Members of the local community are welcome to discuss what they would like to see the Desmond Center provide at the upcoming community listening session on Thursday, September 26. Seen here, area residents discuss ideas for Desmond Center programing at a previous listening session.
Mount Saint Mary College’s Desmond Center for Community Engagement and Wellness will host a community listening session on Thursday, September 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The event will take place at the Newburgh Free Library, located at 124 Grand St., Newburgh, N.Y. Light refreshments and childcare will be provided.
The Desmond Center provides accessible and equitable educational, health, and wellness services for community members and families in the local area, filling the gaps and meeting the needs of area residents. It aims to be an informed and responsive community fixture. As the initiative continues to grow, the administrators of the Desmond Center want to hear from their neighbors in the local community.
The listening session is an opportunity for meaningful reflection and dynamic discussion to shape the future of our community’s programs and services. Whether you’re a resident, organizational leader, or youth, your voice is invaluable. The Desmond Center invites everyone to share their thoughts and ideas in a supportive and inclusive environment. The feedback will be instrumental in helping the college to understand the community’s needs and priorities, guiding our efforts in the months ahead.
“As we approach three years of offering a diverse range of quality programming, one of our greatest accomplishments lies in our intentional focus on remaining responsive to the community’s evolving needs,” said Ashley Collazo, acting director of the Desmond Center. “The feedback gathered from our first community listening session in 2022 continues to guide us, and this year's session is an essential opportunity for the community’s voice to shape what comes next. By offering child care, food, and a welcoming space at the library, we are committed to removing barriers to participation, ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute to the future of our shared services.”