McKenzie: "Poughkeepsie is boundless"

POUGHKEEPSIE - Student interns at the Poughkeepsie Institute Monday said the level of collaboration among organizations and government services is high in the city and that there continues to be an increase in human health services every year, two things they say make Poughkeepsie “a city that hopes.”

The students released this semester’s report entitled “City of Bridges: Collaborative Human Services in Poughkeepsie” as part of their final grade in their respective colleges.

The report noted the many human health services that are available by not-for-profit organizations and public offices within the city, such as the Family Partnership Center and the Dutchess County Health Department.

“What stands out to me is that Poughkeepsie is a place of potential,” said Dutchess Community College Liberal Arts student Kenyatta McKenzie.  “Despite all the great things going on here, and there are many, Poughkeepsie is boundless in what it could be.”

Vassar College junior Rachel Glicksman said being a part of the Poughkeepsie Institute has not only helped her realize the cooperation among organizations in the community, but it has also moved her personally.

“For me taking this course has not only enabled me to do things for the community which I see as essential, but it’s enabled me to take what I do on campus further and inspire me to new directions.”

The students offered suggestions to local organizations and public officials, including the creation of a Collaboration Conference in which they could identify gaps in service, populations served, and explore new initiatives.

The Poughkeepsie Institute is a not-for-profit organization created to provide college credits to students from Vassar College, SUNY New Paltz, Marist College, and Dutchess Community College, in many disciplines with the intentions of benefiting the city and its residents.