After The Fire

{From the 2023 Christmas Newsprint Magazine}

Written by Megin Potter  |  Photos Provided

Fire can destroy everything in its path. 

Most fire victims don’t know where to turn, what to do next, who to contact, or where to go. That’s when After the Fire volunteers are there to help guide them. 

“There is such an amazing feeling knowing that you have made a difference in someone's life!” said volunteer Paula Riley. 

“Sometimes, it is as simple as a comforting word, other times, it is listening to someone's heart-breaking story. We, as volunteers, have the privilege to be a part of their story.”

Small Gestures Go a Long Way

When there’s a fire, people run out of the house in the middle of the night without clothing and with nothing on their feet, said Maureen Smith, Vice President of After the Fire. She commonly hands out pairs of donated socks to victims. “It’s a good cause, helping others in their time of need. It is rewarding.”

Maureen began volunteering with the group 10 years ago. Although she didn't have money to give, she did have time. 

“Sometimes all people want is a hug because they’re in shock and at a loss as to what to do next. What they need is a hug and hearing, ‘You’re going to be ok’,” she said.

“The feeling of being able to help someone when they have such a need fills my heart.  They are so grateful, not only for the help, but just someone to talk to. The "hugs” are just an extra reward,” said After the Fire’s President, Pat Bowers, who began volunteering in February 2021. “I often ask myself, ‘What took you so long to find something that is so fulfilling?’” she said. 

Originally founded in 1991 by the Ladies Auxiliary of Halfmoon and Clifton Park, today, After the Fire serves all of Saratoga County. From 2008-2022, the group responded to 517 calls from Fire Control dispatchers and helped more than 833 people. 

Sharing the Load

Once on scene, After the Fire volunteers assess what assistance is needed, provide personal care items, arrange for a free night stay at a local hotel (if necessary) and offer emotional support. They give each family member a $100 gift card (to purchase necessary items immediately), and quickly coordinate assistance, donations of clothing, household items, and furniture. 

The After the Fire member roster, once numbered near 30, is now at seven. More volunteers are needed to answer calls and help with fundraising. Maureen’s granddaughter, Riley Santiago, 11, has been helping to raise funds and awareness for the organization since she was seven.

As well as being a welcoming group, volunteer Connie Snyder said, “After the Fire provides you with the feeling that you have made a difference in a person’s life at a time when they are most disheartened and vulnerable.”

“There is no better feeling.”

After the Fire’s monthly meetings are held at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Halfmoon Town Hall or the Eagle Matt Lee Fire Department in Ballston Spa. For more information, call 518-435-4571 or visit www.afterthefire.org.