More than 100 community members gathered to celebrate the legacy of the Desmond Center for Community Engagement and Wellness during its final Winter Wellness Celebration on December 3. Over the last five years, the grant-funded center has served approximately 6,300 individuals.
It was a fitting finale for a program rooted in connection: More than 100 community members, partners, and families gathered on campus this month to celebrate the legacy of the Desmond Center for Community Engagement and Wellness.
The Desmond Center, a Mount Saint Mary College initiative, officially concluded its programming in December. The college marked the end of its successful five-year, grant-funded run with one of the Desmond Center’s final events, a Winter Wellness celebration.
“We are still glowing from the joy of our Winter Wellness Day,” said Ashley Collazo, Acting Director of the Desmond Center. “It was a reminder – in the most heartfelt way – that what we’ve built together is rooted in connection, consistency, and genuine care.”
The event brought together longtime partners, former students and employees, and local families. It was a celebration of a mission that has touched approximately 6,300 lives since its inception.
Funded through annual grants from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, the center provided vital wellness and educational services to underserved individuals, including the uninsured. By partnering with organizations like the Orange County Office for the Aging and Catholic Charities, the center delivered accessible health education, movement classes, and comprehensive wellness opportunities to thousands.
“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our instructors, partners, volunteers, and every community member who has shown up, month after month, to breathe, paint, stretch, learn, heal, laugh, and grow with us,” said Collazo. “Your presence and intention are what made this space come alive."
The center’s success was marked by several significant milestones, including the 2023 Health and Wellness Conference, the 2024 Community Impact Fair, and the 2025 Summer Institute for Nursing Exploration, which provided valuable insights for local high school students interested in health fields.
A core element of the Desmond Center’s mission was the integration of student learning. Through their involvement with the center, students engaged in impactful community-based service projects, contributed to large-scale campus events such as the Annual Easter Celebration, and benefited from meaningful internship and employment opportunities.
While the Desmond Center’s daily operations are concluding, its impact will continue. The college remains deeply committed to community engagement through ongoing collaborations with the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Newburgh Ministry, and Habitat for Humanity.
Notably, the center’s signature Summer Institute for Nursing Exploration, which introduces local high school students to healthcare careers, will continue under the college’s leadership, ensuring the Desmond Center’s educational mission endures.