News & Notes - February 2026

Board Members Dux and Jones wheel residents around the center for the Walk to End Alzheimer's

To Fos-ter (verb): to take someone into your

family.

Opening Hearts. Opening Homes.

“Home” stirs up emotions and can mean many things--where we grew up, where we live now, or simply where we feel safe and supported. For older adults living alone, home is often about security and connection. Perhaps even a shelter from storms — all sorts of storms.

For more than 22 years, the Lutheran Care Center (LCC) has worked with Dutchess County Office for the Aging, Adult Protective Services, and care managers such as Life Plan and Care Design to offer that sense of home through adult foster care. The program matches adults, including those who are disabled, needing a supportive home with families willing to open theirs.

To Foster is a verb: to take someone into your family. Sue and Lee are one such family. From their Hudson Valley home with a veranda overlooking rolling hills and neighboring horse and cattle farms, they have welcomed adults for over 25 years—sometimes up to four at once. At times they have taken clients with them on vacation. They have also provided Respite Care for families needing temporary help.

John has lived with them for 10 years. Quiet but gifted, he expresses himself through striking portraits of well‑known figures (shown below). His art reveals a depth of understanding and an appreciation for the individual. John grew up in Hyde Park, lived in NYC, and resided in a group home. Now the three share the easy rhythm of people comfortable living together.

Being a foster family requires sacrifice—offering a bedroom and meals, and ensuring someone is always home. In return, families receive training, regular RN check‑ins, psychiatric support services, transportation assistance, and ongoing consultations from LCC Foster Family Program Director Donna King.

Providers Lee and Sue with John on their veranda

Lee reflects, “There’s been lots of variety—veterans, men, women, all different personalities. It may take a little time to adjust, but it’s not a hard challenge.”
Sue adds, “There’s an overwhelming feeling of gratitude—helping someone have a better life. And you can see their gratitude even without words.”

Another long‑time caregiver, Joanne, has fostered adults for 31 years. Her current resident, Ruth, has been with her for 17 years. Recently, Joanne hosted a kitchen‑table “Meet & Greet” for Billie, a prospective client who could no longer live alone but wanted to stay near her husband in a nearby nursing home. Together with a case manager from APS, a Dutchess County representative and Donna, they discussed whether this might be a comfortable fit. Billie shared her love of portrait painting. When asked about food preferences Billie was quick to say, “I like everything!” She was pleased to learn that Joanne’s children and grandchildren visit often, filling the house with laughter. Ruth showed off her own bedroom, offered to share her TV, and smiled hoping they would soon get to know one another. By the end of the visit, both Billie and Joanne agreed it felt like a good match.

Is fostering an adult in your home something you might consider? Are you aware of someone who might benefit from this arrangement?

Contact Donna King, Director of LCC's Adult Foster Family Care at dking@tlcn.org 845-486-9494.

Additional information is available on our website.

Have you considered volunteering?

Now is a perfect time!

Volunteers of all ages are valued and needed to assist with many anspects of life at Lutheran Care Center. Make a difference in the lives of residents, assist our staff, learn a new skill or share one. Training is provided.

Please contact Jeff Pryluck, Director of Recreaton, for information and to sign up: jpryluck@tlcn.org or call: 845-235-8230.

As a not-for-profit organization, Lutheran Care Center welcomes gifts - all of which will directly support our residents. Click here to donate online (you may designate your gift in honor or memory of someone) or mail it to: Megan Holton, Administrator, Lutheran Care Center, 965 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.

We are grateful!

Thrivent members may direct your Choice Dollars. After logging in, choose The Lutheran Care Network, Scarsdale, NY. Your gift will be credited to Lutheran Care Center, Poughkeepsie.

Non-Thrivent members may also donate here under "Make a personal donation". Thrivent will pay the processing fee so your entire donation goes to this cause.

965 Dutchess Turnpike | Poughkeepsie, NY | 12603 US

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