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When a representative from the Syracuse University STEP Program helped Deka Dancil to see her potential and think seriously about college, she realized she could set her academic sights high. 

When Gracie Barney began her first job out of college as the volunteer and guest services coordinator for the Samaritan Center, she was looking forward to helping those in need. 

Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE) transformed an abandoned lot into a beautiful garden used to supply the community with fresh produce and gardening training.

Maxx and Maureen are one of 35 therapy teams that conduct regular visits to schools, nursing homes, hospitals, libraries and community outreach programs through Pet Partners of Syracuse.

In the last five years, 97 percent of HW-SC students have graduated.

“We work on educating young people, from learning how to read food labels to going on bus trips to farms and the regional market.”

The 100 Black Men of Syracuse, a group of professional men who volunteer to improve the local community in the areas of mentoring, education, economic development and health, is a fairly new organization with ambitious plans.

“Community accessibility remains a challenge for many refugees even after they learn our language, but we noticed it was a bigger struggle for the ones with hearing loss.”

Before Melissa Spiker passed away from cancer at the age of 19, she made her mother promise her something: that she would help young adults and teens impacted by cancer after she was gone.

“Racism is still a large issue within our community and we want people to see that anyone can commit to making a change.”