2025 Impact at a Glance
In 2025, rising costs and uncertainty hit many of our neighbors hard. Because donors, volunteers, and community partners stepped up, LifeWorks respondend with more than emergency help - we built stability that strengthens futures: healthy beginnings for children, safer homes, food access, economic mobility, and trusted support for immigrant families.
26,986 people served through Food Programs
323,830 meals provided across Saratoga County
9.736 families served through the Food Pantry
430 individual goals achieved by 77 Mobility Mentoring participants
336 low-income residents impacted through Weatherization
129 buildings improved/143 affordable housing unitis strengthened
WIC grew from 1,845 participants to 1,960; benefit usage increased to 98.51%
67 immigrant clients served with free legal services
37 students enrolled in ESOL within the first month and a half
605 referrals provided to immigrant community members
Executive Director Year-in-Review Letter
Dear Friends,
At LifeWorks Community Action, we often say neighbors helping neighbors - but in 2025, those words took on deeper meaning than ever before. This was a year marked by uncertainty and rising need. And yet, again and again, something extraordinary happened: neighbors showed up for neighbors.
Because of you, LifeWorks responded with strength, compassion, and resilience. Together, we ensured families had food on the table when groceries became unaffordable. We helped parents nurture healthy pregnancies and growing children through WIC. We kept homes warmer, safer, and more affordable through Weatherization. We preserved access to early childhood education despite major funding cuts. And we stood beside immigrant families - expanding legal, language, and support services during one of the most challenging years they have faced.
Across every program, the story was the same: stability creates opportunity. None of this happened by accident. It happened because this community believes in taking care of one another.
As we look ahead, your continued support through our Annual Appeal ensures LifeWorks remains here - responsive, resilient, and ready - when neighbors need neighbors most.
With sincere appreciation,
Krystle Nowhitney Hernandez
Executive Director, LifeWorks Community Action
Food Programs
26,986 people served | 323,830 meals provided
In a year of unprecedented need, the Food Pantry served 9,736 families through curbside pickup and delivery options that removed transportation barriers.
During Thanksgiving alone, LifeWorks supported large-scale distribution efforts - mobilizing volunteers to pack and deliver food across Saratoga County.
WIC (Women, Infants and Children): A Healthy Start to Life
1,960 participants served | 98.51% benefit usage
WIC is stability at the very beginning - healthy food access, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals during the most critical years of development. In 2025, LifeWorks increased enrollment from 1,845 to 1,960, while benefit usage climbed from 91.71% to 98.51%, ensuring support translated into real health outcomes.
Even with flat funding and higher caseloads, the team exceeded Department of Health goals and strengthened community presence through outreach and partner events.
The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program provided one-on-one support to an average of 70 participants and hosted a monthly support group.
Head Start & Early Head Start: Early Childhood Education
2025 tested Head Start nationally. LifeWorks continued services with minimal interruption even after a $1.3M funding cut (about one-third of budget), with strong leadership, staff commitment, and family engagement.
430 goals achieved by 77 Mobility Mentoring participants
Mobility Mentoring provides one-on-one coaching that turns short-term steps into long-term stability - housing, health, education, and employment.
In 2025, one participant achieved 35 goals, including completing treatment, securing stable housing, healing from injuries, and saving enough to buy her daugher a car - proof that small steps add up to life-changing outcomes.
The team also provided 375 referrals for basic needs and resource navigation.
Family Services: A Whole New Approach to Growth
Energy Services: Improving Housing & Climate Resilience
129 buildings | 143 affordable housing units | 336 residents impacted
Weatherization is prevention - and infrastructure. By improving home efficiency and addressing health and safety, LifeWorks reduced energy burden for low-income households, including children, seniors, and neighbors with disabilities.
The program also emphasized local economic impact through partnerships with local subcontractors.
Immigrant Services: Beyond Second-Language Support
In one of the most challenging years immigrant families have faced, LifeWorks expanded a streamlined support system across Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties - launching Immigration Legal Services and an ESOL Opportunity Center.
Highlights include 67 clients served through legal services, 605 referrals, 646 information-session participants, and 37 ESOL students enrolled shortly after launch.
Annual Appeal
Building Stability. Strengthening Futures.
This impact happened because neighbors helped neighbors. Your gift keeps LifeWorks here - preventing crisis, building stability, and strengthening futures.
Any time of year, your financial contributions are welcome. These vital donations fund our food programs, family services, immigrant services—and our mission to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency.
You have the option to make a one-time or recurring donation. We gladly accept support from both individual and corporate donors.