Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund
Robert R. DeCormier was the first president of RENY, and a dedicated advocate for retired educators. In memory of his service and to honor his commitment to past, present, and future colleagues, the Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund was established. This fund provides monetary assistance to retired educators who are in financial need.
The DeCormier Memorial Fund offers two different grants to assist RENY members:
The Monthly Stipend Grant (click to download form) sends a check to the grant recipient each month as long as there is a need shown.
The DeCormier Special Grant (click to download form) is a lump sum grant that can be used to pay for an unexpected, un-reimbursed emergency expense, such as a necessary furnace replacement, dental or medical bills, a fire or natural disaster, etc. The check is sent directly to the designated payee or provider of services.
To be eligible to apply for either of these grants, the applicant must:
- be a current member of RENY with a minimum of three years of immediate prior membership
- be at least 55 years of age
- have (or member’s spouse have) a minimum of fifteen years as a New York State school employee
- complete and submit an application.
You may also request an application via email anneflanswz@aol.com or by phone (716-863-3631), or by written request (24 Amherston Dr. Williamsville, NY 14221). It may also be requested from a DeCormier Trustee, as well as a Zone or Unit Friendly Service Chair.
Both applications require information about the applicant’s assets (such as cash, checking, stocks, insurances, pensions, social security, etc.), debts, and financial obligations, as well as other information that may help the Trustees to fully understand the circumstances of the situation. The completed application is mailed to Anne Flansburg at 24 Amherston Dr. Williamsville, NY 14221. All application information is held in strict confidence. Each grant request is investigated to determine that there is a legitimate need. After a thorough discussion of the application, the Trustee Board renders its decision of whether or not to accept, or possibly modify the request. The applicant is then notified of the Trustee Board’s decision.
A review of the needs of the monthly stipend recipients is done every two years. The Eligibility Update for Continued DeCormier Assistance form will be mailed out by the chair to the recipients for completion at the appropriate time.
We encourage you to apply for a monthly stipend grant or a special needs grant if you need help. We also ask that you forward this information to a fellow retiree who may be experiencing financial difficulty. For additional information regarding the Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund, please contact:
Anne Flansburg (716-863-3631) or anneflanswz@aol.com or contact any of the other trustees, namely: Richard Brogowski, Mary Lou Davis, Beth Green, Colette Astoria, or Joseph Russo.
Truly, the memory of our first RENY President Robert DeCormier is kept alive through the financial help that RENY members, through the DeCormier Trust Fund are able to give to fellow retirees in need. Donations are welcome, and may also be made in memory of or in honor of an individual. All donations are tax deductible, and acknowledgments are sent to the donor. A letter is also sent to the person being honored, or to the family of the individual who is being memorialized. To make a donation, please make check or money order payable to: DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund and mail to:
Robert R DeCormier Memorial Trust, Mary Lou Davis, Treasurer
125 Andrews Road, LaGrangeville, NY 12540-6064
Download the DeCormier Donation Form
RENY’s Friendly Service Program
Offers assistance to qualified retired educators facing financial challenges. If you, or someone you know, could use a helping hand, we encourage you to contact the RENY Vice President for Friendly Service: Judy Corigliano (518) 834-9915. Judy will see that you receive an application and connect you with a Friendly Service contact in the RENY zone where the person in need resides. Please be assured that all applications are kept confidential.
Friendly Service Application for Special Grant
We understand that there may be reluctance to ask for this type of help. RENY was founded over a half century ago, in part, to provide assistance to retired educators who faced economic hardship. It is our view that as educators these people gave years of important work and contribution to the community and are worthy of assistance.
Friendly Service key workers also provided personal contact to the home or hospital bound. They can help to maintain social interaction by driving people no longer able to arrive by themselves to local meetings. Key workers stand ready to assist in a variety of ways, so we encourage people to please reach out to us.