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

Recording Now Available!

FOCUS hosted a hybrid public forum where local health providers and community partners covered the realities facing individuals and families without health coverage. The discussion explored how being uninsured affects overall wellbeing and stability, shaping access to physical and mental health care, employment security, family stability, and vulnerability to addiction. The discussion emphasized holistic approaches to connecting the uninsured with community services.

Citizens Academy

Mix & Mingle with Robert Searing

February 13, 2026

FOCUS’ Citizens Academy Alumni Network hosted an evening of conversation, connection, and civic engagement at the historic Landmark Theatre! This Mix & Mingle featured a historical presentation by Robert Searing, Curator of History at the Onondaga Historical Association, who explored the Landmark Theatre’s history and its role in the community. Open to all, the evening welcomed Citizens Academy graduates, FOCUS supporters, and anyone new to FOCUS! Attendees enjoyed networking, conversation, and connection while supporting FOCUS through a fundraiser and friend-raiser!

FOCUS Forums

Language Services: Responding to Diverse Community Needs

January 30, 2026

Recording Now Available!

FOCUS held a hybrid public forum centered on language services that help meet the needs of our region’s diverse community. Panelists shared perspectives on current challenges, emerging opportunities, and the work occurring across Central New York to ensure language services meet the needs of youth, adult newcomers, and families, making information and services accessible to residents of all ages. Panelists also highlighted how residents navigate cultural and language expectations in community settings, sharing insight into real‑world language use and barriers.

FOCUS Forums

Civic Engagement: Perspectives from Local Leadership

January 5, 2026

Recording Now Available

FOCUS hosted a hybrid public forum where leaders from the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County shared their perspectives on civic engagement and highlighted the community priorities where residents could engage, contribute, and actively participate in 2026.

Citizens Academy

Mix & Mingle with Senator Rachel May

December 11, 2025

FOCUS’ Citizens Academy Alumni Network hosted a Mix & Mingle with Senator Rachel May. This free, nonpartisan event offered an evening of meaningful conversation and community connection for community members!

FOCUS Forums

New York State Master Plan for Aging: A Blueprint for Communities

November 20, 2025

Recording and Slides Now Available!

This FOCUS Forum presented the findings and recommendations of the NYS Master Plan for Aging. The plan is based on an extensive engagement process involving government and community stakeholders statewide and a system-wide assessment of current services, which led to the development of solutions and priorities for improvement.

FOCUS Forums

Supporting Families through School & Community Partnerships

October 24, 2025

Recording Now Available!

This virtual forum focused on how the Syracuse City School District, together with government and community partners, supports students and their families in accessing needed services ranging from temporary housing, food insecurity, joblessness, and poverty to mental health support, crisis management, and more. These partnerships focus on the whole family, the needs and desires of famalies, and are leading to practical, sustainable approaches that strengthen community support systems.

FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc.

Building Resilience for Human Service Staff and Families

October 23, 2025

FOCUS and PEACE held the second of two free community convenings on November 17 (9:30 to 11:30 AM). Together, we learned and discussed the resiliency that our community needs to meet basic needs.

The convening was open to all, including direct service staff, parents, and community members were especially asked to attend and to raise their voices.

The convening built on recommendations from the 2024 Whole Family Summit to Meet Basic Needs. It provided a space to learn from experts, generate solutions, and form practical partnerships among participants.

Health Access: Navigating Gaps for the Uninsured

Mix & Mingle with Robert Searing

Language Services: Responding to Diverse Community Needs

Civic Engagement: Perspectives from Local Leadership

Mix & Mingle with Senator Rachel May

New York State Master Plan for Aging: A Blueprint for Communities

Supporting Families through School & Community Partnerships

Building Resilience for Human Service Staff and Families