Access: Supports for Living Foundation Announces 2022 Vision of Hope Awardees

Middletown, NY  – The Access: Supports for Living Foundation Inc. will honor its Board Chair, Nick Preddice, Partner, Affinity BST Advisors; ThinkDIFFERENTLY Dutchess; and Think Differently, Orange County with the Vision of Hope Award at its annual gala on Thursday, September 22, 2022.  The award is given to a person or organization whose work exemplifies and advances the mission of Access: Supports for Living – to help people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible. 

Preddice began his financial services career more than twenty years ago with Connecticut Mutual, and later Prudential.  He found success quickly and was appointed Managing Director at The Mony Group, Inc. in New York City.  In 2002, Preddice decided to use his experience to build a financial services business from the ground up.  Together with Gary Sancilio, he founded the Affinity Group with a singular vision: to make a difference in the lives of clients, the people they work with, and the community.  

Today, Nick serves as chair of the Foundation for Access: Supports for Living and the Hudson Valley Economic Development Council (HVEDC), and supports Wildwood School, The Robert W. Preddice Scholarship Fund at SUNY Oneonta, Rising Ground, The American Heart Association, San Miguel Academy for Boys, and The Community Foundation for Orange and Sullivan Counties. He dedicates his time and talent to making connections between people and organizations to improve quality of life within the community.  A native of Saratoga, Preddice lives in Northern Westchester County with his wife, Lisa, and their two sons.

“Nick has been an invaluable member of the Access Foundation Board since he joined more than a decade ago,” said Ronald Colavito, President and CEO of Access: Supports for Living and the Access: Supports for Living Foundation.  “He epitomizes philanthropic leadership and has been a champion for people with special needs and children and families facing adversity to live full, healthy lives.  I can think of few more deserving of recognition for the work they do than, Nick.”   

“It’s an honor to receive the Vision of Hope award and to lead the Access Foundation Board. I’ve seen, first hand, the difference that Access makes in people’s lives – the sense of purpose that comes from meaningful employment and the pride of living independently for the first time,” said Preddice.  “I’m proud that Access supports so many in achieving what all of us want, to live the healthiest and fullest lives possible.”

Launched by Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro in 2015 and Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus in 2019, the “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative seeks to change the way individuals, businesses, organizations and communities relate to our neighbors with all abilities.  The initiative has reframed inclusion and created opportunities for individuals and families to more fully experience the communities – work that is at the heart of Access: Supports for Living.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “We in Dutchess County are proud to ThinkDIFFERENTLY about our friends and neighbors of all abilities, and have been overwhelmed by the response our initiative, now in its eighth year, has received by communities throughout New York State and the nation that have replicated its philosophy. By choosing to ThinkDIFFERENTLY, we are truly making a difference in people’s lives in Dutchess County and beyond, helping those of every ability reach their fullest potential, and we thank Access: Supports for Living for its ongoing partnership with us and this special recognition of our efforts.”

On behalf of County Executive Steve Neuhaus, the Orange County Think Differently Team expresses its deep gratitude to Access: Supports for Living for this honor. “We are glad to have the opportunity to partner with Access on our shared mission, “to fulfill the promise of a community where all people can fully participate, are valued for their unique contributions, and can achieve their dreams.” Our congratulations to Nick Preddice and Dutchess County Think Differently with whom we share this honor; and our sincere thanks to Access for always recognizing and emphasizing how important it is for each of us to be inclusive of every member of our community.”

Chris Masters, Executive Director of the Access: Supports for Living Foundation said, “We are proud to recognize both ThinkDIFFERENTLY Dutchess and Orange, initiatives that call our communities to action, challenging the differences that at times divide us.   Because of the courageous and innovative work launched by them both, Access and our affiliate organizations are able to optimize the supports and services available to those of all abilities in our communities.”

The Vision of Hope Award will be given at the Access: Supports for Living Foundation annual gala, held this year on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at West Hills Country Club, 121 Golf Links Road, Middletown, NY 10940.

To register or for more information, call (845) 673-7127 or visit https://AccessGala22.givesmart.com

Access: Supports for Living was founded in 1963 by a group of families who believed in a bright, positive future for their children with disabilities. Today, Access, with its affiliates, The Guidance Center of Westchester, Meaningful NY, and New York Families for Autistic Children, is a $135 million not for profit working across New York’s Hudson Valley, the five boroughs of New York City, and Long Island.  More than 2,200 staff support over 17,000 adults and children with mental health and substance use needs, developmental disabilities, children and families facing challenges, and those facing barriers to employment and housing insecurity.  For more information, visit the website: www. accesssupports.org or call 1-888-750-2266.