Four Local Organizations Graduate from Leadership Training Program

In May, leaders from four local grassroots groups celebrated their completion of The Leadership Classroom (TLC). After participating in monthly training sessions, each group received a grant to implement a community project that was proposed and planned during their training.

Pictured above: Women Overcoming Obstacles Together at their April 2024 Self Care Workshop 

In May, leaders from four local grassroots groups celebrated their completion of The Leadership Classroom (TLC). After participating in monthly training sessions, each group received a grant to implement a community project that was proposed and planned during their training.

Each organization is addressing a unique and specific need in Central New York:

Bushenge Hunde USA-Canada received $4,000 to implement the Training on Police Use-of-Force Continuum in partnership with local law enforcement, InterFaith Works of CNY and the Northside Learning Center. This training program will gather 200 participants from the African New American community to understand their legal rights and how to interact with law enforcement.

Nourish Syracuse received $4,840 to support its Sow and Grow Scholarship program to build a community garden on the Southside of Syracuse and educate youth on sustainable farming practices and healthy eating habits.

Southside Coalition of Citizens for Justice and Equity received $4,000 to coordinate a Juneteenth Celebration at Kirk Park.

Women Overcoming Obstacles Together received $4,000 to host an event to engage mothers with children with disabilities who identify as Black, Brown or Latino. The event will provide education and resources for self-care and Autism awareness.

The Leadership Classroom (TLC) is an eight-month leadership training initiative offered by the Central New York Community Foundation. Participants are community and nonprofit representatives who want to learn advanced leadership skills alongside other neighborhood leaders in an interactive setting. TLC is the Community Foundation’s longest running program. Learn more about TLC at cnycf.org/tlc.

The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that turns community dollars into community change. Established in 1927, it receives contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to address the region’s greatest needs. The foundation has invested nearly $300 million in community projects that benefit Central New York. It also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives that foster a thriving and equitable region and address the most critical issues of our time.

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