Syracuse Nonprofits and Charities

My young border collie and I make visits to a college, nursing home, military base and school. At the nursing home, we spend maybe a minute to a few minutes with each person as we make our way around the rooms. I am always deeply touched by how many residents thank us for the short visit, even when they have to struggle mightily to get the words out. Children getting a positive experience with a dog, college kids playing catch and finding a chance to relax and chat, and on the military base, the guy who greets me with "Is this the dog that gives hugs?"

I have been a member of USITT since 2000. I am deeply proud of the work USITT has done through the Gateway program, it's mentorship programs, and it's programming. Our organization offers unique opportunities elevate and advance our members through training, education, investigation and networking. We lift one another. We care for one another. We are a powerful tribe. USITT has had a profound impact on my career and growth. I am grateful to be a member and to serve.

I adopted Rumpie in November of 2016. He has made himself right at home and feels comfortable in almost any situation. He enjoys bird watching while lounging over the heat vent in the winter and a/c during the summer. I would definitely recommend finding your future pet through CNY Cat Coalition.

I've met with several beneficiaries of this program. Young adults from underprivileged backgrounds, who had no chance of getting into college. Then this organization showed them that they could not only get in, but stay in, get support, personal, financial and material, and GRADUATE. This program has been a life changer for over 5000 kids, with one of the highest success rates in New York State and the nation, for actually making it happen, not just proposals and administrative theories.

The Rescue Mission is horrible. Had to go back there in 2022 for the first time in about 7 years. 7 years ago you get an intake which took till late 3rd shift even if you were there all day got a permanent bed after being there three nights in a row and having done PA. Now you have to be approved by PA as the staff member said when I got there in 2022 her exact words “We have to get paid or you can’t stay” so you can do 211 and get a “temp” approval to stay but you don’t get a bed you sleep on the lobby floor with a blanket if your lucky. You have to go yo PA the very next morning to get a shelter form to prove your homeless ( who pretends to be homeless?). You take that form back get an intake done which is there only improvement in 7 years it got done in about 30 minutes. They lie and say beds are all full which after observing the dorm I was in, that dorm always had 4-5 beds open which shockingly enough is the case on every dorm which there are 7 men and 1 women so simple math (low end figures) 4*8 is 32. Yet there is always a ton of ppl sleeping on the lobby floor why? All these donations that ppl give to help us the homeless the homeless see none of it. It goes in there stores to make money to make more stores same goes with the state money and federal money the homeless see none of it not a hat a glove a coat socks shoes (Discount shoe repair annual drive to get shoes for the homeless 1000s of shoes not one homeless person has gotten one the get fixed and sold at their stores) shirts pants etc homeless see nothing. The mission is ran like a prison curfew at 9pm don’t be a second late you won’t be able to get in even though it’s advertised as a 24/7 shelter. 7am curfew to be out of the dorms drugs are rampant can’t walk down Dickerson with 10 ppl asking if you want molly weed crack etc. the drugs are done in every bathroom there and outside. Ppl set the firealarms off at all hours. Food is terrible 99% of the time set up there cause issues. Not once do they help with housing there are ppl who have been at the mission for a year still no help. But what do you all care we are just worthless humans who don’t deserve help even ppl who fell on hard times for a bit but actively do what they are suppose to still sub human because they became homeless, but again The Rescue Mission staff board CEO etc sit comfy with there 6 plus figure salaries with there 3-4k apt in downtown Syracuse. It’s sad you put a BS public image out like you help the homeless but in fact don’t do anything for us con ppl out of money and food a clothing with these events and fundraisers telling your donors it goes to help the homeless when it doesn’t 0% of it helps the homeless. My next step is record the mission inside show the ppl what it’s really like I’m sure NBC CBS ABC and Fox would love this the actual truth about the Rescue Mission. Cya on the news.

Cannot say enough great things about this organization. The caliber of leadership and choral training is unmatched in the Syracuse area. If you have the opportunity to come see this group please do. You will be impressed.

I have had the honor of working with the Food Bank of CNY since 2011. They have taught me the joy in service and the meaning of community. They are so appreciative of everyone's efforts and they are all truly committed to the fight against hunger. On behalf of the 58 student volunteers of Halloween for Hunger and the Hallowrun for Hunger 5K, it has been our privilege to support the Food Bank throughout our years in high school. <br> <br>Sincerely, <br> <br>Elizabeth Westfall <br>Student Race Director <br>Hallowrun for Hunger

They're ecumenical. They have a nice religious library, but they have a few books that seem New Age to me.

The Polish Scholarship Fund is a wonderful organization in Central New York. Not only do they give out scholarships each year to students of Polish descent, they put on a Polish Festival each year in Syracuse to celebrate the traditions of Polish Heritage. 2023 was their 67th year! <br> <br>The PSF has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships that can be used at any accredited college, university, or trade school. <br> <br>I enjoy being part of this worthwhile organization!

This organization has been serving the Syracuse area for many years assisting individuals and families with immigration counseling and guidance helping them in a successful transition into the American society. Their expertise, dedication, and genuine care is remarkable and undeniably a real agent for positive changes in so many lives in our community.

My story began with my interest in learning about the Native American culture for a class called Diversity and Oppression. I'm a social work student at Arizona State University. This lead me to research and write a paper on intersectionality of foster care/adoption of Native children to non- native parents. I got connected with the founder of Three Precious Miracles a local non-profit that celebrates the cultural richness of native children who are are in the foster care system. My research and experiences has led me to understand and appreciate things on a deeper level. I was reflecting one day which happened to be Thanksgiving. This led me to do some research on the true meaning of Thanksgiving and I used YouTube as my source. This is when I saw the video titled, Ski'nonh - Great Law of Peace Center - Thanksgiving Address. I found this short video very insightful and its imprint has been long lasting. Especially, the part of, 'let us put our minds together as one'. In such challenging times this is what is needed the most in my perspective. A lot of Indigenous knowledge has been lost and I felt like I stumbled upon a piece of sacred truth. I continued to look up the Ski'nonh ' Great Law of Peace Center and saw on Facebook that they were participating in the GivingTuesday. I decided that I wanted to help them and their efforts. That leads me to the Creation poster that I received for my $50 donation. I saw this image and fell in love with it, with her (Sky Woman). However, I felt that this poster of Sky Woman belonged to me. After seeing the founder of Three Precious Miracles post on Facebook a picture of her office with bare walls. She was putting out a call out for art. I reached out to her and shared that I was expecting the Creator poster. It was difficult for me to give this poster but I knew her (Sky Woman) home was with Elisia Manuel of Three Precious Miracles. I felt that the significance of the Creator Story and Sky Woman was needed elsewhere. The circle is now complete. You see, I learned a lot from Elisia and the Ski'nonh center and I am extremely thankful to them. I'm hopeful that this message will come to light. The true meaning of Thanksgiving is to be thankful every day' and this I am! <br /><br />Grateful, <br />Belinda Escalante

This is the premiere healthcare organization in Central New York. It is great to go to a hospital that is run by the community it serves. It isn't part of a state bureaucratic debacle or a billion dollar healthcare behemoth from hundreds of miles away.

I went through the program and it changed my life. After working and being on my own for a few years i became employed at chadwick residence. The staff works long hours and put their heart and soul into their job. Specifically the executive director, Mary Anne Barington who has a heart of gold. I recomend this place for any women who wants a chance at getting their life back on track for whatever reason. They provide tools,counseling,guidance and most of all staff who have been there.

When one hears of a nonprofit organization, one thinks of that organization as safe, peaceful, caring, kind and giving. Those who work for nonprofit organizations are thought to be honest individuals with integrity. I have not had a very positive experience at the Solvay Youth Center, which is a nonprofit organization. I have been told that as a member, I am not able to bring any other guest other than my children, due to a liability for the Youth Center. I have been personally approached by a life guard and the Rec Leader named Joe. They have both stated that only my children are to attend the facility with me, yet I see many other individuals bring in other children that are not their own. As a youth mentor, I open my house to children in unsafe, toxic homes. Some of those children I bring to various activities since they do not have many other opportunities. The most children that I have brought at one time that were not my own were two. They were also between the ages of 10-13. These children are at risk youth who need love, understanding, compassion, and a kind heart. They do not need to be told that they are not welcome. Also, the pool has had less than 10 kids/parents any time that I was in the pool myself. My bringing two extra children from time to time has not caused the pool to become overcrowded, and as a matter of fact, myself and my children have often times been the only family in the pool. My first day as a member was memorable. Not in a good way. When I signed my name in at the front desk, a women in who was in charge was unkind and verbally abusive. She had mistaken me for another individual, another woman who apparently had caused a fight to break out at the Youth Center. When I clarified that I had not been in the Youth Center since a sixth grader at St. Cecilia's the young woman still accused me of being the person who seemed to cause much stress to the facility. I contacted Joe, the Rec Leader and told him of my extremely negative experience. I had asked him to talk to his employee. I had nothing but negative comments and rude behavior from the employee after he supposedly talked with he. Her attitude affected myself and my children, so I stopped going to open swim/family night. I had found out this past winter that this employee no longer worked for the Solvay Youth Center. I was relieved. I contacted Joe about my membersjhip fees, as well as let him know that I did not pay for the months that I was not at the youth center. He stated that, that was ok, as my membership was at a reduced rate of 15$ a month during the months that I used the facility. Joe had asked me to bring 15$ my first night back as that was what agreed upon for me to remaing a member. When I brought my children and another friend with children (she signed up for a membership with the same guidelines as I.) Joe was not available. I asked the young girl at the sign in desk if she could take the 15$ membership fee. She stated that Joe had not discussed this with her, and that she could not take my money as the files were locked up. Joe did show up later that evening after being called by the lifeguard. He asked who my friend and I had in the pool. Between us we have 8 chilfen. Joe did not seem to believe us and asked us not to bring any extra children to the facility. He then immediately left the building. At no time did he ask for my 15$. I also could not leave the pool area as it has been styated that parents may not leave pool area during family time. Joe seemed very abrasive. My friend, Michelle, picked up on his negative behavior and commented on it to me. I went back t the pool the second time this winter two weeks later. After about 30 minutes of open swim, the life guard approached me and asked me to fill out a membership form as I was not a member. I told him, that I indeed was a member, and he loudly stated that I was not. He stated that at least three times. I asked him to confim with Joe, as Joe knew thtat I was a member. To my surprise Joe showed up and in the doorway to the pool told me that I was not a member, and that I needed to fill out a membership. I asked Joe to please locate my file that proved otherwise. Joe then stated, "When I do not find your membership, I am going to kick your ass out of here." He stated this in front of a man and his four children who happened to be in the hallway. I asked Joe not to use foul language as that was unkind, inappropriate, especially in front of young children. Joe did locate my membership and stated that I "escaped out the back door with my 15$ the last time that I was at the pool." He also stated "I have this on video." I explained to Joe that the girl at the front desk was unable to take my money the last time that I was at the pool. Joe then asked me to get my children out of the pool as I was "no longer wanted" in the Solvay youth Center. I of course was shocked and became upset. I told Joe that I brought the 15$ with me and would be more than happy to get it. He then stated that he would not take my money and was going to call the cops. I immediately got my children out of the pool and had them take a shower to wash off the chlorine. While we were exiting the ladies room, two male police officers were waiting for me. They let me know that Joe called them and wanted to hear my side of the story. The two police officers were kind and listened patiently. When I was finished, they stated that my story and Joes story were conflicted. I asked for them to have Joe come back and talk as I was concerned about the inconsistency of what was discussed between Joe and I. When Joe told his side of the story it sounded very much like what I said. He stated though, that a membership form needs to be signed yearly as well as the money paid up front. I stated to Joe and the officers present that I was unaware that a new membership needed to be signed each year as well as the agreement was that I would pay for the membership monthly during the months that I used the facility. Joe stated that he was not going to allow me to do so as well as I was not welcome back. After some intervening by the officers, Joe agreed that I could only come back after paying the full yearly amount up front. I had stated that due to my financial situation I was unable to do so. Joe then stated I was not welcome back as I need to pay up front like the rest of the members. The officers reiterated that when I could pay the fees, I would be able to come back. I was then escorted out of the building with my children in tow by the police officers. Apparently Joe had asked for this to be done. Both officers were apologetic and stated that they were just doing their job. I then apologized to both officers, shaking their hands thanking them for their time and was sorry that such an unfortunate incident had to happen. They were extremely understanding. At this point in time, I feel utterly at a loss. Joe, the lifeguard were both rude and inconsiderate. Joe was verbally abusive. My children were embarrassed and humiliated. I was embarrassed, hurt and humiliated. Many individuals witnessed my family and I being escorted out of the facility. I am hoping someone reads this and is able to reach out to Joe, the board members, and tell my story. No individual should ever be harassed, especially over 15$ dollars. No child should have to hear foul language.

My family turned to the Francis House to care for my father-in-law during the final stage of his battle against cancer - I wish we had found this resource sooner. Two weeks after moving into the Francis House, my-father-in law passed with all of his family standing around his bed and the staff waiting outside his room for when they were needed. The Francis House provided a clean, supportive, home-like environment for my father-in-law. He was cared for with a plan devised by Hospice but carried out by the staff and volunteers of the Francis House. The volunteers were literally ready and waiting for need our family had during this time. All requests were fulfilled. All meals were home cooked by volunteers. Privacy was respected and yet staff were just around a corner ready to deal with questions, medications, patient personal needs, etc. My father-in-law did not die peacefully due to the nature of his illness, but he died with dignity and with love.

I am a longtime (20+ year) supporter of this organization. ProLiteracy is an incredibly worthwhile charity which deserves to be far better known. It's the largest organization of community-based literacy providers in the world. In the US it has affiliates in all 50 states and serves adults and older youth who are learners at the lowest levels of literacy. There are 30 MILLION adults in this country at the very lowest levels of literacy -- many of whom are graduates of our school system &#40;remember that phenomenon of 'social promotion?'&#41;. ProLiteracy affiliates also teach English to speakers of other languages, many of whom aren't literate in their mother tongue. Services are provided by trained volunteers in one-on-one and small group settings, and are always free to learners. The organization receives the bulk of its financial support from individual donors. I have seen firsthand the profound impact this organization has on peoples' lives, and adult illiteracy is a massive problem in our country which underpins so many of our most challenging societal problems (crime, a permanent'underclass' of disadvantaged persons, etc). Helping ProLiteracy to address the huge challenge of adult illiteracy couldn't be a better decision on your part. The organization is focused and passionate about its mission, well-run and very much in need of new donors.

This organization is an incredible asset to Syracuse, NY. They bring a warm, intelligent, and nurturing culturally diverse community. Le Moyne is always looking for ways in which it can better the community and reach out with a caring hand to those in need. One of many examples is when a group of students went to New Orleans last summer ('09) for a few weeks to help cleanup and build houses for people still living on the streets; Le Moyne students took it upon their selves through performing arts and fundraisers to raise over $60,000 for Haiti. These are just two of the hundreds of volunteer work this college provides.

I have learned so much as a results of the USGBC and its programs as well as from the Executive Director who is one of the hardest working individual's I have ever seen! Sustainabilty is a word that almost everyone has a different meaning and as a results of this membership I now understand muh more and am in a better position to help others. Andrew Picco President Sustainable Office Solutions