Tag: Basic Needs

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.

FOCUS Forums

Food Systems & Insecurity in Central New York

August 22, 2025

Recording & Slides Now Available!

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

FOCUS Forums

Pathways to Job and Career Success for Students & Adults

May 5, 2025

Recording & Slides Now Available!

The May FOCUS Forum presented information on the continuum of technical skills training, job placement, and educational/career advancement in place programs locally that promote equity in the achievement of job and career goals in our expanding job market.

FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc.

Whole Family Summit Report

April 8, 2025

Read our Whole Family Summit Report Today!

This report summarizes the methodologies used for our Whole Family Summit, key insights from it, solutions identified by Summit participants, and recommendations and next steps for future community engagement.

FOCUS Forums

April FOCUS Forum: Housing Challenges

April 7, 2025

Watch Recording!

Micron is preparing to break ground on the first of four new chip fabrication facilities this November. This surge in economic development will require more housing. This Forum explored how the region is planning for this pivotal moment.

FOCUS Forums

February FOCUS Forum: Addressing Basic Needs through a Whole Family Lens

February 3, 2025

Now Available: Recording and 2025 Report!

FOCUS and PEACE, Inc. held a ‘Whole Family Summit’ focused on how to enhance our community’s capacity to develop collaborative and family-centric solutions for overcoming basic needs. Our February Forum described key concepts underlying the Whole Family approach to planning and providing services, and Summit findings.

FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc.

Life Needs Assessment Tool

January 17, 2024

FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. has partnered with the CNY Community Foundation to conduct an ongoing enhanced version of the Life Needs Assessment survey among our network of individuals.

Tag: Basic Needs

Supporting Families through School & Community Partnerships

Building Resilience for Human Service Staff and Families

Food Systems & Insecurity in Central New York

Pathways to Job and Career Success for Students & Adults

Whole Family Summit Report

April FOCUS Forum: Housing Challenges

February FOCUS Forum: Addressing Basic Needs through a Whole Family Lens

Life Needs Assessment Tool