Latest On The Fight To Save Historic Senior Living Facility

As of October 17, Ellen Smyth, president of Vassar-Warner Home’s board of trustees, resigned from her position and Rich Schuster, who filled one of the 18 vacancies on the board, was subsequently elected president. Schuster, whose mother is one of the two remaining residents, is spearheading the Save Vassar-Warner movement, representing the Home’s residents and their families, as well as its employees. He is actively working to secure the funding needed to meet the unprecedented and critical senior housing and services needs the Home has faithfully provided for more than a century. In doing so, Schuster continues to have promising discussions with Will Truitt, the chair of the Dutchess County Legislature, and Sue Serino, Dutchess County Executive, among others.

“My mother, Dorothy, now 86 years of age, has called Vassar-Warner Home her home for the last 19 years," said Schuster. "After a lifetime of commitment from her, I feel that it is my duty to save this establishment not only for her but for the hundreds of seniors that have come through the doors of the Home over the last 153 years. I am confident that, with the community's help, we can secure a bright future for this pillar of the Hudson Valley."

As stipulated by the County, Vassar-Warner Home has enacted leadership changes and is actively working to obtain stopgap funding, enabling the board of trustees to continue discussions with local and regional leadership. With hopes of providing another 153 years of unparalleled service to the Hudson Valley at large, Vassar-Warner Home is on a mission to reopen its doors.

“Rich brings substantial business acumen to our Board of Trustees and continues to demonstrate impeccable leadership on behalf of Vassar-Warner Home’s extended family,” said Wayne Quint, president, Vassar-Warner Home Foundation. “We are confident that, as president of the board, Rich will secure a bright future that is reflective of the Home’s long and storied history.”

To learn more about the Save Vassar-Warner movement, or to contribute to the future of the Home, visit www.savevassarwarner.com or join the group on Facebook at @Save Vassar-Warner. Those interested may also send a note to savevassarwarner@gmail.com to join the cause or connect directly with leadership. For more information about the history of Vassar-Warner Home and its present services in the community, visit http://vassarwarner.org.

Back in April of 2023, I spoke with guest is Erika von Salews, Executive Director of the Vassar Warner Home. Erika went into the history and legacy of the Vassar-Warner Home and how it has been caring for members of the community for generations. Erika and I discussed the importance of caregivers in the health community. Caregivers need care, as well, and we talk about healthy habits for caregivers and important programs to assist in the care that they give.