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Laura Ross
A True Pipeline of Opportunity
Press Release Hudson River Housing and Unshattered Launch New Recovery-to-Independence Pathway for Women in the Hudson Valley Strategic partnership creates a seamless continuum from homelessness and addiction to stable housing, meaningful employment, and long-term economic independence. September 17, 2026 Wappingers Falls, N.Y. Two of the Hudson Valley's leading nonprofit organizations have joined forces to create a complete pathway from crisis to long-term independence. Hudson River Housing, Inc. and Unshattered, Inc. today announced a strategic partnership that integrates supportive housing with healing-centered employment, creating a coordinated continuum of care that helps women not only recover from addiction, but build stable, purposeful, and self-sustaining lives. For decades, women rebuilding after addiction have often encountered a fragmented system. Safe housing is essential, but it is often temporary. Employment creates opportunity, but without stable housing, many women never have the chance to succeed. By intentionally connecting these services, Hudson River Housing and Unshattered are closing one of the most significant gaps in long-term recovery. About Hudson River Housing Hudson River Housing has served the Hudson Valley for more than 40 years and is dedicated to building strong, sustainable communities by developing and preserving quality affordable housing, and helping families and individuals obtain and maintain housing through education, advocacy, and support services. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live in safe, affordable housing that meets their needs, regardless of income, family makeup, race or ethnicity, physical or mental health issues, or any other defining factors. About Unshattered Since 2016, Unshattered has helped women in recovery rebuild their lives through healing-centered employment, workforce development, leadership training, and personal growth. The organization's long-term outcomes demonstrate that when women have meaningful work, supportive relationships, and opportunities to grow, they achieve lasting sobriety and economic stability. A True Pipeline of Opportunity Hudson River Housing will provide dedicated housing for women participating in Unshattered's employment and development programs, removing one of the greatest barriers to expanding Unshattered's impact. At the same time, women engaged through Hudson River Housing will gain direct access to Unshattered's employment pathway, creating opportunities to build job skills, confidence, financial stability, and long-term careers. "Recovery isn't complete when someone finds housing or gets a job. It only becomes durable when women have the stability to heal, meaningful work that restores confidence, and a community that believes in their future. This partnership creates that pathway." — Unshattered CEO and Founder Kelly Lyndgaard Together, the organizations are investing not only in individual lives, but in the long-term health of the Hudson Valley. $150,000 Economic analysis estimates that every woman who successfully completes Unshattered's program creates approximately $150,000 in net positive economic benefit for the region through increased employment, reduced reliance on public systems, and greater civic and community participation. The results extend far beyond employment. Women become financially independent. They maintain sobriety. They strengthen families. They become trusted employees, dependable neighbors, engaged community members, and emerging leaders. Two Unshattered program graduates have already been recognized by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce as 40 Under 40 honorees, evidence of what is possible when women are given the opportunity to thrive. "This partnership reflects what happens when organizations stop thinking about individual programs and start building complete solutions. Together we're creating a stronger system of support that gives women the opportunity to move beyond survival toward lasting independence." — Christa Hines, CEO and President of Hudson River Housing Rather than asking women to navigate disconnected services, Hudson River Housing and Unshattered are creating one coordinated journey from homelessness and addiction to stable housing, meaningful employment, personal growth, and long-term belonging. Together, the organizations are demonstrating that lasting recovery is built through strong partnerships, sustainable opportunities, and communities willing to invest in people's futures. For More Information Unshattered, Kelly Lyndgaard (Founder/CEO)kelly@unshattered.orgwww.unshattered.org Hudson River Housing, Christa Hines (CEO/President)chines@hudsonriverhousing.orgwww.hudsonriverhousing.org Want to support this pathway? Help us close the gap between recovery and independence. Learn More →
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Laura Ross
Thank you, IMSA!
A Note of Gratitude Watch NASCAR and Formula 1 Fire Suits Become Bags in our Summer of Transformation Thank you, IMSA, for trusting us with this one. Your browser doesn't support embedded video. Watch it here instead. This summer, our friends at the International Motor Sports Association, IMSA for short, sent us over 500 garments and flags with a big ask: turn them into 480 finished products. Some on our team called it an undertaking, one that was worth every stitch. We had just welcomed a fresh group of team members, some of them starting their first job since finding recovery. We weren't entirely sure we'd get it all done. Then these women stepped up, learned new skills, and finished every single piece with pride. This is the story of how that happened, and why we're so grateful IMSA gave us the chance to tell it. From Fabric to Finished Product Every piece starts with a careful look from our design team: checking the fabric, the fit, the story behind it, before it's cut precisely to match the product pattern. Then our sewing team takes over. Each stitch intentional. Each seam thoughtful. Stitch by stitch, each bag comes together, and so does healing-centered employment for the woman making it. Three Secrets, Sewn Into Every Bag 1. A Hidden Message Stitched into the lining where no one can see it: a favorite verse, a number of days sober, or a wish for whoever carries it next. 2. A Gold Thread Our nod to Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold, a reminder that some things become more beautiful for having been healed. 3. A Name Every bag is named after someone navigating their own journey with addiction, sent to us from all over the country, keeping the circle of hope going. Sometimes, the people whose names live on our bags come back to us, not as strangers, but as part of our team, once they've completed their own recovery. That circle of hope is what keeps us going. When the last bag is finished, we flip it inside out one final time for a last check, making sure every detail meets our standard, before it's ready to carry someone's story into the world. Behind Every Bag, a Team "Every bag tells a story. And we're honored to help tell them." Want to be part of the next chapter? Join us in ending the addiction relapse cycle. Learn More →
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Maria Swartzentruber
Building Lives of Stability, Purpose, and Belonging
At Unshattered, we’re proving that recovery is possible and sustainable. Every day, we see that prevention and recovery are part of the same continuum of hope. When women are given the opportunity to build stability, purpose, and belonging, they don’t just avoid crisis, they thrive. Through trauma-informed, healing-centered employment, the women on our team gain tools for lifelong success. They develop confidence, learn new skills, and discover their unique strengths as they build lives of purpose. This month, we’re celebrating remarkable women whose journeys show what’s possible when recovery meets opportunity. Cheryl joined the Unshattered team in August 2024 and quickly learned to sew a variety of products while participating in our Growth and Development Workshops, opportunities made possible through community support. Through these experiences, she discovered new strengths in her recovery journey. Recently, Cheryl moved closer to home and began a new role at a processing facility. Her success proves that when you invest in recovery, women can rise above doubt and embrace their potential. Every donation toward our Growth Workshops helps women like Cheryl thrive in recovery. Jillian began as a seamstress at Unshattered in 2022 and grew into leadership as our Boutique and Production Lead. Her artistry has brought countless Custom Heirloom Bags to life, leaving a lasting impression with her craftsmanship and care. Now Jillian is stepping into a new manufacturing role closer to family, using the Manufacturing Leadership Certificate she earned through the Council of Industry. Her journey shows that skill, determination, and opportunity can break barriers and open doors far beyond our workshop walls. Your support helps more women gain certifications and professional pathways that empower long-term success. At Unshattered, we believe recovery thrives when women are surrounded by opportunity, purpose, and community. Each story of transformation begins with a single step and every step is made possible by people like you. Together, we’re building a future where recovery isn’t just possible, it’s sustainable. Support Our Mission
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Maria Swartzentruber
Connecting Community: Unshattered Hosts the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Unshattered welcomed the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce for a networking event celebrating connection, community, and purpose in the Hudson Valley.
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Maria Swartzentruber
Big news: Unshattered is now officially People and Planet First verified!
We have exciting news to share: Unshattered is officially People and Planet First verified. 💥 This recognition affirms what has always been true about our organization. We exist to solve social and environmental problems, not to generate private profit. From the beginning, we’ve believed that business can be a force for good. Now, we’re honored to be recognized among a global community of changemakers doing just that. What does it mean to be People & Planet First verified? ✔️ We exist to serve a mission—not to generate private profit✔️ We’re sustained by both revenue and donations✔️ We reinvest every dollar directly into our purpose✔️ We’ve built long-term safeguards to keep our mission front and center More Than a Bag. A Model for Change.At Unshattered, every product we create tells a story of transformation. Handcrafted by women in recovery from addiction, our bags represent more than fashion. They represent futures. Through meaningful employment, job training, and a healing-centered workplace, women gain the tools they need to build sustainable lives of sobriety. Our commitment to impact doesn’t stop with our team. Sustainability at Every StepWe source our materials with intention: donated fabrics, reclaimed textiles and military uniforms upcycled that would otherwise end up in landfills. Our packaging is minimal. Our operations are designed to conserve water, reduce energy use, and care for the environment at every level. From product design to the way we renovated our building, we’re always asking: How can we care for the earth while we serve people? A Community Model, Rooted and GrowingUnshattered is proud to be operate in the Hudson Valley. We hire locally, bank locally, and partner with values-aligned organizations that support people and planet. We are proof that a small organization fueled by purpose can create lasting ripple effects in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. This verification is more than a badge. It reflects who we are and what we stand for. We’re not here to chase trends or profit. We’re here to create real change. And we’re just getting started. Thank you for being on this journey with us.Learn more about the People + Planet First community at peopleandplanetfirst.org.
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