SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Franklin Community Center recently announced the retirement of Colleen O’Connor-Potter after nine years of service as Franklin Community Center’s Project Lift Program Director.
According to a press release, O’Connor-Potter has been an integral part of Franklin Community Center since 2015. Over the past nine years, she contributed significantly to the growth and success of Project Lift, giving her all to the community and leaving an indelible mark on the families she has helped.
Among O’Connor-Potter’s accomplishments are — expanding Project Lift into Maple Ave Middle School; supporting children through the Project Lift program in grades 1 through 5, and then seeing them return as volunteers for Project Lift when they reach high school, marking the impact the program had on their lives; and fostering a culture of collaboration, kindness, and continuous improvement that will influence Project Lift for years to come.
Her leadership and expertise have been invaluable, the release said, and she will be greatly missed by colleagues and clients alike.
“I am proud of all we have achieved during my time at Franklin Community Center and so grateful to have been a part of it,” O’Connor-Potter said in the release when reflecting on her work. “The relationships I have developed with my colleagues, school district personnel, donors and families have had a tremendous impact on me.
“I can’t wait to hear about the program’s continued successes, as I will always be Project Lift’s biggest fan.”
“It has been a privilege to work with Colleen. She has been a mentor, an inspiration, and a cheerleader to so many people in our Franklin family and beyond,” Executive Director Kari Cushing added in the release. “Though we will miss her sparkle at the office every day, we wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Franklin Community Center announced Abbie Aldrich will be stepping into the role of Project Lift Program Director. Aldrich has been with Franklin for 2 years, most recently serving as Student Services Coordinator alongside Colleen. As a native of Saratoga Springs, Aldrich is uniquely suited for the position.
She has consistently demonstrated her dedication to Project Lift and the families she works with, making her the ideal candidate for this promotion.
