Who We Are
LifeWorks Community Action - formerly Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) - is a nonprofit established in 1965 that works to alleviate poverty at the local level in Saratoga County and the Northern Capital Region. We’re proud to be part of a comprehensive network of over 1,000 community action agencies that together serve 98 percent of counties in the United States.
Over the past 50 years, we’ve built a strong network of programs and resources that address the wide range of challenges low-income families face in our community including hunger, utility costs, child care, and language barriers. These programs have helped thousands of neighbors in Saratoga County and beyond meet their immediate needs and work toward economic security.
We are committed to advocating for opportunities, developing solutions and mobilizing the community to end poverty so all families can build a bright, stable future in Saratoga County and the Northern Capital Region.
Our Mission Statement
To provide access to programs that fulfill our neighbors’ immediate needs, while delivering the skills, tools and opportunities they require to establish economic security for themselves, their families and communities.
We Believe:
That all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
Structural race, gender and other inequities remain barriers that must be addressed.
This nation has the capacity and moral obligation to ensure that no one is forced to endure the hardships of poverty.
With hope, adequate resources and opportunities, everyone can reach their fullest potential, and we are committed to achieving that vision.
In creating an environment that pursues innovation and excellence through multi-sector partnership and collaboration.
Leadership
Krystle Nowhitney Hernandez
Executive Director
Angelo Calbone
Director of Community Services
Monica Drumm
Director of Finance
Sharnell Glean
Director of Energy Services
Katie Lee
Director of Head Start
Bernie Jones
Director of Infrastructure Technology
Becki Fignar
Director of WIC
Deirdre Baugh
Director of Human Resources
Joan Odess
Director of Immigration Legal Services
Ruth Hernandez-Rios
Director of Immigrant Services
Meghan Kovack
Assistant Director of Family Services
The LifeWorks leadership team is committed to fostering a welcoming agency that neighbors across Saratoga County and the Northern Capital Region can turn to for help during times of financial crisis. They oversee a team of over 100 staff members and hundreds of volunteers. To see current job openings, visit our opportunities page.
Board of Directors
David Bennett
President
Donald S. Wildermuth
Vice President
Jennifer Ames
Treasurer
Susan Christopher
Secretary
Sara Baker-Gonzalez
Kai Bennett-Parks
Nancy E. Bunting
Terry Diggory
Dede Hill
Jennie Leahy Kim Delegate for City of Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Finance Minita Sanghvi
Charles R. Lucia
Delegate for Halfmoon Town Councilperson John Wasielewski
Paul Lunde
Amy L. Ryan
Delegate for Saratoga Springs Supervisor Matthew Veitch
Kim Sheridan-Dugmore Delegate for Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner
Peter D. Wohl
David J. Womer
Delegate for Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh
Cynthia Young Town of Malta Supervisor
LifeWorks is governed by a tripartite board made of volunteer members from the low-income community and the public and private sectors. This ensures representation from all segments of the community.
The board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. (with the exception of August and December). Please RSVP one week in advance to Linda Sierzenga at 518-288-3206, ext. 155.