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Programs

FOCUS Greater Syracuse has a number of programs and initiatives that fulfill our mission of facilitating, educating, and celebrating citizen engagement. Below is a description of current and past programs, as well as links to each for more detail.

FOCUS PROGRAMS:

  • FOCUS Forums: Each month FOCUS is host for a free public forum on a topic of interest to the region presented by experts in education, environment, culture and the arts, recreation, business, health, and public service.
  • Citizens Academy: Each autumn, working with Syracuse University Office of Community Engagement, FOCUS presents an ten-week seminar for citizens about the operations of government and public service in Onondaga County. Participants discuss topics such as economic development, health, environment, safety and crime prevention with panels of experts at venues such as Common Council Chambers, Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Justice Center.
  • Wisdom Keeper Celebration: Each year FOCUS celebrates the achievements and shares the lessons of a successful Wisdom Keeper at the not-for-profit organization’s sole fund-raiser of the year.

PROJECTS, CONTRACTS, AND GRANTS; RESEARCH AND REPORTS:

  • Life Needs Assessment Survey: FOCUS Greater Syracuse has partnered with the CNY Community Foundation to conduct an enhanced version of the Community Foundation’s Life Needs Assessment survey among our network of individuals. The results will be published in April 2022. You can take the survey here.
  • Patterns of Government: In partnership with Syracuse University, Patterns of Government is a unique, living document that complies all necessary information on how local governments are organized, the services they provide, and sources of funding in Onondaga County. It is also the textbook for Citizens Academy.
  • 2020-2021 Livability Alliance of Onondaga County: FOCUS is working under contract with the Onondaga County Office of Aging Services and the Onondaga County Health Department to facilitate the Livable Community Alliance of Onondaga County.
  • CNY-CAN: CNY-CAN brings together patients and caregivers with researchers and health professionals to advance patient-centered outcomes research and to further efforts to help older adults live well and longer at home.
     
  • “FOCUS on Onondaga Lake” Onondaga County: FOCUS conducted two studies – one in 2012, and one in 2017-2018 on residents’ relationship with Onondaga Lake and their visions for the lake.
  • “Shaping an Age-Friendly CNY”: In 2014 FOCUS conducted and publish a study on how to retain and engage the aging Boomer population in Upstate New York.
    In partnership with Onondaga County, City of Syracuse, Key Bank, CNY Community Foundation, Darco Manufacturing, Reisman Foundation
  • Citizens Response to Pandemic Flu: Center for Disease Control and Prevention – Check out the report here!
  • Citizen input to CDC 10 Year Plan: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
  • “PCORI” Patient Centered Outcome Research:
    In partnership with Upstate Medical University, Southwest Community Center, and HealtheConnections; Federal government

AWARDS:

  • The Rhea Eckel Clark Citizenship Award for its active role in promoting cooperation among citizens, agencies and local elected officials, the CNY Regional and Development Planning Board recognized the hundreds of FOCUS volunteers who continually strive to make Central New York a better place.
  • FOCUS and University College of Syracuse University received the international University & Professional Continuing Education Association Award for creating a successful Citizens Academy
  • Executive Director on behalf of FOCUS received the national Purpose Prize Award from the Franklin Templeton Foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies and Civic Ventures.
  • JCPenney Golden Rule Award for exceptional citizen engagement and volunteer service.
  • Syracuse Rotary Award for citizen engagement and volunteer service.

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2021 Major Wisdom Keeper Sponsors

Eckardt C. Beck
CNY Business Journal
Hueber Breuer
National Grid
Reisman Foundation
Syracuse University
Wegmans


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