Stephanie Romeo Appointed as New Executive Director
The Shelters of Saratoga board of directors is proud to announce the appointment of Stephanie Romeo as the organization’s new executive director.
Romeo brings nine years of hands-on experience in the human services sector, including six years with Shelters of Saratoga, serving most recently as the agency’s associate executive director. Her day-to-day management experience, organizational insight, and established community relationships are the foundation for her leadership qualifications to guide the agency’s mission forward.
“Stephanie’s personal commitment to Shelters of Saratoga and the people we serve is testament to the character and principles we believe are the right fit for our organization as we move forward,” said Peter Hopper, president of the Shelters of Saratoga board of directors. “She has been a vital resource for our success in the many roles she has played, taking on leadership positions in every program we provide, starting as a case manager, then program director, and leading to her senior position as associate executive director.”
Julia greets the world with a gentle strength that’s hard to miss. The groundedness she carries today reflects a long road of heartbreak, survival, and steady work to rebuild her life.
Born and raised in upstate New York, Julia’s world shattered at fifteen when a house fire killed her father and two baby nieces. She was the only survivor. “It broke my family apart,” she says. “I didn’t want to be around here anymore.” At seventeen, searching for a fresh start and some distance from the pain, she moved to Florida.
Trauma had touched her life even earlier. As a baby, she and her birth mother were in a car accident that left her mother paralyzed. Julia was adopted soon after. Years later, the settlement from that accident gave her a chance at independence, but it also pulled her into a cycle of addiction and instability once she reached adulthood.
"I’ve called Saratoga home for more than 20 years. My husband and I raised our two sons here, and we’ve seen how this community takes care of its own. That’s what drew me to Shelters of Saratoga. I’ve witnessed how addiction and mental health struggles can change a life — and how a safe, supportive place can change it back. Being part of an organization that helps people find stability and independence feels like one small way to give back to the place that’s given my family so much."
We were honored to attend CAPTAIN CHS’s event on Thursday, February 26th recognizing the extraordinary legacy of outgoing Executive Director Andy Gilpin. In a room of nearly 200 people, not a dry eye could be found — a powerful reflection of how deeply Andy’s work has touched this community.
It was especially meaningful to stand alongside both former SOS Executive Director Duane Vaughn and newly appointed Executive Director Stephanie Romeo — a reminder that strong leadership endures and evolves in service to our mission.
Andy’s legacy lives in the spirit of service he instilled in staff, guests, volunteers, providers, and board members alike. His impact on so many lives is lasting and profound.
We are deeply grateful for his leadership and the example he leaves behind.
How to Help
Front Desk Volunteers
Our emergency shelter relies on friendly faces at the front desk to greet guests, answer phones, and keep things running smoothly. We are looking for reliable volunteers to fill a few specific gaps in our schedule right now.
We are currently in need of coverage for:
Morning Shifts
Thursday Afternoons
Friday Afternoons
It’s a rewarding way to make a direct impact in our community. If you have a few hours to spare during these times, we would love to hear from you!
We are so grateful for the incredible generosity of our friends and neighbors who continue to lift up Shelters of Saratoga. Whether you've volunteered, donated, or simply spread the word—you are the heart of what makes this work possible. Thank you!
As we move through the season, we wanted to share a few items we could really use right now at the emergency shelter:
Canned hearty soups
Chef Boyardee pasta meals
Boxes of cereal
Instant oatmeal packets
These simple comforts go a long way in bringing warmth and nourishment to our guests.
If you'd like to help, donations can be dropped off at: 20 Walworth Street, Saratoga Springs, 12866
We are thrilled to announce that Shelters of Saratoga has been selected as a nonprofit partner for the Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program this March!
Here’s how it works: Throughout March 2026, every time a customer purchases the $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag at the Hannaford located at:
95 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY
Hannaford will donate $1 back to Shelters of Saratoga!
It’s a simple way to make a difference while you shop. Just grab a bag, support the cause, and help us provide essential services to our neighbors in need.
We are so grateful for this opportunity and for a community that shows up time and time again. Thank you for helping us fight hunger, one bag at a time.
