Ancramdale Neighbors Helping Neighbors Association: Group has money, needs applicants

ANCRAMDALE — For those who have dreamed of changing their life through education, with the economic and employment scene being so unpredictable due to the COVID-19 health crisis, now might be the perfect time to start to consider doing something about it. 

To help make those wishes come true, Ancramdale Neighbors Helping Neighbors Association (ANHNA) has two types of grants/scholarships with a traditional one ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 for “full-time students who will enter an accredited college, community college or vocational school this year” as well as a non-traditional grant for up to $5,000 for someone hoping learn a new trade or improve their skills.

The traditional higher education grants are being awarded for the seventh year with some six to seven students receiving the awards in recent years. Applicants must already be accepted into a program scheduled to begin in 2020 with a July 1 deadline.

According to Laura  Ponkos, one of the program organizers, the second, less traditional $5,000 grant, has presented something of a mystery to those hoping to present the award. It has been available for several years — with no takers for the substantial funds, which were donated to the association by a local couple who wish to remain anonymous. 

She explained that for that non-traditional grant, no matter one’s age or educational background — or lack of it — all one need do is apply. Money will be awarded based on financial need, not academic performance.  Funds can be used for virtually any manner of expense associated with the educational process including tuition, fees, books, transportation and even child care. 

Both she and the association’s Jane Moore have been puzzled by the lack of response as they reached out to everyone before the pandemic struck, from school counselors and teachers to local trades people such as electricians, plumbers and the like to find someone to apply for the funds — but with no success. 

“I think it would help someone’s life to take advantage of these opportunities,” Ponkos said, adding it’s important for individuals, “to learn to take care of themselves… in this crazy world of ours.” If people can improve their lives, why not try?

The training possibilities are extensive in any number of areas including but not limited to “information technology, retail management, tourism, construction or hospitality” or even the medical field, which offers a low unemployment rate and decent salary, though as health care workers know better than anyone, comes with its own risks.

Ponkos noted that the non-traditional grant is somewhat flexible. The entire amount might not go to just one person, and it might also be extended sometime in the future.

Applications for both traditional and non-traditional types of grants are simple and an association member will be available to help complete the process. Any resident of Ancram, Ancramdale or Boston Corners is eligible. For more information, contact Mike Sturdivant at 518-329-6106 or Ponkos at 518-329-2031 or email ANHNAinfo@gmail.com.

ANHNA is a community based organization, which, as the name implies, helps individuals with needs of all sorts. It even runs a food pantry, which fed about 14 families weekly before the pandemic drove those numbers way up. Most recently, ANHNA assisted one local family with a heating issue. Members chip in to help in whatever way is needed.