July 18, 2023

Power in the Present

InterFaith Leadership Award Dinner

Faith in Our Future

Thursday, Sept. 7

5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

SRC Arena & Events Center, OCC


RSVP:

www.interfaithworkscny.org/ilad




33rd Annual Spiritual Care Day

Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care: It’s Healthy to Get Help

Thursday, Oct. 26

8:00 am to 12:30 pm

May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church, Syracuse


In person event with limited remote participation

 



In a world filled with uncertainties and daunting challenges, it is natural for us to question the prospects of our future. I certainly have. We find ourselves confronted with complex and overwhelming issues that span across political, environmental, and societal realms. The shortlist for our community includes poverty, gun violence, environmental degradation (the air quality alert of today a case in point), navigating a post-pandemic world, increasingly hostile divisiveness in our politics, and continuing oppression of the LGBTQ+ community, black and brown people, Jews, and immigrants. However, in the face of these trials, it is essential to cultivate unwavering faith in the power of humanity to overcome and emerge stronger. Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present. These are the words of American Methodist minister and Yale Divinity School professor, Halford Edward Luccock. His statement reveals a compelling truth that allows me to have hope during trying times. This year's Faith in Our Future theme for our InterFaith Leadership Award Dinner (ILAD) speaks to that same truth. 


While our challenges are local and global, acting in the power of the present means doing what we can and where we are. In our community, there are organizations and countless individuals (visible or not) who stand as beacons, championing social justice, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity. Their unwavering dedication reminds us of the power of collective action and the potential to effect transformative change, true to Margaret Mead’s compelling statement that only a few individuals are needed to change the world. ILAD will be honoring such champions this year -- models of community service committed to building a better life for all, now and in the future. The Faith in Our Future honorees are: Michael Balanoff, Esq., Sharon Brangman, MD, Dom Cambareri, Esq., Dr. Ruth Chen, Esq., Anthony Davis, Sharon Owens, Tim Saka, and Kent Syverud.


For me, the future is of a world where all societal oppressions have been stamped out, everyone’s dignity is affirmed, everyone feels they belong, and everyone can thrive and succeed -- globally and right here in Central New York. Let us continue to strive to act in the power of the present. As InterFaith Works helps refugees begin new lives here, ensures older adults age with dignity, and seeks to end racism and oppression of all people -- by building bridges, fostering understanding, and promoting social justice -- we, too, sow the seeds of hope. 


You can help. Please visit our website interfaithworks.org/ilad to purchase tickets to the event or to donate. Thank you for your support! 


Olive Sephuma

Vice President & COO

Interfaith Leadership Award Dinner

Join us on Thursday, Sept. 7, for the InterFaith Leadership Award Dinner, Faith in Our Future. There is a sense of optimism in our community as well as a revitalization of Onondaga County that coincides with InterFaith Works’ programmatic growth and expanding community outreach. Our community is on the cusp of revitalization and rebirth. Federal and state funds as well as private individuals and corporations are making investments that will have an immediate and long-term impact in ensuring a strong, vibrant future for Syracuse.


At the 2023 InterFaith Leadership Award Dinner, we will honor those who are investing in our community to help ensure its vitality, prosperity, and promise—now and for future generations.


This year's honorees are:


Michael Balanoff, Esq.

President and CEO, Jewish Federation of Central New York


Sharon Brangman, MD

Distinguished Service Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Department Chief, Geriatrics, Upstate Medical University


Dom Cambareri, Esq.

Executive Director, Syracuse Challenger Baseball, and

Founder and Board Member, Carrier Park Field of Dreams Athletic Complex


Ruth Chen, PhD

Professor of Practice, Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science


Anthony Davis

Superintendent, Syracuse City School District


Sharon Owens

Deputy Mayor, City of Syracuse


Tim Saka

Board President, CNY RISE Center


Kent Syverud

Chancellor and President, Syracuse University


Click here to learn more.

Food Justice Initiative

InterFaith Works' Food Justice Program aims to support 32 inner city food pantries and connect them with ongoing sources of high-quality, protein­-rich food. Our Summer Food Drive is expected to yield more than 18,000 pounds of food, representing three months' worth of food for 100 families.


Food pantry leaders from area faith and community sites participated in the Summer Food Drive kick off held recently at InterFaith Works. 


For more information about how you can assist, contact Liz Hradil, program coordinator, at 315-449-3552, ext. 126 or email [email protected].



Summer Leadership Institute for Social Change

High school students from both urban and suburban are attending a Summer Leadership Institute for Social Change being held at InterFaith Works. A group of young leaders with diverse backgrounds engage in workshops, dialogues, and action-oriented opportunities as a closely-knit cohort. The participating youth in the Summer Leadership Institute for Social Change was captured in the photo below on July 12. The program will continue for two and a half days every week until mid-August. The Institute is a partnership between Interfaith Works, Seeds of Peace, and the Allyn Family Foundation's Summer Fellows Program. Participants learn about financial literacy, education, nutrition, and physical and mental health. 

Looking for Ways to Help a Family Resettle in CNY?

Donate Through the Walmart and Amazon Resettlement Wish Lists!

Imagine setting up an apartment for daily living. Most of us have moved households at some point, but imagine setting up from scratch -- everything from bedsheets to kitchenware and all the items in between. Refugee families face this reality when arriving in Central New York, and InterFaith Works meets those needs for every client and family, thanks to caring people like you.

 

The Center for New Americans Resettlement Wish Lists are a new way to contribute household items to help a family resettle here. It's as simple as following the link and placing an order through the Walmart and Amazon websites. Your order ships directly to the InterFaith Works Warehouse in East Syracuse. From there, staff and volunteers work tirelessly to distribute items, so that newly arriving families have everything they need.


The needs of the Warehouse stockpiles will change, as will the needs of arriving families, depending on the month and/or season. Check out the Resettlement Wish Lists today, and thank you for being part of creating new homes in Central New York! 

Walmart Wish List
Amazon Wish List
Employment at InterFaith Works
Click the boxes to learn more about each position and apply today!

See all available positions here!

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:
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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 47 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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