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November 9, 2022
Ageism, Micron, and the Presidential Determination
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Events Calendar


Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Date: Saturday, Nov. 19
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Where:
Pentecost Evangelical MBC
1650 S. State Street, Syracuse, NY 13205
“If 45 is the new 90, and you believe it, you are going to have a really hard time getting out of the bathtub.” -- Ursula Kroeber Le Guin
 

 
The American Society on Aging recently held an Ageism Awareness Day. Moreover, The World Health Organization defines ageism as “the stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination towards others or oneself based on age.” In our 36 years of serving the elders of our community, we have seen that ageism is a hurtful, insulting, and uniform type of discrimination. It can even shorten a human lifespan by seven years, by destroying one’s self-perception!
 
Consider this. Todd Nelson said, “Ageism is simply prejudice against our future self.” Yup, if you’re lucky, you will get to old age. As you become older, you are likely to have more wisdom than when you were younger. Additionally, you are likely to have more patience, and to be accomplished in the area of your work, craft, or expertise. You will have a perspective that only comes with experience. You might need a bit more help with mobility or hearing. Remember, parts do wear out even on the most exquisite machine. Even so, put a grab bar on the bathtub and keep giving your gifts as long as you can.
 
Our own Senior Services Program is beginning a series on ageism, aging with dignity, and in praise of aging. We want to counter the negative effects of ageism, and help to create a livable community for all, no matter the age. As my 106-year-old friend Ruth Colvin always says, “Age is just a number.” Then she heads out to the golf course.

WELCOME MICRON
Several of us here at IFW were invited to the Micron event featuring President Biden recently. The ripple of excitement through our community at this new enterprise is palpable. We note the care with which Micron is entering our community, meeting with people across many different sectors (business, faith, education, DEI, and more) to learn about us, what we can contribute to their efforts, and what they can contribute to ours. There is hope in the air for a brighter future, good jobs, and a new corporate citizen to inspire partnerships, philanthropy, and a much-needed product manufactured right here in CNY. We welcome you and thank you for the thoughtful way you have begun to make this your home.

PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATION NUMBER SET FOR 2023
Speaking of hope, President Biden recently set the national FY2023 Presidential Determination Number for Refugee Admissions at 125,000, a welcome continuation of the U.S. commitment to provide safe haven and a new home for many people across the globe who have suffered greatly. The priorities for the coming year are based on special humanitarian concerns and will help many people who have been wait-listed for a long time. This waiting was the result of policies that limited predominantly Muslim countries, the pandemic, and the pressing situations in both Afghanistan and Ukraine. Also prioritized are several ethnic groups, such as the Rohingya from Burma. The United Nations has described the Rohingya as the most persecuted people in the world, forced to flee their homes in the western region of Myanmar to escape violence and persecution. Almost a million have fled to Bangladesh, and nearly 80 percent are women and children. Rohingya Refugee Crisis: The Facts
 
In the coming issues, we will profile other oppressed groups who will be prioritized by the U.S. during this important time in refugee resettlement. Wherever people are coming from and for whatever reason they have fled, InterFaith Works will endeavor to settle them with dignity, care, and support.
An event to highlight Micron’s plan to build a $100 billion semiconductor plant in Clay was held at Onondaga Community College on Oct. 27.
Honoring the Life of Joyce Palmer Regier
A Life of Service
Joyce Palmer Regier was a stalwart friend of all oppressed people and a true blue supporter of InterFaith Works. Along with her husband, the Rev. Dr. Jon L Regier, their long-time relationship with InterFaith Works began with our founding. Her daughter, Midge Regier, invites you to celebrate Joyce’s life with her family and friends. The service will be on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 11 am at Manlius Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church.
Midge shared the following obituary about her mother with Interfaith Works:

Joyce Palmer Regier, wife of the late Rev. Dr. Jon L Regier, beloved mother to Jon Denniston Regier, Marjorie Grace Regier, Susan Marie Regier, and Luke Roth Regier, grandmother to six, and great-grandmother to six, died May 4, 2022, in Durham, NC, of natural causes. Born June 2, 1926, she was 95 years of age.  

In 1958 in River Edge, NJ, Joyce became the welfare director of the town and shut down an illegal welfare hotel fining the operator $50,000. While in NJ, Joyce was active in the Civil Rights Movement. Joyce led Operation Understanding. First, she helped to expose the discriminatory practices in real estate. Secondly, she held racial sensitivity workshops for teachers, which were attended by hundreds of teachers working in Bergen County. Last was tutoring of students by students in largely black Patterson and largely white River Edge. Today, due to her efforts, River Edge is a vibrant racially diverse community.  
 
In 1973, she moved to Jamesville, NY. Joyce became an administrative assistant to Don Campbell of the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. While at SU, Joyce earned her Associate of Arts degree at the age of 45. Joyce eventually left SU, went back to school, and became a certified financial advisor and helping her former colleagues plan for retirement.  
 
Joyce worked for women’s reproductive rights in Syracuse for years. She was honored by Central NY NOW as an Unsung Hero for her efforts. She also worked avidly to alleviate hunger through Bread for the World, in Syracuse and later in Durham, NC. 
Welcome Home!
On Oct. 31, Interfaith Works' employees and volunteers prepared a home for a refugee family arriving from Syria. In the coming year, our Center for New Americans anticipates resettling more than 400 refugees from countries that include Congo, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and other hot spots. To learn more about our Center for New Americans, visit www.interfaithworkscny.org/programs/cna/
Raymour & Flanigan Donation Drive
On Oct. 8, InterFaith Works Community Engagement Manager Rhonda Butler visited Raymour & Flanigan’s Cicero location where she received generous donations collected from six Raymour & Flanigan stores throughout Central New York. Items ranged from bedding and toiletries to winter hats.

The public event also featured children’s face painter Susan Keeter, the Northern Onondaga Public Library mobile van, Liverpool Public Library mobile van, and Kiki’s Greek Restaurant Food Truck. In addition, Raymour & Flanigan presented InterFaith Works with a $500 check. On behalf of our Center for New American clients, thank you!
Visions Federal Credit Union Donates to The Center For New Americans
Visions Federal Credit Union celebrated International Credit Union Day by giving back to the community. International Credit Union (ICU) Day has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948. Attending the check presentation on Oct. 21 were, from left, Sarah Parton, Community Development Liason; Marwah Alobaidi, Resettlement Services Director; Beth A. Broadway, President/CEO; Melissa Morral, Chief Administrative Director; Olive Sephuma, Vice President/COO; and Felicien Seruhungu, Post Resettlement Supervisor. We thank Visions Federal Credit Union for its gift to the Center for New Americans.
Watch Our Assistant Manager of Aging Services Jasmine Lightburn on PBS' Behind The Woman
Meet Jasmine Lightburn, Assistant Manager of Aging Services for New Americans at InterFaith Works of CNY. Learn how Jasmine is providing socialization and community engagement opportunities for senior refugees in order to decrease social isolation.
Build A Gift Basket This Season
During the past year, we have resettled many refugee men, women and families. If you or your community group are interested in building holiday gift baskets for them, we will provide the names of all family members, ages, genders, and the country from which the families resettled in order for you to customize the basket. Drop off of the baskets will be every Monday and Wednesday from Nov.14 to Dec. 7 from 9:00 am to noon at our office building (1010 James Street). We would love to make you a holiday partner! For more information, contact our Community Engagement Manager Rhonda Butler and/or Volunteer Coordinator Jennie Prouty at [email protected], and [email protected], respectively.
Turkey Giveaway Hosted by the Center for Dialogue & Action
Donate a coat and keep our community warm!
Syracuse University is holding a coat drive—Operation Orange Warmup. The Chancellor’s House and the Office of Community Engagement are partnering with Syracuse Athletics to collect new (and clean, nearly new) winter jackets in all sizes and styles at the Syracuse Orange football game vs. Florida State on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 8 pm. Community partners, including InterFaith Works and Catholic Charities, have particularly emphasized the need for children’s coats this year.

Collection bins will be placed at 11 drop-off points around the JMA Wireless Dome ahead of the game. Hendricks Chapel will also serve as an alternate drop-off site the following week. A covered bin will be available outside the chapel (at the entrance nearest Eggers Hall) from Monday, Nov. 14, through Friday, Nov. 18, from 7 am to 9 pm. Collected items will be distributed to individuals and families before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Friendship Dinner for Social Justice with Keynote Speaker Mayor Ben Walsh
UnitedHealthcare $215,000 Grant Supports One to One Program
Thank you to UnitedHealthcare for a generous $215,000 Empowering Health grant to support our One to One Program, which sparks joy and social connection for seniors in long-term care. The program provides volunteer visits, social events, music and memory programming, as well as intergenerational programs and events. We’re honored to be among the community-based organizations receiving $11 million in total grants across 11 states to help people live healthier lives.
We are recruiting One to One volunteers!
The One to One Program matches nursing home residents who do not have regular visitors with volunteers to spark joy and social connection.
For more information, contact:
Ruby Lopez
315-449-3552, ext. 297
Recruiting Senior Companions Around CNY
Senior Companions: We are recruiting Senior Companions to serve in Oswego, Onondaga, Cayuga and Madison counties. Training and stipends are provided. Volunteers must be at least 55 years of age.

The program focuses on providing assistance and friendship to older adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks, such as shopping or paying bills. Through this program, volunteers help seniors live independently longer and provide respite to family caregivers.

To learn more, contact:
Toma Tracy
315-449-3552 ext. 224
Employment at InterFaith Works
Click the boxes to learn more about each position and apply today!
Onondaga Community College English Language Institute
El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action Seeks Dialogue Facilitators
Contact Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter at 315-449-3552, ext. 111,
Community Bulletin Board
If you would like us to promote your community event, please email us at [email protected] with the word "Bulletin" in the subject line. Please include:
  • Event name/title
  • Time
  • Date
  • Location
  • Any related costs
  • Contact information

We will make every effort to include your announcement in our bimonthly updates. Due to limited space, submissions will be reviewed for inclusion and may be abridged if necessary.
About InterFaith Works of CNY
InterFaith Works affirms the dignity of each person and every faith tradition, builds racial and religious equity, and creates bridges of understanding among us. The agency has served the Central New York community for 46 years with programs that include the Center for New Americans, El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action, and Senior Services.
 
InterFaith Works of CNY
1010 James St.
Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: 315-449-3552  Fax: 315-449-3103
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