Giving Rye is a new occasional feature highlighting non-profits and community groups in and around the City of Rye. Today meet Barbara Hughes of the Rye Association for the Handicapped.
Your Name: Barbara Hughes
Organization: Rye Association for the Handicapped, Inc.
Your role: Co-President along with Dottie Little
MyRye.com: Tell us your organization’s mission.
Hughes: In 1963, Rye Mayor H. Johnson formed the Mayor’s committee for the Handicapped, which soon evolved into the Rye Association for the Handicapped. The Association serves adults with permanent physical disabilities through activities that enhance their lives.
How long have you operated in Rye?
Hughes: This year marks a big milestone 60 years.
Looking forward to 2024, what will be your top initiatives?
Hughes:
- Impact more lives my acquiring new members
- Increase aware about the association
- Being on non-profit relying on donation, increase donor participation
Tell us about the population you serve and how they can get involved with your programming and services.
Hughes: The RAH encourages anyone with a disability looking for fellowship, fitness, & fun to reach out to contact Barbara Hughes 914-967-6363.
Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit with tax exempt status?
Hughes: Yes, we are a non-profit group and have no paid staff. All work is done by volunteers. We have no source of income other than donations.
Looking back across 2023, what were your organization’s top achievements?
Hughes:
- Celebrating 60 years
- Welcomed 5 new members
How can local residents support your organization?
Hughes: We are always looking for new members to join our wonderful group!
As an organization we have struggled financially and want to see the RAH around for another 60 years! We would be very grateful if you would kindly think about making a donation to our association.
Donations can be payable to the Rye Association for the Handicapped. Mailed to P.O. Box 16 Rye NY 10580.
If you would like to come and see the group in action contact Barbara Hughes at 914-967-6363 x 102
What local Rye residents and area businesses have been the longest, steadiest supporters of your organization?
Hughes: For the past 60 years the Rye YMCA has been home to the Rye Association for the Handicapped, Inc. Our members come Monday and Friday at 11:00am for a water exercise class. We did have a coffee hour pre-covid and are looking to bring it back in 2024.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Hughes: I been on the board of directors for over 12 years and this is my first year in the role of co-president
Is the role full time or part time? Paid or volunteer?
Hughes: volunteer
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Hughes: Empathic
Pick one:
Hughes:
| MyRye.com
Select from: |
Your Pick: |
| Coke or Pepsi? | Coke |
| Regular or diet? | Diet |
| Action movie or rom com? | The Godfather |
| Cook, order in or eat out? | Cook |
| Dog, cat or no pet? | Dog Mikey |
| Balsamic vinaigrette or ranch? | Balsamic Vinaigrette |
| Ruffles Original, Lay’s Barbeque or Funyuns? | Ruffles Original |
| Still, sparkling or tap? | Sparkling |
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why, and who would you take with you?
Hughes: A cruise around the world and take my husband Oliver, son Patrick, and Mikey (our dog).
What is your favorite streaming / TV series?
Hughes: Blue Bloods
What is your favorite movie?
Hughes: The Wizard of Oz
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Hughes: I have lived on Laurel Street in the Brookside apartments for 30 years.
Thanks, Barbara!
[There is no website available.]
