|
Planting Seeds for Stronger Communities
By Chris Foley, President & Chief Executive Officer of IFW
March arrives with longer days and the first hints of warmth, and with it, an invitation to think about what we are cultivating.
Over the past several weeks, I have had the privilege of joining several Iftar dinners across Central New York, the evening meals that mark the breaking of the daily fast during Ramadan. Each one was different; different hosts, different traditions, different faces around the table. But each one carried the same quiet power, people choosing to come together, to share a meal, and in doing so, to become a little less like strangers.
There is something worth naming in that. Hospitality, the simple act of welcoming others to your table, is not a small thing. It turns strangers into neighbors. It plants trust, belonging, and connection. And in a time when our differences can feel more likely to divide than to connect us, these gatherings make a different kind of statement. They remind us that we can be grounded in who we are and still recognize something essential in one another.
That is, at its core, the mission of InterFaith Works: affirming dignity and building bridges of understanding across our community.
As spring arrives, we are planting seeds of our own. We are strengthening connections across our programs, deepening relationships with faith and community partners, and working to create more spaces where people can come together across difference with honesty and respect. None of this produces overnight results. Seeds rarely do. But the community we want to live in, one where every person is seen, welcomed, and valued, grows from exactly this kind of patient, steady work.
Thank you for being part of it. As Ramadan concludes, I wish peace and joy to all who observed. Eid Mubarak, and happy spring to all!
| | As we are celebrating our history of service to CNY, we will be uplifting one of our core programs each month. These programs are our legacy and our future. This month, we focus on the Food Justice. The content below was written by Barbara Davis, Ph.D. | |
| |  | In 1982, the Interreligious Food Consortium was founded, an independent organization that was an outgrowth of SAIC’s Street People Task Force. Housed in a modest 5,000-square-foot facility at Hancock Field Base in Syracuse, it celebrated its grand opening with the announcement that 100,000 pounds of food had already been stockpiled at the warehouse. IRC President Barry Silverberg said, “The community response to this effort has been very encouraging.” In its first year, the Consortium distributed 330,000 pounds of food to partner agencies. The March 1982 SAIC’S Alive newsletter urged people to make their safety net pledge to the Food Consortium. Three years later, the InterReligious Council opened the Food Bank of Central New York as an independent warehouse operation dedicated to combating hunger across 11 counties in Central and Northern New York, including Onondaga, Cayuga, Oswego, and St. Lawrence. The Food Bank served as the primary food distribution hub for hundreds of partner agencies, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and community centers.
| | |
The Hendricks Chapel Quilters produced 59 quilts that were donated. Each finished product is signed with a tag noting that the quilt was created with love by the Hendricks Chapel Quilters.
Besides the added source of warmth, Jennie Prouty, InterFaith Works’ Community Engagement Manager, says the recipients are often touched by the kindness and generosity of strangers who make time to create and then donate these intricate quilts.
| |
|
Jennie Prouty, Community Engagement Manager and Sonali McIntyre, Communications Manager, along with interns at InterFaith Works were invited and warmly welcomed by Masjid Isa Ibn Maryam for Iftar (breaking the fast), Maghrib (one of the five daily prayers), and a lovely dinner. Later in the week, the Round Table of Faith Leaders were also warmly welcomed to the mosque for Iftar. It was a beautiful display of interfaith and intercultural friendship.
| | | | Enders Care Club from Enders Elementary School donated $3000 worth of winter items, which we were able to give away during our March Diaper Distribution. Thank you for helping to keep our neighbors warm! | | | | |
We are grateful to the Rotary Club of DeWitt for their generous $1000 gift to InterFaith Works of Central New York in support of the Center for New Americans.
Their support helps provide food and essential items for refugee and immigrant families in our community.
| If your organization is interested in making a contribution to InterFaith Works, please contact VP/Chief Development Officer, Marwah Alobaidi at malobaidi@ifwcny.org or 315-449-3552 x219. | | Every month, InterFaith Works hands out diapers to the young families that we work with. Throughout the month of March, we are asking for diaper donations to assist with the monthly Diaper Distribution. We will accept children's diapers of all sizes from newborn - size 6. However, many of these children are getting bigger and sizing up in their diaper needs, and we would like to put an extra emphasis on needing size 6 diapers. Please feel free to drop your donations off to our offices any time during office hours! For more information, please contact the Community Engagement Manager at communityengagement@ifwcny.org. | | |
Community Well-Being continues to grow and expand its impact. We have provided several families with household food prescriptions, delivering weekly food boxes directly to their homes to support consistent access to nutritious meals. In addition, we have been approved to offer rental assistance in multiple cases, helping families stabilize their housing and prevent eviction.
Our team has also prioritized outreach and community engagement. We have shared information about our program with Hope Print/Her Village, the Ramadan Unity and Empowerment Fair, our IFW Pantry Partners, and IFW Senior Companions volunteers. Additionally, we connected with families during the past two IFW diaper distribution events, building relationships and extending support to those in need.
| | |
In February 2026, the Center for New Americans team continued to support refugees who have resettled in Central New York over the past several years. On a weekly basis, we assisted at least 130 walk-in individuals through our Community Integration programming. Additional support was provided through Immigration Services, Intensive Case Management, Special Population Support for Afghan and Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees, Maternal and Infant Health, employment services, including programming for highly skilled immigrants and youth, Health Education, and Cultural Orientation sessions. We also managed recertification processes for public benefits and, when needed, provided direct financial assistance for utilities and rental gap support.
The Center for New Americans continued its citizenship education classes through the Path to Citizenship program and hosted specialized sessions for older New Americans through ongoing “Memory Workshops” in partnership with SUNY Upstate Medical University. In addition, our monthly diaper distribution program provided more than 21,700 diapers to New American families in February alone.
Our Employment Services team made strong progress this month and secured 29 new job placements. At the same time, our Community Integration program conducted extensive outreach and engaged more than 1,600 individuals to support their well-being and connection to services.
We are also excited to share the launch of a new Cultural Orientation initiative called “Space for Talents.” This program is designed to nurture and showcase the abilities of New American children and youth, with 13 participants taking part in its inaugural event. The initiative concluded with a celebratory ceremony where top performers were recognized with certificates and trophies.
| | |
This past month, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program continued advancing its mission to serve our community. Our newest partner station, Gethsame United Methodist Church’s Food Pantry, held a training session for their 15 volunteers!
RSVP connects older volunteers with meaningful service opportunities in our community. Interested in learning more about our partner stations and volunteer opportunities? Contact the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Manager at RSVP@ifwcny.org or call 315-449-3552 x214
| | |
We are so grateful to CNY RISE for presenting Valentines Day roses to our friends at Loretto’s Sedgwick Heights senior living! Partnerships like this help our One to One Program bring joy, gratitude, and connection to people living in nursing homes and assisted living. Thank you! For more information about volunteering and partnership opportunities with One to One, email us at OneToOne@ifwcny.org.
| | |
The Aging Services Coalition and its members attended a public hearing at the Onondaga County Legislature in support of Resolution no. 18 – 2026, increasing the income eligibility for the property tax exemption available for adults 65 and older. Each person spent time in front of the legislature telling their story, or the stories of others, who would be most impacted by the passing of the resolution. On March 3, the resolution was passed by the legislature.
We’re happy to announce that InterFaith Works is now a Benefits Enrollment Center! Thanks to the National Council on Aging, and in partnership with PEACE, Inc., staff are available to assist older adults who are eligible for Medicare enroll in income-stretching programs that help pay for healthcare, food, and more!
The next Age Well Day is coming soon! The purpose of Age Well Days is to connect older adults with services and resources that can help stretch their income and improve the quality of their life, while also being a safe space for learning and connection. The next Age Well Day will be held at Northside Learning Center on March 26.
For more information about the work and programs of the Aging Services Coalition of Greater Syracuse please contact the Aging Services Coalition Assistant Manager at ASC@ifwcny.org or (315) 449-3552 ext. 210.
| | |
The Senior Companion Program trained three new volunteers this month. They spent a total of 20 hours learning Senior Companion Program rules, as well as topics related to fraud and elder abuse prevention from our partners at Chase Bank and Vera House respectively, and Alzheimer’s and Dementia from our partners at the Alzheimer’s Association. We’re excited to welcome four more volunteers who will be completing their onboarding process next month!
We also would like to congratulate our volunteer, Barbara, on being awarded a Medal of Distinction from Assemblymember Pamela Hunter. Barbara was recognized for her leadership and commitment to creating positive spaces for seniors to feel valued. When she’s not working with clients as a Senior Companion, she spends her time leading exercise classes, organizing social activities, and providing nutritious food options for her peers and elders. We are so proud to have Barbara as a part of our team, and thankful for her continued dedication and passion for serving others in our community. Way to go, Barb!
For more information about the Senior Companion Program please contact the Senior Companion Program Manager at SCPinfo@ifwcny.org or 315-449-3552 x224
| | | | |
Neighborhood Advisor Program: The Center for Healthy Aging’s medical supply closet helps older adults access the medical equipment they need. We are currently accepting walkers with seats and walking canes. Your contributions support the seniors in our community to achieve independence!
Tax season is here! PEACE, Inc. is offering free tax preparation to income-eligible Central New Yorkers.
For questions and assistance with setting up an appointment with PEACE, inc., or to donate to the Medical Supply Closet, please contact your Neighborhood Advisor at NA@ifwcny.org or 315-449-3552 X260.
| |
| |
Food Justice-Food Pantries
On February 19, 25 representatives of food pantries met to hear a presentation from the new InterFaith Works' Community Well-being program and ways that pantries can connect to the health screening and navigation services provided by this program. Attendees also discussed future meeting topics, including how food pantries address cultural food differences and navigate those differences, hearing from a group of pantry visitors about how to improve pantry services, ways to honor volunteers, and learning more about the 211 program and learning about cooking demonstrations for food pantry visitors."
| | |
Youth Leadership Institute Dialogue
The Lincoln & Pine Grove Middle School Dialogue Exchange has been a fun, informative, and eventful school exchange. Our students and administrators report that students are getting great value out of this dialogue.
| | |
Youth Leadership Institute
The Youth Leadership Institute school-year program continues to engage students in activities that build self-confidence, kindness, and community connection. During a recent “Galentine’s and Good Vibes” event, students wrote affirmation notes for themselves and their peers, created goodie packages for loved ones, and prepared appreciation bags and handwritten cards for IFW staff to recognize their dedication to the community.
The Youth Leadership Institute will host a Youth Leadership Lab: Lead With Purpose, an interactive workshop where youth will explore identity and leadership while building practical skills in communication, conflict resolution, and facilitation. Through hands-on activities and group discussions, participants will strengthen their confidence and learn how to lead meaningful conversations and support their communities.
Student Leadership Lab Interest Form: Click Here
| | | |
Matin Aziz - Operations Department
Matin Aziz recently joined InterFaith Works as Operations Coordinator. Originally from Afghanistan, Matin has a background in business analysis, operations support, and project coordination. He also holds a Master's Degree in Computer Science. In his previous role, Matin served as a business analyst at NBP Paribas in Lisbon, Portugal supporting daily operations, using data to improve processes, and collaborating with different teams to keep operations running smoothly. He has experience in project management and software development, which help with organizational and problem-solving skills. Outside of work, Matin enjoys traveling and exploring new places and cultures.
| | |
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 50 years with programs that include the Center for Healthy Aging, the Center for New Americans, and the El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action.
InterFaith Works of CNY | 1010 James St. | Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: 315-449-3552 | Fax: 315-449-3103 | Email: info@ifwcny.org | interfaithworkscny.org
| | | | |
