Mix & Mingle with Senator Rachel May
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!
New York State Master Plan for Aging: A Blueprint for Communities
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.
Supporting Families through School & Community Partnerships
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.
Building Resilience for Human Service Staff and Families
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.
Onondaga Nation Land Rights Act
Recording Now Available!
This Forum featured a presentation from Joe Heath, who delved into the ongoing legal efforts to reclaim ancestral lands. The presentation explored the historical context of the Onondaga Nation’s Land Rights Act, the legal challenges faced in U.S. courts, and the role of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
Food Systems & Insecurity in Central New York
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.
Wisdom Keeper
SOLD OUT!
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!
Energy for Growth in Central New York
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.