In April, 16 Highland Rotarians showed up with a simple goal: serve others. What we experienced was so much more.
Alongside volunteers from Hope on a Mission, the Club served over 150 meals to individuals facing homelessness and hardship, surviving on the streets in Poughkeepsie. From grilled chicken thighs, to homemade mac and cheese, baked beans, corn muffins, cookies, brownies—and more than 100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches—every item was prepared and provided by Rotary, with care and intention. (Special thank you to community member Mark Elia for preparing all of the chicken for us!)
But what stood out most wasn’t just the food.
It was the connection.
Hope on a Mission is more than a meal service—it’s a street outreach ministry dedicated to restoring dignity through compassion, consistency, and human connection. Week after week, they show up to meet people where they are, offering not just food and clothing, but respect, relationships, and hope.
And yesterday, we had the privilege of being part of that mission.
There’s something powerful about looking someone in the eye, sharing a meal, and reminding them they matter. What may feel like a small act—serving food—becomes something much bigger: a moment of dignity, of kindness, of humanity.
For us, it was humbling. It was grounding. It was deeply rewarding.
We went there to give…but we left with full hearts.
That’s what Rotary is all about.
People of Action. Serving others. Making a difference—one meal, one moment, one connection at a time.
Thank you, CaraMia Bacchiochi at Hope on a Mission, for letting us join you and be inspired by your big heart.