Welcomed Back Home: Vassar-Warner Home Introduces Vassar-Warner Home for the Day

After months of fighting to maintain its position in the Dutchess County community, Vassar-Warner Home recently celebrated its reopening as Vassar-Warner Home for the Day – a social model adult day care program – with an official Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. The social model adult day care program – which operates Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – provides personalized care to Hudson Valley seniors, tailoring its services to meet dietary restrictions, health concerns, interests and overall wellness.

The event included remarks from Vassar-Warner's Executive Director Ericka Von Salews, who highlighted the support of the organization’s board of directors, particularly Board President Richard Schuster, staff, friends and family. New York State Senator Rob Rolison, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, New York State Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson and Poughkeepsie City Administrator Joseph Donat were in attendance. Marcia Dunn, the program’s first participant, was also introduced.

“I can’t express enough thanks to everyone involved who has worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life and for those who have given us their unwavering support,” said Von Salews. “This new endeavor will once again offer Hudson Valley seniors a safe haven, an environment designed to provide elders with the highest level of support, comfort and care.”

Pictured, from left to right, are New York State Senator Rob Rolison, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, Vassar-Warner's Executive Director Ericka Von Salews and Vassar-Warner’s Board President Richard Schuster.
 
About Vassar-Warner Home and Vassar-Warner Home for the Day:
Housed in an 1835 Greek Revival building, Vassar-Warner Home, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, began as the Dutchess Academy for Boys. In 1870, Jonathan Rowland Warner transformed the Academy into a refuge for elderly women, a vision he pursued with local church groups. Despite his passing, his legacy endured and the Old Ladies Home opened its doors to the first residents in 1871. By 1896, the Home faced high demand, prompting Smith Brothers cough drop manufacturer William W. Smith to fund an expansion to accommodate 27 new rooms. The Old Ladies Home merged with the Vassar Home for Aged Men, originally founded by Matthew Vassar Jr. and John Guy Vassar, and in 1974, became Vassar-Warner Home, which served as Dutchess County’s sole nonprofit senior living facility for 153 years.
After a brief closure in 2024, Vassar-Warner Home announced plans to reopen in 2025 as Vassar-Warner Home for the Day, an adult day care facility. The program intends to provide support and opportunities for socialization to Hudson Valley seniors and their loved ones.

For more information about the history of Vassar-Warner Home and its present services in the community, visit http://vassarwarner.org.