New foundation formed with initial focus on youth development

TICONDEROGA | A community is only as strong as its members, and providing its youngest residents opportunities in which to reach their full potential and flourish is a key component in the equation of success. Alongside Executive Director Kathleen Coffman, board members Bob Porter, Ken Parlin, Pat Ida, Pete Reale, and Pam Nolan have united to create the Northern Lake George Foundation (NLGF), a non-profit aiming to foster economic growth, supporting development, and enhancing community well-being. "We tried to see where we think we have important gaps in the community that need to be covered," Coffman shared. "We felt we needed an organization to connect those two." Armed with a donor base of eager philanthropic and private people, NLGF is becoming a conduit to connect those with a desire to help with those with a strong desire to flourish who could benefit from that help. "We are putting together people who want what is best for our community," Porter said. "To be able to support those financial needs in a small community like this is crucial to a vibrant community." For NLGF board members, that mission can start as soon as possible- at infancy. Perhaps the most time-sensitive need is the Early Learning Center (ELC) in Ticonderoga's former St. Mary's School building at 64 Amherst Avenue (though the ELC is not religiously affiliated). Operated by Silver Bay YMCA, the center welcomes children between six weeks through Pre-School. The center opened its doors last year and has enjoyed positive feedback from parents, both local and seasonal, bringing a focus of learning and delivering a high-quality program to Ticonderoga Area families. "The families that were here seasonally and who put their children into the ELC (and had a basis of comparison to their local provider) found the ELC to have better-equipped classrooms, to be cleaner, and to have a stronger curriculum," Parlin revealed. Kids even get breakfast, lunch, and a snack provided free with the tuition. There is a gymnasium and outdoor recreation area, and schedules can be as flexible as parents need them to be. Despite accolades, the center has struggled with enrollment. With a capacity of 52, the center only has 28 children. And funding- or the lack thereof) has been an undeniable culprit. In June of 2025, Silver Bay's CEO at the time, Peter Doliber, explained a situation that the ELC- and other places like it in New York State- were contending with. "Another challenge has been in this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. When the budget went out last year, the state had the right idea to broaden the ability for people to participate, so the income level was raised, and they also raised the amount of subsidy they paid centers," Doliber said. "What they forgot to do was fund it. The county began running out of money, they froze everything three or four months ago. We have been able to work with the state and next year's fiscal budget. There is money they put in for now that will be released to the counties, but the counties are still not at the point where they are releasing those funds." Four months later, that situation hasn't changed, and that money isn't flowing. "As much fundraising as the Silver Bay YMCA and NLGF and the Ti community are doing to support the ELC, we are looking to New York state to contribute as they have in the past," Parlin noted. This is where NLFG has stepped in and stepped up. "The ELC is exactly the type of community program the foundation was created to support," Coffman noted. "By assisting to cover the gap in state subsidy funding—a critical issue that must be addressed immediately—NLGF is demonstrating its effectiveness and commitment to ensuring local families have access to quality early education and care." Coffman is putting her money where her mouth is. "We want people to know there are scholarship funds available," Parlin remarked. "Currently, our aim is to provide scholarships for any families earning less than $150,000 per year. If families can come up with $165 a week, we intend to provide the rest. The goal of NLGF is that no child gets turned away from the ELC for lack of financial resources." According to Parlin, Silver Bay YMCA this year has already awarded more than $60,000. NLFG has $100,000 in the bank to support the Silver Bay YMCA with scholarships and operational support, with visibility on another $50,000. Heather and Kyle Trojan have been the recipients of NLGF, their daughter is now enrolled at the ELC thanks to scholarshipping after a change in the family's work schedule. "When we got denied subsidy from the state, I learned from one of my clients about Bobby being a board member of the Northern Lake George Foundation(NLGF), and that they wanted to help with the cost of the school," Heather said. "I reached out to him, and now NLGF now pays half her tuition, which is such a huge help financially that she could potentially attend more days." "Silver Bay YMCA is deeply grateful for our partnership with NLGF," said Lucas Callahan, COO and Interim CEO of Silver Bay YMCA. "With state subsidy funding currently on hold, their support has been essential in making the ELC possible." And the need for children of working families to have access to knowledge, socialization, and early intervention if necessary, is a reality with strong evidence it works. The national "B to 3" movement stresses that most learning happens in the first three years of life, making those initial 1000 days in a human's existence a time where brain development will lay the foundation for the rest of their life. The movement emphasizes the importance of early intervention services, supportive parenting, and high-quality care to ensure children have a strong start in life. "Last year was the first year of full-day Pre-K at the Ti Elementary School," Porter, a retired educator, said. "Kindergarten teachers this year are blown away by how prepared these kids are, and I think there is going to be a direct correlation with the kids attending the ELC with those kids being prepared once they hit Pre-K because they will have been in a school environment and socialized." In addition to scholarship awards, NLGF is also there behind the scenes to assist operationally as needed, especially with the ELC enrollment process. "It can be very time-consuming for parents to get all of their paperwork together," Coffman acknowledged. "We are there for that support too." But what about area youngsters who long ago graduated from childcare days? Is there something that NLGF can do for them? You bet there is. NLGF will also focus on scholarships coupled with post-secondary education preparation, college and career prep, and enrichment. "Another one of our goals is supporting kids with workforce and vocational scholarships," said Porter, who saw firsthand over the years many students that had drive and potential, yet ultimately lacked the resources to bring their aspirations to the finish line, which was a loss for everyone. "I recognize the kids who want to go into vocations, and some of these programs are not cheap." "There's not a lot of scholarships for these kids after high school, and there is such a need for those fields whether it's HVAC, electric, plumbing, welding," Porter said. "There is financial support for kids who want to go into those fields. We are hoping to provide the scholarships needed to fill that gap." Liam Burke, who is currently attending the Linemen Institute of the Northeast, was a recent recipient of a NLGF scholarship check in the amount of $3,000 to help him pursue his selected field of study. And for the necessary tests that often determine life's next chapter and potential trajectory, NLGF will be providing prep classes for important exams like the SATs. "Preparing those kids for that is something I feel is lacking," Porter admitted. "It could make a big difference if those kids could score higher for those tests because more opportunities are available to them. A perfect example is the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). "There are certain levels you have to hit on that aptitude test in order to get into the armed services," Porter explained. "I know kids who have gotten close but not got there because they were lacking in the prep, just like the SAT. Porter said depending on the ASVAB score, certain jobs within that branch of the armed services open up. "A kid might qualify for nuclear, electrical, things they will be trained for in the military so when they get out they are very marketable," Porter said. "I have seen it with my own son, Brandon. He went into the Navy nuclear program, he did very well on ASVAB, and it changed his life." Brandon Whalen spent 10 years of his life in the Navy, and when he got out was hired by a Navy contractor. He is now designing the next nuclear simulators used in training. NLGF would like to see all kids enjoy that same level of success. Providing other essential life skills, such as public speaking and learning how to successfully navigate the job interview process are all tools NLGF will be providing to assist youngsters in attaining that success. "There are all kinds of life skills we can help cover," Coffman said. And the youngsters that NLFG support are not merely current area students- Ti High Class of 2023 valedictorian Emma Cook recently received $2,000 towards her continued education. "The support really means a lot and makes such a big difference in my life, it is allowing me to focus on school and research instead of working long hours," Cook said. NLGF also awarded a $5,000 check to the EF educational tour that will enable three Ticonderoga kids to go to Greece this upcoming spring break that otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford the trip. NLGF recently kicked off its founding donor campaign, and the response was immediate. In just three weeks, more than $150,000 and commitments poured in from individuals and charitable organizations. "It is incredibly exciting to see our community rally around this new foundation and share a vision for education, community growth, and opportunity," Coffman said. "The response in such a short period has been inspiring and energizing for our entire board." Building on that momentum, the foundation has set an ambitious goal of raising $500,000 by the end of the year to fuel its programs and operations. To learn more about becoming a donor or to volunteer with NLGF, please visit nlgfoundation.org. Follow their Facebook and Instagram for updates and future success stories. To discuss scholarship aid for the ELC, please call Bobby Porter at 518-304-3170, or Ken Parlin at 908-377-4202.

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New foundation formed with initial focus on youth development

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