Meet Sarah Ortiz, New Program Coordinator at the PRC
By Susan Stone
Sara Ortiz is the newest friendly face that one will see at the Pawling Resource Center. When the pandemic starts to ease and Resource Center doors are, once again, open to community visits, Sarah, and her lovely smile, will be the professional you will probably see first.
A long-time resident of Dutchess County, Sarah grew up in Poughquag and currently lives in Lagrange with her two sons, Julian and Levi, and kitty Titus. Sarah has an Associates degree in Applied Science – Liberal Studies and is currently completing her Bachelors at Suny Empire State College in Human Development with a concentration in Child and Family Studies.
She comes to the PRC with a wealth of experience working with the community both in the public and private sector, having worked for the Dutchess County Legislature and was the Supervisor for the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program through Mental Health America of Dutchess County.
Interacting with people is what Sarah loves. She has a passion for helping others and finds her new position at the PRC to be an opportunity to combine her desire to be of service with her organizational skills. She shared, “I have always taken pride in the organization, communication, and people skills I bring to the table and It has been such an honor to know that I have had a hand in making someone’s day just a little bit better. “
Starting a new job in the middle of a pandemic has its challenges, to be sure. Sarah commented, “Like starting anything new, nerves are at an all-time high, however during a pandemic there is also the added pressure to stop the spread of COVID19. It is especially important to me to be extra vigilant with hand washing and mask wearing, not only for the health and safety of my colleagues and the clients we serve but also for my own family.”
Sarah is an exceptionally positive person. She radiates kindness, warmth and compassion, and has found in the PRC that “home away from home” that so many look for in their work life. She concluded, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Terry and everyone on the Pawling Resource Center Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to work at such a wonderful organization. It has already been such a pleasure to work with so many kind and thoughtful volunteers and make a difference in the lives of so many people in the community. I always tell my own children that one small act of kindness a day can change someone’s life, and my work here truly embodies the type of kindness, compassion, and generosity that this world needs. I am excited to be a part of the team!
