LATEST EPISODE

In the first episode of Sincerely, CNY, Melanie Littlejohn sits down with Hassina Adams, a community advocate, public servant and clerk of the Onondaga County Legislature. Hassina shares her journey from Uganda and South Africa to Central New York, reflecting on resilience, family, belonging and how she began learning advocacy at just six years old.

Through her story, Hassina explores the people and organizations that helped her family build a new life and why she now dedicates her work to empowering immigrant and refugee communities, strengthening civic engagement and helping others find their voice.

About Sincerely, CNY

Central New York is more than a location — it’s our home. Sincerely, CNY, is a letter to this region, told through its most inspiring voices. Hosted by President & CEO Melanie Littlejohn, each episode features intimate conversations with the quiet champions and visionary leaders shaping the future of Central New York. Together, let’s explore the passion and purpose driving our community forward, signed Sincerely, CNY.

Sincerely, CNY is a bi-monthly podcast available for download on all major podcast platforms. (see below)

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P.S. The Next Chapter is a spotlight series within Sincerely, CNY, featuring young leaders from across Central New York who are creating change through generosity, service and action. Each conversation offers a glimpse into the passion and purpose driving the next generation of changemakers in our community.

The next generation of changemakers is already here. Help us celebrate young leaders across Central New York who are creating impact through generosity, service, and action. Nominate someone for P.S. The Next Chapter today.

Nomination Form

Visit our YouTube channel to explore conversations, stories and community voices from across Central New York. Watch the latest episodes and subscribe to stay connected.

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Listen to Sincerely, CNY wherever you get your podcasts, including all major platforms like Apple, Spotify, and Amazon.

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News & Stories

Blogs May 1, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

News Releases April 27, 2026

$3.2 Million Gift Helps First Marsellus M.A.D.E. Cohort Lean into Leadership and Communication Skills

A $3.2 million gift is helping strengthen nonprofit leadership across Central New York through the ...

Person Boxing
Blogs April 22, 2026

Building Strength, Inside and Out: OptionZero’s B-Squared Initiative

A new initiative at OptionZero is helping people build strength in more ways than one. ...

News Releases April 21, 2026

Coming Soon: Sincerely, CNY

A new podcast from the Central New York Community Foundation

Handshake
Publications April 16, 2026

Your Planned Giving Partner: Five Ways the Community Foundation Can Help

The community foundation is more than a grantmaker—it’s a strategic partner helping nonprofits strengthen planned ...

Publications April 16, 2026

Tax Time: Old Things, New Things, and Things You Can Do

Tax season offers a valuable glimpse into how shifting tax laws are shaping donor behavior—and ...

Welcoming Our Cortland County Advisory Group
News Releases April 9, 2026

Central New York Community Foundation Announces Cortland County Advisory Group to Support Local Grantmaking

We have selected members of our new Cortland County Advisory Group to help guide local ...

A group of people talking at a table
News Releases March 31, 2026

Central New York Community Launches Participatory Budgeting in Oswego County to Begin Centennial Celebration

Community members invited to help decide how $75,000 will be invested locally.

Publications March 26, 2026

Nicholas & Agnes Renzi

Over five decades, Nicholas and Agnes Renzi quietly invested in the Cortland community they called ...

Blogs May 1, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

News Releases April 27, 2026

$3.2 Million Gift Helps First Marsellus M.A.D.E. Cohort Lean into Leadership and Communication Skills

A $3.2 million gift is helping strengthen nonprofit leadership across Central New York through the ...

Person Boxing
Blogs April 22, 2026

Building Strength, Inside and Out: OptionZero’s B-Squared Initiative

A new initiative at OptionZero is helping people build strength in more ways than one. ...

News Releases April 21, 2026

Coming Soon: Sincerely, CNY

A new podcast from the Central New York Community Foundation

Handshake
Publications April 16, 2026

Your Planned Giving Partner: Five Ways the Community Foundation Can Help

The community foundation is more than a grantmaker—it’s a strategic partner helping nonprofits strengthen planned ...

Publications April 16, 2026

Tax Time: Old Things, New Things, and Things You Can Do

Tax season offers a valuable glimpse into how shifting tax laws are shaping donor behavior—and ...

Welcoming Our Cortland County Advisory Group
News Releases April 9, 2026

Central New York Community Foundation Announces Cortland County Advisory Group to Support Local Grantmaking

We have selected members of our new Cortland County Advisory Group to help guide local ...

A group of people talking at a table
News Releases March 31, 2026

Central New York Community Launches Participatory Budgeting in Oswego County to Begin Centennial Celebration

Community members invited to help decide how $75,000 will be invested locally.

Publications March 26, 2026

Nicholas & Agnes Renzi

Over five decades, Nicholas and Agnes Renzi quietly invested in the Cortland community they called ...

View More