On Friday, October 25th, we lost a truly great human being. Andre Bailey was born on August 28, 1956 and grew up in Harlem but lived most of his life in Poughkeepsie.  While he was a man of many talents, he found his calling for helping others when he joined the Board of Directors of PEOPLe, Inc./People USA, where he eventually served as Board Chair. Andre served the organization with tremendous commitment, integrity, insight and compassion.  If there was an innovative idea to improve services for people challenged with mental health and substance use, Andre was the first to support it.

During Andre's 23-year tenure as a volunteer and board member, he was intimately involved with developing the first 24/7 peer crisis diversion house, which allowed people experiencing an emotional crisis to have an alternative to an emergency room or inpatient setting. This was a ground-breaking approach that has since been replicated around the country and beyond.  For the first 10 years of operation, Andre volunteered at the Crisis House as the overnight peer supporter to assist house guests by de-escalating stress, offering solutions to looking at crisis as an opportunity, and offering many alternative steps to healing. Andre's values and work helped countless others build self-determination and empowerment that lent to healing and improved quality of life. Simply put, Andre brought hope where it had otherwise been lost.

In addition, Andre volunteered for over 10 years as a support counselor to people attending an annual statewide mental health conference. He made himself available in 'comfort rooms' at the conference so that when a conference attendee became overwhelmed, they could visit with Andre to de-compress and relax ensuring their conference experience would be successful. Andre was a source of safety and comfort to all who knew him, and even to those meeting him for the first time.

After his tenure with People USA came to a close, his light shined bright in his community at Spring Manor, where his dear friend Nakia saw something special in him.  It wasn't long before his neighbors flocked to his home just to be near him and share in his kindness and universal love. Andre was always able to 's ability to understand what people needed when facing distress or challenges. It was a priceless gift.

While Andre lost all known members of his blood-related family at a very young age, he created 'family' among the people in his life who were graced to know him.  Knowing Andre meant knowing family and love. He was a treasured and respected leader who supported people's well-being and quality of life. No matter where Andre lived, he attracted people from all walks of life to his place, and without judgment, he gave each person the dignity of being listened to. His home was always a sanctuary for all, and people of all walks of life sought Andre's wisdom and support. People also looked to Andre for his incredible cooking skills and party planning. While Andre was physically compromised, what he did for others made him a giant with a transcendent strength many would embrace. Andre made everyone feel heard, important, and loved.

Andre passed peacefully at Vassar Hospital, surrounded by his loving friends who were family. He survived by his dear friends Steve Miccio, Nakia Wood, Tina Powell and many many friends.  As we lay Andre to rest, it is comforting to know that his giving and loving spirit lives on in all who knew him.
There will be a graveside service on Wednesday, October 30, 11 am at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Parmele, Auchmoody & Schoonmaker Funeral Home, Poughkeepsie.