| Introduction: We are a non-profit group of
volunteers that provides assistance to families that are victims of
a fire. We are average people just like yourself, from various
walks of life, who donate our time and talents to help the victims
through a difficult time; assure them that they are not alone and we
will be by their side for as long as needed. We provide
emotional support, information and referrals to resources, personal
hygiene products, clothing and a place to spend the night. We
also help coordinate donations of household items and furniture.
Our members respond to calls for help 24 hours a day. 7 days a week,
365 days a year. To date we have responded to 287 fires and
helped 406 families; In 2006, we responded to 16 calls and helped 41
families. Our Officers for 2008:
|
|
President |
Karen Stenzel |
|
|
Vice President |
Kathy Hedgeman |
|
|
Treasurer |
Dot Wenzel |
|
|
Rec'g Secretary |
Joanne Joseph |
|
|
Corr'g Secretary |
Warren Hedden |
|
|
Trustees: |
Naomi Bruzdzinski (1st
Year)
Ron Bruzdzinski
(2nd Year)
Kim Student (3rd Year)
|
The Beginning: The organization was
formed in the fall of 1991 by ladies auxiliary members from Halfmoon
and Clifton Park areas that felt that fire victims needed tremendous
help after the fire was put out and the fire trucks were gone.
Knowing that most fire victims don't know where to turn, what to do
next, whom to contact and where to go, these people knew that there
had to be a way they could help guide the victims through the
process of restoring their lives to normal.
In Emergencies: We currently only cover the Saratoga
County area. We are activated through a pager system by Fire
Control dispatchers. Members closest to the scene respond to
assess what assistance is needed. We give personal care items
to the families, provide donated clothing from one of our sheds or
purchase needed clothing items from local stores, arrange a free
night stay at a local hotel if necessary and provide information and
emotional support to help them get through the traumatic experience.
We also help coordinate donations of household items and furniture
from the community. In some cases, the Red Cross is also
contacted to provide replacement of prescriptions and /or glasses.
Other Activities: Our organization is completely funded by
donations and fundraisers We have been the beneficiaries of
fundraisers by other organizations, we have sold candles, flower
bulbs, and MetroCards, held various raffles and we hold an annual
Ziti Dinner in the fall with the assistance of the Eagle Matt Lee
Fire Company. In the warmer weather, we participate in several
area parades.
Membership Goal: As the community is becoming more aware
of our services and we are being called to an increasing number of
fires, we are always in need of new members willing to help out
their fellow neighbor. Our short-term goal is to have an After
The Fire member in every fire district in Saratoga County.
Our Meeting Dates:
*All meetings begin at 7 PM, unless otherwise stated
|
|
January, 2008 |
No Meeting |
|
|
February 26, 2008 |
New Halfmoon Town Hall
Halfmoon, NY |
|
|
March 25, 2008
|
New Halfmoon Town Hall
Halfmoon, NY |
|
|
April 22, 2008
|
Eagle Matt Lee Firehouse
Washington Street
Ballston Spa, NY |
|
|
May 27, 2008
|
Halfmoon Senior Center
Lower Newtown Road
Halfmoon, NY |
|
|
June 24, 2008
|
New Halfmoon Town Hall
Halfmoon, NY |
|
|
July-August 2008 |
No Meetings |
|
|
September 23, 2008
|
Eagle Matt Lee Firehouse
Washington Street
Ballston Spa, NY |
|
|
October 28, 2008
|
New Halfmoon Town Hall
Halfmoon, NY |
|
|
November 25, 2008
|
New Halfmoon Town Hall
Halfmoon, NY |
|
|
December 2008 |
No Meeting |
Contact: You can also reach us by leaving a message on our
voice mail at 435-4571 and a member will contact you.
Fire Does Not Discriminate!
It strikes randomly and destroys everything in
its path.
If you would like to help. please contact us. |
