Impact in Action

By Chris Foley, President & Chief Executive Officer of IFW

In a world that feels increasingly unsettled and complicated, our mission is both simple and demanding: affirm dignity; build bridges; and pair compassion with action. As I’ve spent more time with our programs and met the people behind our work, I've been reminded that dignity isn’t an abstract value. It’s the daily decision to see the whole person, listen without judgment, and respond with practical support that helps people feel safe, connected, and able to thrive.

You can see that commitment in our Center for New Americans. When families and individuals arrive in Central New York after experiencing upheaval and loss, dignity looks like helping people navigate unfamiliar systems, access essential resources, and rebuild stability, while being treated with respect, patience, and cultural humility every step of the way.

It’s visible in our Center for Healthy Aging, where we fight isolation with presence. Dignity looks like companionship, reliable connection, and practical help that allows older adults to remain engaged in community life, reminding every person that they matter and are not alone. 

And it’s evident in our El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action, where dignity begins with how we speak and how we listen. In classrooms, community conversations, and interfaith settings, we make space for people to encounter differences with curiosity rather than fear, and to build relationships strong enough to hold honest disagreement and shared hope. That same spirit also guides our work on food justice, bringing communities together across lines of difference to advance access to nutritious food and the dignity that comes with it.

I’m also pleased to introduce our emerging Community Well-Being program, an expansion of our commitment to dignity that addresses the social determinants of health: the everyday conditions that shape long-term health, like housing, access to nutritious food, and the ability to navigate services. Put simply, well-being isn’t only medical; it’s also ensuring the social pillars that promote and maintain health are secure. This new program builds on the strengths InterFaith Works has built over the past 50 years, integrating the competencies of all three of our centers to broaden our community impact and address emerging needs before individual crises arise.

Thank you for being part of this mission. Your support is deeply appreciated and helps foster a community where affirming dignity is not debated, it’s practiced on a daily basis.

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 Community-Wide Dialogues. The content below was written by Barbara Davis, Ph.D.

In 1997, the InterReligious Council launched the Community-Wide Dialogue on Race Relations, Racism and Racial Healing, which became one of the country’s longest-running, sustained grassroots efforts to combat systemic racism through facilitated dialogue. The Council helped nurture a culture of listening, reckoning, and reconciliation in the aftermath of racial and social unrest. The program received support from the Rosamond Gifford Charitable Corporation, the Study Circles Resource Center of Pomfret, Connecticut, and collaboration from leaders in local businesses, religious institutions, social services, academia, and grassroots organizations.

Twelve members of a racially diverse Design Team developed the curriculum for the Dialogues. A 40-member Advisory Board worked on program related issues and focused on recruiting individuals to participate with the goal of involving the community as a whole in the dialogue process. Sixty facilitators completed 12 hours of training and committed to volunteering a minimum of 30 hours. Eight pilot Dialogues were established, comprised of members of the Advisory Board, members of the community, social service and community organizations, and two paired congregations.

More than 550 people attended the Community Wide Dialogue Kick Off Breakfast held in November of 1997 at Drumlins. At the kickoff, 12 organizations and businesses committed to participating in Community-Wide Dialogue. In addition to hearing speakers, audience members participated in one-hour sample dialogue circles. More than 200 applications were received from individuals interested in participating, in addition to the 20 organizations which expressed interest in holding Dialogue Circles and seven congregations interested in participating with another congregation that was racially different from their own membership.

The El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action hosted A Century of Black History Commemorations for the IFW Staff on Tuesday, February 17, complete with food, music, and Black History facts and trivia. Pie Manirarora, Director of Resettlement Services, shared a song about pride and hope, Rev. Sharon M. Perry offered a reflection, and Rev. Dr. Melissa Morral delivered an inspirational message.

Rev. Sharon M. Perry shared a powerful reflection about Black History month. Click the button above to read Sharon's moving words.

Rev. Dr. Melissa Morral, VP/Chief Administrative Officer, shared an inspirational message with the staff. Click the button above to read Melissa's inspirational words.

We would like to extend a HUGE thank you to Lit Actually Romance Bookshop and their patrons for the $1000 donation to support our work in the Center for New Americans. We are grateful for your kindness and compassionate community action.

Chris Foley, President/CEO took an opportunity to shop at Lit Actually Romance Bookshop during their week of collecting on IFW's behalf.

Our agency leadership graciously accepted a grant from the Rotary Club of Syracuse for $3,750 to support food and essential needs for the Center for New Americans. In this photo (l-r): Rev. Dr. Melissa Morral, VP/Chief Administrative Officer; Marwah Alobaidi, VP/Chief Development Officer; Genevieve Marshall, LMSW, Senior Director of the Center for New Americans; and Chris Foley, President/CEO.

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.

Because of your generosity, our year end appeal, Rooted in Service, Rising in Strength, raised $165,000. This allows us to meet growing needs across Central New York and extend the reach of our care and impact to more individuals and families. Thank you!

Since early January, the Community Well-Being program has been actively delivering services, completing its first full month of screenings, assessments, and referrals. We continue to support members through social care case management, along with providing public transportation passes and essential kitchen supplies.

Our team has been engaging community leaders to raise awareness of our services and continues to participate in the monthly diaper distribution to connect with clients. Most recently, we presented at the Pantry Partners meeting hosted by the El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action.

As we plan for program expansion, we look forward to strengthening partnerships with area providers and continuing to build a collaborative network of care.

Health Education Workshop: Men’s Health

In December, InterFaith Works hosted a Health Education Workshop focused on the importance of men’s health. The session highlighted key topics such as heart health, cancer awareness and screening, mental health, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management, while also taking a deeper look at male-specific health issues, including sexual health and age-related hormonal changes. Participants gained practical, actionable information, had the opportunity to ask questions, and learned the importance of regular check-ups and early screening in preventing chronic illness. In total, we were able to present to twelve participants in December, bringing the total number of workshops led in 2025 to ten and the total number of clients reached to thirty-six.



This workshop is part of an ongoing collaboration between St. Joseph’s Health and the InterFaith Works Refugees Health Promotion Program, designed to support the health needs of New American families and the Older Refugee population. Through these monthly workshops, physicians from St. Joseph’s Health connect directly with community members in a safe and welcoming environment, delivering clear, culturally responsive health education. Physicians come prepared with tailored presentations that address key health concerns, promote preventive care, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Together, these workshops continue to strengthen community partnerships while empowering New American families with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health.

Our Employment Center continued to assist families, primarily focusing on aiding highly skilled immigrants through the Professional Pathways Program. A total of 50 highly skilled New Americans were enrolled and assisted through the program. This program is designed to support individuals with an educational background who are seeking professional employment. We also offer services to help building resume, job training and help translate their degrees into what the U.S. job market requires. As a result, 14 people were placed in highly skilled professions, and we continued to assist them.

In addition, we are supporting families through the Community Integration Program, which focuses on helping people who are struggling to navigate the community. Services such as case management, transportation, interpretation services, connecting to public assistance benefits, and cultural orientation training are being offered. We are also continuing our new programs, including the Path to Home Ownership class, Digital Literacy, Small Business class, and Space for Talents, where school-age children compete to showcase their talents.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is growing! Stations are the partners that the RSVP program collaborates with to provide services to the community. Here are some of our partnered stations:

United Way of Central New York – Volunteers support United Way’s free tax preparation partnered service, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) created the VITA program to provide free tax preparation and electronic filing for low- to moderate-income taxpayers using community partners and volunteers. Each year, VITA volunteers help thousands of individuals and families prepare their taxes in Central New York. 

Meals on Wheels of Syracuse – Volunteers help prepare, package, and distribute meals to homebound seniors. The Meals on Wheels program helps to preserve dignity and independence. 

The Salvation Army – Volunteers support the Salvation Army’s Food Pantry by stocking items and processing clients.  

InterFaith Works also has exciting opportunities for RSVP volunteers! They can be matched with a nursing home resident through our One-to-One Program, to bring joy and connection to those who may be in need. Or they can become a Digital Navigator through our AARP Senior Planet program; educating their peers on topics such as smart phones, streaming and smart TV uses, as well as using voice assistants.  

Do these opportunities sound interesting to you? Contact Cathie Slabaugh, RSVP Program Manager, at CSlabaugh@ifwcny.org or 315-449-3552 x214 to learn more!

Members of the Aging Services Coalition participated in two Advocacy Days in Albany this past month; raising awareness and pushing for the state budget to include funding for programs and initiatives that directly impact older adults across the state.  

The first was Anti-Hunger Day. Organizations across the state came together to advocate for funding to support SNAP benefits, food pantries, and other food-related initiatives. The Aging Services Coalition recognizes that many seniors have limited access to fresh, healthy food and can face barriers in applying for and receiving food-related benefits; they brought these issues to lawmakers during their Advocacy Day work.  

For the second Advocacy Day, the Aging Services Coalition joined LiveOn NY and the Age Strong NY Coalition to push lawmakers to commit real investments to aging services, community-based care, and the supports that help older New Yorkers age with dignity.  

Last month’s Virtual Age Well Day covering palliative care was well received! Attendees stated how important the topic was, and how useful it was to learn about palliative care- a specialty that focuses on symptom relief, care, and support for those living with serious or chronic illnesses – and how it differs from hospice care.  

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, please contact Jessica Luis, Community Organizer, at jluis@ifwcny.org or (315)449-3552 ext. 210 

At the beginning of the month, the Senior Companion Program held an appreciation event for its Advisory Council. The Advisory Council consists of community members and aging services professionals that believe in the mission of the Senior Companion Program; they offer advice, support, and assistance which is vital to the success of the program.  

Our President and CEO, Chris Foley, along with program staff, recognized the Council for their tireless efforts for and support of the Senior Companion Program. Thank you to our Advisory Council! 

Our Neighborhood Advisor wants you to know: 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, please contact Joseph Ndagijimana, Neighborhood Advisor, at JNdagijimana@ifwcny.org or 315-449-3552 x260.

On February 2, 2026, the InterFaith Works Round Table of Faith Leaders and the El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action proudly hosted the 11th Annual World Interfaith Harmony Day celebration.



Affirmed by the United Nations as a week dedicated to fostering understanding among all people and traditions, World Interfaith Harmony Week invites communities around the globe to lift up the shared values of compassion, goodwill, and peace. This year’s observance brought these principles to life through powerful storytelling, music, and shared reflections showcasing how interfaith partnerships continue to strengthen the Syracuse community. Approximately 140 people attended this year's event.

Guided by the theme “Building Community Through Sharing Our Stories,” participants were encouraged to listen, reflect, and offer their own experiences. These personal narratives opened pathways to empathy and connection, revealing the many ways our neighbors—across diverse faiths, cultures, and life journeys—seek harmony, healing, and hope. Together, these moments reaffirmed our mission: to honor the dignity of every person and every faith tradition, advance racial and religious equity, and build bridges of understanding within our community.

Social Impact Initiatives - SUNY Oswego Dialogue: We were excited to partner with SUNY Oswego's new Pluralism Project initiative. We helped them frame their January 29 launch with 10 people and trained them in concepts and skills of facilitation, for them to use as they engage groups during the calendar year. Their goal is to engage 4% of the SUNY Oswego campus community. 

Youth Leadership Institute - School Dialogues: JD and ELMS Middle School launched their first dialogue session at the InterFaith Works office this month, bringing more than 60 students and staff into the building. The energy and engagement were strong. In addition, the Wellwood and Eagle Hill Middle School Intra-School Dialogue programs successfully launched their first sessions. These launches represent an important milestone in expanding middle school engagement and continuing to deepen dialogue opportunities across our CDA programs.

Topic: Join FOCUS for a hybrid public forum centered on language services that help meet the needs of our region’s diverse community. Panelists will share perspectives on current challenges, emerging opportunities, and the work occurring across Central New York to ensure language services meet the needs of youth, adult newcomers, and families, making information and services accessible to residents of all ages. Panelists will highlight how residents navigate cultural and language expectations across school, workplace, and healthcare settings, sharing insight into real-world language use and barriers. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moves into a moderated Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions, and explore how language access efforts connect with civic participation, including opportunities to engage though volunteering and support of community initiatives. This forum offers a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore meaningful pathways to strengthen the civic life of Central New York.

The Program Coordinator is responsible for delivering volunteer-based programing that creates joy and social connection for older adults and their caregivers. Through the One to One Program, the Coordinator will match volunteers with nursing home residents for weekly friendly visits, and will also oversee the Opening Minds through Art program, connecting volunteers and people living with dementia to participating in art-making together.

The Senior Manager of Development Strategy advances relationship-based fundraising, supervises assigned staff, oversees the processing of all incoming donations and gifts, tracks pledges and ensures the integrity of the donor database. The role actively supports agency fundraising campaigns and events and engages directly with donors, sponsors, and partners.

This person would be excited to engage youth in Central New York, through established programs in dialogue opportunities, leadership and facilitation trainings, and positive group development in order to break down stereotypes, build bridges of understanding, and empower students to make change in their environments.

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