Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County, Inc. “The IUE-CWA is proud to fully underwrite the Schenectady Habitat Ramp Up Program says Macherone. Building a safe, accessible community where families stay in their homes and have access to programs such as those offered by YWCA NorthEastern NY is paramount to our leadership and members. We are committed to giving back locally.”
