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Foundation Initiatives
In 2003, the Foundation committed to focusing a substantial portion of its annual community investment towards a specific initiative. The board elected to "embed" the Foundation into a neighborhood on Syracuse's South Side, and area with a high poverty and crime rate, yet also with active and caring homeowners and small but eager neighborhood associations. Among the advances in 2004: a Small Investors Group was established to develop a core of local investors who would insure the successful improvement of neighborhood housing: 48 homes were revitalized through mini-grants allocated by residents; block associations were formed or strengthened; and a Work Group continued to meet monthly with Henry Moore, a consultant in asset-based community organizing. In all areas, the neighborhood residents have taken the lead in decision making, thus insuring the additional benefit of long-term sustainability and advocacy for the neighborhood.
Involving youth was a priority for the neighborhood, and so at the suggestion of resident Eli MacDonald, a local landscaper, the Green Team was formed. Through the work of 12 young people, who acquired landscaping skills and attended workshops on conflict resolution, entrepreneurship and leadership skills, 30 projects were completed, including yard repair and maintenance for the elderly. In addition, over 100 homeowners received some sort of assistance with their yards and gardens, making the Eli MacDonald Green Team and superlative exam;le of the Gifford Foundation's Neighborhood Initiative in action.
The success of the Green Team and the mini-grant program are just tow examples of how residents, when given the means, opportunity and encouragement, take responsibility into their own hands and work towards the common goal of improving their neighborhood. As the South Side burgeons, so too will the city of Syracuse.
Canine College
As anyone who has ever found comfort in a pet can attest, animals and humans can form extraordinary bonds. Couple this with the fact that for people with physical disabilities and hearing impairments, mundane tasks can suddenly become complex undertakings. Canine Working Companions attempts to enhance the daily lives of these individuals by providing them with service, hearing and therapy dogs. These dogs have been specially selected, bred, raised and trained to open doors, pull wheelchairs, pick up dropped items and perform many more physical tasks. They are able to increase their partners' independence and security and offer them loving companionship. With the help of $14,500 from the Gifford Foundation, Canine Working Companions has been able to place two very special dogs with individuals eager to enjoy more independent lives.
Room To Read
Libraries of today have grown beyond being simply a repository for books, but instead are central locations for communities to gather. Computer access, information on current events, cultural programming. book clubs and meeting spaces are all vital to the 21st century library. The Fayetteville Free Library recently experienced a successful move and expansion, with circulation, program numbers, and attendance increasing significantly. In order to continue moving toward the goal of becoming a Community Center Library, the facility needed a central meeting space so it could further increase services to its constituency in the eastern suburbs. With a grant of $12,000 from the Gifford Foundation, the library is adding a spacious community room to accommodate children's story programs, lectures, book signings, musical events and health clinics. By bringing together people of different ages, cultures, and interests, the Fayetteville Free Library hopes to help strengthen the larger community of Central New York.
Addressing Special Needs
Elmcrest Children's Center serves a vital need in Central New York by helping our community's troubled, neglected youth with residential and community-based programs. Some of these youth, who have suffered high levels of trauma and sexual abuse, have themselves become sexual offenders. One program serving these youth, aged 13-16, provides critical, concentrated care with a highly structured and separate environment. A $35,100 grant from the Gifford Foundation allowed Elmcrest to renovate one of its existing cottages and convert it into a nine-bed residential facility, In addition to anger management programs and group, individual, and family therapy, the constant supervision and consistent behavioral expectations have provided the boys with the highest level of care and attention so they may work to overcome their problems and lead positive, constructive lives.
Assistance In Large Ways and Small
In addition to providing competitive grants, the Gifford Foundation also supports, in large ways and small, the endeavors of many organizations through its "Supporting Organizations" program. From fundraisers to scholarships, from sending youths to competitions and adults to conferences, throughout 2004 the Foundation continued its practice of building the capacity of individuals and organizations. With the assistance of the Foundation, 12 practical nurses were able to complete their education through the Central Tech Vocational Center; the Fowler High School PTSA provided a drug - and alcohol-free night after the prom; local representatives of the Lost Boys of the Sudan were sent to the first national Lost Boys Conference; Precious Hands, a grassroots organization that provides opportunities for youth to develop their talents in fashion design, presented its Community Hair and Fashion Show; the Kirk Park Colts cheerleaders vied for a title in a national cheerleading competition; the Stonewall Committee purchased a booth at the State Fair; the Nottingham Lady Bulldogs sent two All-Americans to basketball tournaments, camps and try-outs for college coaches; the OCC Haudenosaunee Friendship Festival celebrated the customs, culture and traditions of the six tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy; and artist Ron Jackson taught cartooning to youth at White Library. This sample listing represents only a portion of the grants the Foundation regularly makes to organizations that are simply not yet able to participate in its highly structured competitive grantmaking program. These grants, while small in dollar amount, often represent the first time organizations have received any type of formal funding. By working with the Foundation staff, organizations not only receive funding for their programs, they develop the skills that they will need to increase their capacity and begin to fully realize their potential.
Click Here for 2003 Annual Report
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