FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. – FOCUS Facilitates, Educates, and Celebrates Community Engagement!

join us for the first of two free community convenings on October 1 (9:30 to 11:30 AM). Together, we will learn, discuss, and develop the resiliency that our community needs to meet basic needs.

The convening is open to all. Direct service staff, parents, and community members are especially asked to attend and to raise their voices.

The convening builds on recommendations from last year’s Whole Family Summit to Meet Basic Needs. It provides a space to learn from experts, generate solutions, and form practical partnerships among participants.

FOCUS Forums

Food Systems & Insecurity in Central New York

August 22, 2025

Join us for a discussion about our local food systems. Panelists will explore what food systems are, how they function, and the ways each of us is connected to them. Together, we will learn why hunger solutions such as emergency food pantries are critical in the short term, yet cannot fully solve long-term food insecurity. Panelists will share lived experiences navigating hunger as well as insights from their work supporting community members. Panelists will alsodiscuss the ways SOFSA is addressing both immediate and long-term goals for building a more equitable food system. Panelists will highlight meaningful ways attendees can get involved and support this important work.

Wisdom Keeper

August 21, 2025

Reserve Your Tickets Today for our Signature Fundraiser, Wisdom Keeper!

Wisdom Keeper is FOCUS’ annual fundraiser. Each year, FOCUS celebrates the impact of a growing list of Wisdom Keepers.

These inspiring community members demonstrate exceptional leadership, continual caring, and understanding of the importance of vision for the future of Central New York!

FOCUS Forums

Energy for Growth in Central New York

August 7, 2025

Recording Now Available!

The August FOCUS Forum featured a discussion on how Central New York’s growth is being fueled by strategic investments in energy infrastructure and clean energy technologies.

Citizens Academy

Mayoral Mix & Mingle

July 7, 2025

FOCUS hosted a Mix & Mingle with the four candidates running for Syracuse City Mayor. This free, nonpartisan event offered an evening of meaningful conversation and community connection between residents and those seeking to lead our City.

FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc.

Announcing Our New Executive Director

July 2, 2025

FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. is proud to announce Alicia Ernest as its new Executive Director. In her message, Alicia shares about the future of FOCUS and invites everyone to be an active participant in shaping civic engagement in our Central New York community. Together, we can create meaningful change and strengthen our connections to benefit all residents.

Citizens Academy

July 1, 2025

Citizens Academy is an 11-week educational program that informs citizens how local governments are organized, and how services are funded and delivered.

FOCUS Forums

Syracuse Tree Ordinance Modernization

May 30, 2025

Recording & Slides Now Available!

The June Forum presented information on the first draft of Syracuse’s updated Tree Ordinance, shared by City Arborist Stephen Harris. The Forum offered the public a chance to review the draft and provide input before its formal submission to the Common Council.

Building Resilience for Human Service Staff and Families

Food Systems & Insecurity in Central New York

Wisdom Keeper

Energy for Growth in Central New York

Mayoral Mix & Mingle

Announcing Our New Executive Director

Citizens Academy

Syracuse Tree Ordinance Modernization