Did you know: In 2007, the Interreligious Council of Central New York rebranded itself InterFaith Works of Central New York. The name represented the agency's new vision, as depicted in the logo and the Affirm Dignity tag line. Follow this link to see the various names and logos used over the years.
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Board of Directors Welcomes Eight Members |
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Tamica Barnett is Deputy Lieutenant in the Syracuse Fire Department, a School Board Commissioner at Syracuse City School District, the PTO President at HW Smith Elementary School in Syracuse, a Firefighter of Color United in Syracuse member, and Director of Biddy Basketball at East Fayette Boys and Girls Club. She was an OnPoint for College student, as well as a former OnPoint Board member. Barnett graduated from Henninger High School in Syracuse, and earned a BA from St. Bonaventure University. |
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Dr. Shiu-Kai Chin is a Professor at Syracuse University, School of Computer Sciences and Engineering, where he has been instrumental in bringing InterFaith Works to the School of Engineering to improve its cross-cultural competency. He is a returning InterFaith Works Board member, and served as Board Chair in 2018-2019. Dr. Chin sits on the DEI Committee for Syracuse University, is active with the Human Rights Commission and other community organizations, and is a member of Plymouth Congregational Church. |
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The Rev. Dr. Eric Jackson serves as Pastor of the Plymouth Congregational Church, UCC in Syracuse, bringing 10 plus years of experience serving parishes in New York and New Hampshire. Rev. Jackson also serves on the Board of Directors of the United Church of Christ where he is a member of the Budget & Finance Sub-Committee. He continues to grow into scholarship through the current pursuit of a Ph.D. in African-American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary.
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Myrna R. Koldin has been a member of InterFaith Works Senior Companion Advisory Board for the past 22 years, and its Chair for the last three. Since receiving her MSW with a concentration in Gerontology from Syracuse University in 1988, Koldin has been working to positively impact the lives of Central New York senior adults. She was the Senior Adult/Adult Director of the Syracuse Jewish Community Center and an Outreach Representative for New York State's EPIC prescription program, covering nine counties presenting programs and assisting senior adults with their prescription options. Koldin served Onondaga County Office for Aging from 2007 until her retirement in June 2020. She continues to assist Medicare beneficiaries as a volunteer HIICAP counselor.
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The Hon. Ann Magnarelli has been a Syracuse City Court Judge since January 2019. Prior to her elected service, she served in the Office of the Onondaga County Attorney as a Parliamentarian for the Onondaga County Legislature, as the Term Pro Se Law Clerk for the U.S. District Court, and in the Office of Corporation Counsel for the City of Syracuse. She has also served in the private sector at two Syracuse-based law firms, and as an appellate attorney for the 3rd Judicial Department of the State of New York. The Hon. Magnarelli holds an MPA degree from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and received her Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude, from Syracuse University’s School of Law in 2006.
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Montanette Murphy is the Executive Director of the Onondaga County Human Rights Commission and Deputy Director of Diversity & Inclusion for Onondaga County. She administers the Onondaga County Justice Center Oversight Committee, and is the Title VI, ADA & LEP Plan Coordinator for Onondaga County. The Human Rights Commission Director serves as the County's coordinator for its non-discrimination policies under Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. |
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Lynn M. Nunez has been with JPMorgan Chase Bank for 26 years, serving more than 20 years as a Vice President. For the past 12 years, she has managed the branch on James Street, serving the North Side of Syracuse. In this capacity, Nunez has worked to develop a team that is compassionate to the needs of local North Side refugee community members. Because of her familiarity with the refugee community, she offers a unique perspective in assisting new Americans overcome barriers and successfully integrate financially. |
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Robyn Smith is the Community Investments and Partnerships Manager of the Central New York region for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. She previously spent 25 years working for local nonprofits, and is passionate about giving back to her community and improving the lives of Central New York residents. She was the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Central New York Community Foundation, managing the organization’s initiative grant process and selection. Smith started her career at ProLiteracy (formed by the merger of Laubach Literacy and Literacy Volunteers of America), where she developed and supported adult and family literacy programs across the nation. |
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Save the Date: 2022 Annual United We End Racism Event |
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United We End Racism (UWER) is a fun family event presented by the El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action at InterFaith Works. The event will celebrate the Racial Justice Awards and the annual Duck Race, presenting a unique community experience affirming the work being done to eliminate racism and promoting equal rights and justice.
The 2022 UWER will be an in-person attendance event, held on Saturday, June 11, from noon to 4pm, at the Syracuse Inner Harbor grounds and pavilion.
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Operation Orange WarmUp Shows Up!
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Syracuse University basketball fans not only came to the men’s basketball game on Jan. 15, but they showed up with their arms full of winter clothing. Continuing the spirit of giving after the holiday season, Syracuse University and InterFaith Works partnered to collect winter outerwear that day at the SU’s men’s basketball game vs. Florida State. Fans donated new (and clean, nearly new) winter coats, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves and boots, which were distributed to clients of 12 local non-profits. Those who didn’t attend the game were able to drop things off at Hendricks Chapel the following week. Donors received letters and stickers thanking them.
Several organizations – including InterFaith Works, the Rescue Mission, YWCA, North Side Learning Center and Catholic Charities - received the collected clothing on Jan. 24 for distribution to their clients. Hundreds of winter wear items were collected, and there are plans to make the collection an annual event.
On behalf of all agencies that benefited, InterFaith Works extends a special thanks to Dr. Ruth Chen and the staff of Syracuse University, as well as our generous community.
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Donation collection bins (above) at the Carrier Dome gates. Thank you letters and event stickers were given to the many generous donors contributing at the event. Photo credit: Keith Kobland / @KeithAtSU
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United Way's "Share the Warmth" Donates to InterFaith Works |
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On Jan. 27, InterFaith Works Housing Services Specialist Mohamed Salim (left), staff and volunteers loaded and transported winter clothing and hygiene/toiletry items donated through the United Way of Central New York's Share the Warmth campaign. The clothing and other items were delivered to the InterFaith Works warehouse, and will be sorted, organized and distributed to the agency's refugee clients and new arrivals.
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Join Us for a Virtual Community Conversation Series Event |
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The El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action at InterFaith Works is hosting a monthly Virtual Community Conversations Series. These virtual circles are intended to bring people together around different topics in the region. The February session topic will be Leaning Into Hope: What Does Beloved Community Look Like in the Era of Covid-19? Attendees are invited to share the good things they are doing to support each other and their communities, and to help identify needs and ways to help.
This one-hour session will be hosted by Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter, Director of the El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action, on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., via Zoom.
All registrants will receive a Zoom link the day before the event.
Stay tuned for details about the next Conversation event on Wednesday, March 16.
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InterFaith Works Celebrates 45 Years of Service |
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Long-time Advocate Aminy I. Audi Commends the Agency's Work |
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As a long-time advocate and supporter of InterFaith Works, Aminy I. Audi, CEO & Chair of the Board of L. & J.G. Stickley, Inc., extends her best wishes to the agency in celebration of its 45th anniversary. InterFaith Works is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Center for New Americans, 35 years of providing Senior Services, and 25 years since the first Community Wide Dialogue was held.
Mrs. Audi was a 2009 honoree at the InterFaith Leadership Award Dinner, and Stickley has employed a number of InterFaith Works' refugee clients over the years, providing the workforce with "a beautiful mosaic that represents the best of all human kind," according to Mrs. Audi. In congratulating InterFaith Works on its 45th anniversary, Mrs. Audi speaks about the many InterFaith Works programs and events she has enjoyed supporting over the years.
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27th Annual InterFaith Leadership Award Dinner Honors Aminy I. Audi
Aminy I. Audi, CEO & Chair of the Board of L. & J.G. Stickley, Inc., was honored at the 27th Annual InterFaith Leadership Award Dinner on May 12, 2009. Mrs. Audi has been a long-time supporter of InterFaith Works and one of the agency's most loyal and generous advocates.
Mrs. Audi has led a remarkable life, rich with service and generosity. Prior to L. & J.G. Stickley, she graduated from New York University, and was a freelance writer and reporter for the Voice of America. She was a non-government delegate to the United Nations Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in 1993, and to the United Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.
Her history of civic and community service is extensive, including the following highlights:
- State University of New York, Board of Trustees
- The Women’s Fund of Central New York, Founding Member
- OnCenter Convention Center, Board of Trustees
- Onondaga County Pastoral Counseling Center, President
- Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church, Elder
- Colgate University, Doctor of Humane Letters Degree
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Salvation Army’s Annual Civic Luncheon, Community Team Spirit Award
- Hiawatha Seaway Council’s Annual Boypower Dinner, Citizen of the Year
- Syracuse Zonta Foundation, Annual Crystal Award
- Women in the Home Industries Today, Legacy Award/Lifetime Achievement
- Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, Inductee
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Media coverage of the ILAD event in The Post-Standard on May 13, 2009 featured a photograph of Aminy Audi (right) celebrating with her daughter Carolyn Audi Fischi. |
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Aminy Audi (right) at her 2009 ILAD honoree celebration with one of the founders of InterFaith Works (then the Syracuse Area Interreligious Council), The Rev. Dr. Jon Regier (center) and his wife Joyce. |
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200 Pillows Donated to the Refugee Resettlement Program |
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Many thanks to The Farms of ADL (TFADL), an affiliate of The Alliance of Divine Love, Inc., for their donation of 200 pillows to the Center for New Americans Refugee Resettlement Program on Jan. 26. Through an anonymous donor, TFADL has acquired 1,500 pillows, and will be donating them to various organizations throughout Central New York. InterFaith Works (IFW) was connected with TFADL and Director Brian Kirsch through IFW warehouse volunteer Sue Wadley and the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Syracuse.
Located in Kirkville, NY, the recently established TFADL’s mission is to get food to people in need in the local CNY community. They plan to accomplish this through participation in a number of CNY farmers' markets and by setting up farm stands. By purchasing through TFADL at the various markets and stands throughout CNY, consumers will be contributing to the mission of supplying local charitable food pantries. Follow this link to learn more about The Farms of ADL from Brian Kirsch.
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InterFaith Works warehouse takes delivery of 200 pillows from The Farms of ADL |
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IMA Honors InterFaith Works, Beth A. Broadway
and Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter
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InterFaith Works President/CEO Beth A. Broadway (left in photo) and the El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action Director Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter accepted honors from the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) at its annual celebration of the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Jan. 17.
“InterFaith works and I are very honored to be given The Rev. William A. Mack Memorial Drum Major Award for Beloved Community. This award from the IMA came as a great surprise, and is deeply appreciated." said Broadway. "Our sincere thanks to IMA’s outgoing President, The Rev. Bryant Gerald, and our best wishes to incoming IMA President, The Rev. Erik Eure, and to all the leadership and membership of IMA. We pledge to continue our work with you to create Beloved Community, standing together for Black Lives, for food security, for healthy communities, and to deepen the mission and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We are grateful to be in community with you.”
"It was an honor to receive the 2022 IMA President's Award for Religion and Faith from my peers," added Bishop Matthews-Carter. "Ministering within the community is transformational. It's been one of the great joys of my life. I look forward to serving as the Chaplain for the IMA, as spiritual care is an important aspect of what we do in this season of pandemic and healing."
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InterFaith Works in the News |
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CNY Central reported on Omer Farooq's experiences as an Afghan evacuee and his arrival in Syracuse. Follow this link to watch the video and read the story by Mary Kielar.
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Senior Services Program Seeks Senior Companion Volunteers |
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(Click on the image below for a printable/shareable flyer) |
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Honor Our Anniversaries With a Gift |
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This is an extraordinary year in the life of InterFaith Works. Not only are we celebrating the 45th year since our founding, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Center for New Americans, 35 years of providing Senior Services, and 25 years since the first Community Wide Dialogue was held!
It’s likely you have been a supporter of our agency—perhaps as a client, volunteer, program partner, Board or Round Table of Faith Leaders member, employee, funder or individual donor—at some point over the last 45 years. If so, you know how our mission changes lives, hearts and minds!
Would you like to join in our celebration by taking this opportunity to invest in our mission? We invite you to make a gift in honor of the agency’s 45th anniversary or one of our programs’ 40th, 35th or 25th anniversaries. Please feel free to make your gift in honor or in memory of someone dear to you. It’s a special way to recognize someone special as well as our mission to affirm the dignity of all people and all faiths.
Use our hashtag IFWCNYcelebrates to share your images and experiences of InterFaith Works.
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Community Conversation With New American Women |
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(Click on the image below for a printable/shareable flyer) |
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Job Openings Offer Opportunity to Serve Community |
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The agency is accepting applications to fill the full-time position of Communications/Events Manager. Among the position's primary duties are managing events, communications, and media relations for the overall agency and its individual departments. The Communications/Events Manager participates in all Development Department activities related to achieving fundraising goals, maintaining positive donor relations, and enhancing the agency’s visibility and positive image among its varied stakeholders.
The Development Department is also seeking a full-time Grant Writer. This position will serve as the primary liaison to foundation and corporate granting entities, working closely with agency leadership to determine agency and programmatic funding needs; research and identify funders; write and submit grant proposals; manage a grants calendar, keeping track of various deadlines; and collaborate with staff to submit required reports to funders.
The agency is seeking an Accounting Specialist, who will be responsible for executing InterFaith Works' billing function by preparing invoices, recording payments, and preparing reports of expenditures for all reimbursement methods of payment.
The Receptionist will serve as primary staff for the reception desk in InterFaith Works’ lobby; set a tone of welcome for clients, volunteers and visitors; manage office walk-in and telephone interchange; assist with office functions, including data management, filing and reporting; and oversee general office functions.
InterFaith Works' Center for New Americans is continuing its search for a candidate to fill a Case Manager position, preferably multilingual in Arabic, Ukrainian, or Somali. The Case Manager will be primarily responsible for assisting clients in applying for public benefits to which they are entitled; transporting clients to required appointments; making sure all arrival, housing, and household furnishing requirements have been met; referring to the in-house resource and referral Caseworker for “aftercare services” to clients such as public benefits recertification, emergency assistance, application for unemployment, and filing for Legal Permanent Resident status; reporting emergencies, serious difficulties and potential large problems with clients; and sharing on-call hours for picking up refugee arrivals and client emergencies with other staff members.
Another opening at the Center for New Americans is for Match Grant Specialist. This position will assist refugee clients in job preparation and in finding and retaining employment, and work with a variety of funding sources and requirements. Candidate should be committed to helping refugees make good lives for themselves and their families in the United States. Provide direct service to Match Grant clients as required by cooperative agreements and contracts. Keep required documentation and reports as required by cooperative agreements and contracts.
An additional opening at the Center for New Americans is ESL and Citizenship Instructor, whose primary tasks are directed at developing, organizing and implementing comprehensive lesson plans relating to U.S. civics, citizenship, and naturalization; providing instruction in English to refugee and immigrant students in accordance with USCIS guidelines; conveying knowledge on U.S. history and government systems according to students’ varying English literacy levels; and preparing eligible students for the naturalization process by practicing conversational skills, conducting mock naturalization interviews, and teaching vocabulary related to the N-400 application.
The agency's El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action is accepting applications for a part-time Jewish Staff Chaplain at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. Primary duties of the Jewish Staff Chaplain include assessing patient and family spiritual needs and assisting them to use their faith/spirituality in dealing with illness, trauma, stress, and death; conducting visits as assigned by the center's Managing Chaplain; and following up with patients as appropriate. This position features a flexible work schedule.
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Senior Services Neighborhood Advisor Offers Referral Assistance |
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(Click on the image below for a printable/shareable flyer) |
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Welcome to the Community Bulletin Board. If you would like us to promote your community event, please provide us with details, including the event name/title, time, date, location, any related costs and 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. Please send information to info@ifwcny.org with the word "Bulletin" in the subject line.
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Rosamond Gifford Author Series to Feature Dr. Eddie S. Glaude |
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The Friends of the Central Library (FOCL) presents Dr. Eddie S. Glaude at the next Gifford Author Series event on March 9, at 7:30p.m., at the OnCenter Crouse Hinds Theater. Follow this link for more information and to purchase tickets.
Dr. Glaude is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and Chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton. His works examine the difficulties of race in America, combining history, philosophy, religion, and a passion for social justice. Follow this link for more information about Glaude.
The FOCL raises funds to support the Central Library, the hub of the Onondaga County Public Library, which includes 10 city libraries and 21 independent libraries in suburban Onondaga County. Since 1997, FOCL has donated more than $650,000 to support library programs by purchasing books and materials.
The Rosamond Gifford Author Series is the largest library-related lecture series in the country. Now in its 27th season, the Friends of the Central Library has invited more than 150 world-famous authors to Syracuse to entertain, inform and inspire Central New York audiences.
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Spectrum and Verizon Offer Affordable Connectivity Program |
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The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a $14 billion federal government program, a continuation of the Emergency Broadband Bill by the Federal Communications Commission. Under the ACP, qualifying households can receive $30 a month toward internet expenses ($75 a month for those on Tribal Lands), and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider if the household contributes more than $10, but less than $50 toward the purchase price.
Helpful links:
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It Starts Here
COVID Vaccine Project Expands Reach
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The It Starts Here Vaccine Promotion project continues to meet new milestones. A billboard and bus shelter promotional campaign within one of Syracuse's most vaccine hesitant zip codes (13205) is underway. The two-month campaign consists of five billboards and four bus shelter signs. The It Starts Here initiative to address vaccine hesitancy is a partnership between Trinity Health (St. Joseph's Hospital) and InterFaith Works.
"We believe that this campaign will raise awareness and decrease hesitancy. We are specifically targeting women of color in hopes that as they become vaccinated they in turn will also increase vaccination for children of color," says Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter, Director of the El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action.
Lamar Advertising has agreed to provide additional signage beyond the paid campaign at no cost as space becomes available.
Billboard locations:
1201-1208 South Salina St. at Raynor Ave.
4301 South Salina St.
4000 South Salina St.
1433 Valley Drive
1201-1208 South Salina St. at Raynor Ave.
Bus shelter locations:
South Salina St. at Dorwin St.
2021 Midland Ave. and West Brighton Ave.
Lafayette Road and Seneca Turnpike
Valley Vista and West Seneca Turnpike
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Syracuse Cultural Workers Offers 2022 Calendars |
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(Click on the image for calendars on the SCW website) |
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About InterFaith Works of CNY |
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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 45 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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