Cheryl Hage-Perez

Cheryl Hage-Perez is a lifelong resident of Amsterdam, New York, who has devoted her career to providing service and assistance to the most vulnerable members of our community.

Ms. Hage-Perez attended St. Mary’s Institute and Bishop Scully High School and earned an Associate’s degree from Fulton-Montgomery Community College before beginning her distinguished career as a mental health aide at St. Mary’s Hospital. While working full time and raising two children as a single mother, she put herself through The College of St. Rose. There, she earned a degree in social work and went on to work for many years providing care and support to developmentally-disabled adults.

Ms. Hage-Perez served as the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Fulton and Montgomery Counties for seven years, where she was instrumental in developing programs and services for individuals with mental illness, including the creation of the Handy Ups and Downs Thrift Store. Today, the thrift store continues to provide employment opportunities for those struggling with mental illness.

After overcoming a bout with cancer with grace and dignity, Ms., Hage-Perez took a position as the Executive Director of Support Ministries, Inc., an agency that provides housing and support to people with AIDS. During her 14 years there, she doubled the size of the program and created many additional services.

The daughter of a decorated WWII veteran, Ms. Hage-Perez comes from a family with a proud military tradition that continues to this day; her grandchildren currently serve in the United States Marines. Ms. Hage-Perez has found her true calling as the Executive Director of the Veterans Community and Housing Coalition, which provides critically needed housing and services to veterans in counties throughout the Capital Region.

Ms. Hage-Perez has secured more than $350,000 to repair and rebuild transitional housing for homeless veterans. When she realized that she was still short on funding, she organized a major fundraiser, the Veterans Ball. The Ball raised more than $70,000 in two years to help fund programs and services, and also provides an opportunity for Ms. Hage-Perez to recognize and honor local veterans for their dedicated service.