Community Investment Stories

Women Transcending Boundaries (WTB) nurtures mutual respect and understanding among women of diverse beliefs and customs to build a safer Syracuse community.

WHOLE ME provides mentoring, literacy, transitional life skills training, early intervention, advocacy and rights awareness for deaf and hard of hearing children, adolescents, young adults and their families.

When Joan Royle became executive director of the Westcott Community Center in 2015, the organization did not have a robust database or software system and much of the center itself was in disrepair.

A simulated city, which encompasses the entire third floor of WCNY’s headquarters on East Fayette Street in Syracuse’s Near Westside neighborhood, gives middle school children the opportunity to play out a day of “real life” in their own living, breathing neighborhood.

Vera House was founded to provide emergency sheltering services for people in crisis. This initial mission, established in 1977, has blossomed into a wide range of domestic and sexual violence services including outreach and advocacy.

As the first and only African-American master plumber in Syracuse, NaDonte Jones was already making history. Now, he is helping pave the way for others by hosting a New York State Department of Labor certified apprentice program.

A few toys can bring much joy to a child undergoing chemotherapy treatments at the new Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders, housed at the new Upstate Cancer Center.

The Talent Agency, an organization that provides advanced instruction in art and design skills, helps high school students interested in art prepare for applying to colleges.

Fenner Renewable Energy Education Center (FREE Center) provides an opportunity to educate schoolchildren about solar panels and wind turbines through creative and interactive activities.