CAPTAIN

Pete and Pat Simpson who live in Clifton Park, south of Saratoga Springs, was our last stop before flying home.  Pete is a long-time friend of Ed's who went to Deerfield as well as Colgate.   Pete said, "Judy, do you know what has happened to CAPTAIN over the years?"

When Ed was offered his first professor-ship at SUNY, Albany we moved to Clifton Park as well.  It was a bedroom community with little for teenagers to do.  A few of us met and started CAPTAIN,Community Action Program for Teens and Interested Neighbors offering a Friday Evening Drop-In Center at the Junior High with pizza and we hired one counselor who had hours after school in a small office at the Town of Clifton Park building.   However, before we went ahead to develop the program, we did a survey with the students which told us the need was there.   To add to the fun, we invited teens to the Town Hall to create a name for the program and that is how the name CAPTAIN came about.

I contacted CAPTAIN and introduced myself as one of the founders, and was connected with the Executive Director who was more than happy and surprised to hear from me.   CAPTAIN has a budget over 2 million dollars!  We met for over an hour and learned of the multitude of services CAPTAIN offers.  From their website:  "We are a volunteer-driven nonprofit, helping young people and their families navigate the rough waters of poverty, substance abuse, homelessness, violence, academic challenges, family dysfunction, human trafficking, and more.  CAPTAIN has developed into one of the most recognized and highly respected volunteer-driven organizations serving the principal needs of youth, individuals and families in Saratoga County and beyond."

The name has been slightly changed:  Community Action for Parents, Teens and Interested Neighbors.

Sue Catroppa

CAPTAIN has more than 50 volunteers.

One food pantry

More items -- diapers, shampoo, etc.,

Fresh foods