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Lining the main hallway of the Roarke Center in Troy are hundreds of vibrant, framed paintings and glossy clay figurines. Despite their impressive quality, these pieces were not crafted by professional artists, but participants in the center's daily creative arts program.

Several of these pieces are the handiwork of Moses (last name withheld), an avid art program participant. Never one to sit still, Moses' need to keep busy earned him an "Energizer Bunny" award from his unit while serving as a U.S. Army medic. 

Years later, he took up drawing to occupy himself during an hour-long commute from New York City. When he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004, Moses turned to the Roarke Center for support and assistance. 

He found solace in the arts program, which helped him cope mentally with his disease while allowing him to continue his love of learning.

According to director Sister Linda O'Rourke, DC, art classes at the Roarke Center are primarily aimed at those with a mental disability or in recovery from substance abuse. 

Many participants have led difficult lives, and art is often one of the first areas where they experience success. Classes cover a variety of media, including printmaking, watercolor, sewing, pottery and photography.

"That's why I like the Roarke Center," Moses affirmed. "There is always something new to do."

The creative arts program is one of many services offered through the Roarke Center, which was founded in 1997 by the Daughters of Charity. The center aims to enhance the lives of struggling people in Troy through a variety of programs, including emergency assistance, reentry services and adult literacy programs.

Sister Linda has served as director of the Roarke Center since 1999. Since that time, the center's monthly assistance rate has risen from about 25 to 200 families. She leads a staff of 12 and several volunteers.

She said the Roarke Center looks for employees who want to help others in a "Gospel-inspired fashion," ensuring that "people are treated as a member of the Body of Christ."

The beautiful artwork created by participants is just a bonus to the creative arts program, explained Sister Linda; the real goal of the program is to "improve quality of life, provide a positive environment, boost self-esteem and give a sense of purpose."

Moses said his participation in the Roarke Center's creative arts program has helped him stay off antidepressants. "This place helps me look at life differently," he stated.

Spectrum of help
In addition to its art program, the center provides emergency assistance services, including a free weekly medical clinic for the uninsured. Doctors and nurses from Seton Health in Troy volunteer their time, providing assistance, information and referral. The center provides additional health services, such as advocacy and financial assistance.

The Roarke Center also offers a food pantry stocked with donations from the Regional Food Bank, which patrons of the center can use once a month. According to Sister Linda, clients often come to the center with the intention of using the pantry and end up benefiting from a variety of additional services.

Another Roarke Center program works with Rensselaer County to assist women who have legal issues and to help them with reentry to the community after being released from prison.

Participants in that program are assigned a case manager who provides direction, guidance and support for one year following release. The Roarke Center assists with locating housing, basic personal needs and goal setting for the future. 

The program "graduates" about 20 participants each year and boasts an 86-percent success rate.

Primarily funded by the Daughters of Charity, the Roarke Center also benefits from several grants, government funding and donations from local people and parishes. 

"The people of Troy have been so generous," said Sister Linda. 

Although economic times are tight, donations have not suffered. According to Sister Linda, "Those who are okay [financially] have a greater awareness of the need that exists right now in our own communities."

One woman's story
Kathleen McKnight has witnessed the Roarke Center grow and develop since its first months of operation, when she took a volunteer position in the food pantry. She recalled watching the door of the Roarke Center in anguish from across the street, wanting to volunteer in exchange for use of the pantry, but hindered by her anxiety disorder.

Working up the courage to ring the doorbell changed the course of Ms. McKnight's life. After several years of volunteering in the food pantry, a staff position opened up and she was put on the payroll.

"When I first came here I was very shy and had a lot of anxiety problems. Working around people really helps," she said. 

Her duties at the center include signing in clients, filling orders, unloading trucks and assisting with the Extra Helpings program, which allows participants to purchase food at a reduced rate from the Food Bank.

Ms. McKnight has also been sober for over three years. She spends her free time volunteering in several outreach positions. 

"I don't look at problems as problems any more," she remarked. "I say they're challenges."

Without the Roarke Center, she said, "I don't think I would have gotten as far as I am today."[[In-content Ad]]

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