Non-Profits Come Together For Unique Training Workshop

By: Rachel Polansky

Area non-profits came together this morning to take part in a unique training workshop.The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties brought in a philanthropic expert to share tips about increasing donors in a tight economy, while motivating board members to participate in major fundraising events. The presenter says when it comes to donating, it's all about how you ask.

"They go out and ask people for gifts of $5, $10, $15, $1000, even $1 million dollars and many volunteers are afraid to do that. And I've developed a methodology to help them overcome their fears. Donors wants to be approached in a proper way. They don't want to be solicited. They want to be invited to be a part of something bigger than themselves," says Jim Donovan, author and philanthropic expert.

Jim Donovan, author of "Take The Fear Out Of Asking For Major Gifts" led the presentation.

To see the video click here.

News from the Utica Observer Dispatch

Training slated for nonprofits

By - STAFF REPORT

The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties Inc. and the New York Council of Nonprofits will present training for local nonprofit organizations on major gifts and motivating board members from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday in Room 225 in the Information/ Technology Building at Mohawk Valley Community College, 1101 Sherman Drive.
Jim Donovan, author of “Take the Fear Out of Asking for Major Gifts” and “50 Ways to Motivate Your Board,” will lead the presentation.
The training is free, and registration is required by visiting foundationhoc.org and registering under news and events.

United Way facilitates crisis response with community leaders

By KESHIA CLUKEY

HERKIMER —About 30 politicians and representatives from faith-based and nonprofit organizations around Herkimer and Oneida Counties gathered at the Herkimer Office of the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area Friday to make a plan of action regarding the shooting tragedy in Herkimer and Mohawk. To read more click here.

Upcoming Career Program & Nanotechnology Presentation

Hello Genesis!
As Your Community Connection, we are announcing the following programs and events:

Career Exploration Program
March 15th ~ 8:00am at Herkimer County Community College (Gymnasium)

sponsored by: The Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce ~ The Herkimer County Guidance Association and The Genesis Group

WE ARE IN NEED of additional Speakers as we expect nearly1000 9th grade students from (10) Herkimer County schools to attend. Please RSVP to Ray Durso, Jr. at info@TheGenesisGroup.org and include your Name and Profession.



Nano 101 ~ The Marcy NanoCenter at SUNYIT"
including the Nanotechnology Transformation, Jobs and Growth
March 22nd ~ 6:30pm at SUNYIT Kunsela Hall
AND
March 24th ~ 6:30pm at Herkimer County Community College

Timothy Dunn from Mohawk Valley EDGE will offer a presentation on the proposed Marcy NanoCenter as well as the Technology Complex being developed at SUNYIT in Marcy.

When completed, these projects will have a enormous positive impact on our region. A key componet for both is Education and Awareness. "The more the public knows and understands these projects, the easier it will be to gain their support." Our recent bus trip to SUNY Albany is a great example of that.
It's FREE and open to EVERYONE!
Please mark your calendar and plan to attend!

Sponsors Include: The Genesis Group, Mohawk Valley EDGE and The Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley, representing Chambers of Commerce from the Boonville Area, Camden Area, Clinton, Herkimer County, Kuyahoora Valley, Marcy, New Hartford, Greater Oneida, Rome Area, Trenton Area and Oneida County Tourism


SAVE THE DATE
April 23rd ~ 8:00am
Regional Clean and Green
sponsored by Rome Clean & Green and The Genesis Group

May 10th ~ 12:00pm
Excellence in Healthcare Recognition

May 23rd ~ 12:00pm
7th Annual Genesis Group Golf Tournament

Thank you for your continued interest & support!

Raymond J. Durso, Jr.
Executive Director
The Genesis Group
SUNYIT
100 Seymour Road
Utica, New York 3502
info@TheGenesisGroup.org
www.TheGenesisGroup.org
315.792.7187 (T)
315.797.1280 (F)
Genesis is also on Facebook

Oneida city lawmakers to hold hearing on plans for an autism group home

A regional agency is planning to build Central New York’s first group home for young adults with autism spectrum disorders in the city of Oneida.

The Kelberman Center of Utica announced plans earlier this month for the eight-bed facility on Florence Avenue, just blocks from the city’s downtown district. A public hearing on the project will be 6 p.m. today before the Oneida Common Council meeting.

The center currently provides evaluation, diagnostic and intervention services for children and adults in Central New York, as well as family support programs, case management and social and recreational opportunities.

The nonprofit agency has been affiliated with Upstate Cerebral Palsy since 2005, said Colleen Cianfrocco, vice president for community development. Upstate Cerebral Palsy currently operates four residential facilities in Canastota, Hamilton and Morrisville.

The Oneida home would allow young adults with autism to live independently in the community with some supervision. “It’s a chance to live independently,” Cianfrocco said. “That’s the key. That’s what everyone wants in life.”

Original article at the PostStandard.com

Community Foundation Awards More Than $420,000 to Local Organizations in December

The Grants Committee of The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc. awarded $420,582 to local not-for-profit organizations at its December meeting.

The OD reports that the following organizations received funding:
• Adirondack Railway Preservation Society will purchase a new locomotive to use for Adirondack Scenic Railroad programs, such as the Polar Express, with a $95,582 grant.
• The Arts Guild of Old Forge will unveil its new building and expanded programming this summer, and a grant of $100,000 will help them add professional staff to manage new programs and events.
• Organizations that help people through tough times are experiencing great demand. The Food Bank of Central New York, which supplies food pantries and feeding sites in Herkimer and Oneida counties, received a $50,000 grant that will help them renovate office and food storage space.
• With a $75,000 grant, Herkimer Area Resource Center will install an elevator into their German Street building. The elevator is part of a strategic effort to attract tenants to the building – an effort that is already paying off.
• People in poor health can have their vital signs observed remotely, as Visiting Nurse Association received a $100,000 grant to add equipment to their teleheath service. This equipment allows patients to be monitored by health care professionals from the comfort of their homes.

The Community Foundation has been a force for improving lives and promoting philanthropy throughout Herkimer and Oneida counties since 1952. The Foundation has made more than 4,300 grants totaling over $35 million in support of causes ranging from education to health care, the arts to the environment. Grants are generated by the more than 270 funds that comprise The Foundation’s endowment, established and advanced by area individuals and families.

For more information about The Community Foundation, call 315-735-8212 or visit www.foundationhoc.org.

Arcuri to host fourth annual Grants Training Workshop

The Oneida County Courier reported that on Monday, Oct. 4, 2010, the Office of U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY-24) will host the fourth annual 24th Congressional District Grants Training Workshop for interested businesses, organizations and individuals who want to learn more about navigating federal and state grant programs.

The Workshop will include panels of grant program administrators and applicants from various federal and state agencies and non-profit organizations, including:

U.S. Department of Agriculture;

U.S. Department of Education;

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services;

NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal;

NYS Energy Research and Development Authority;

NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services;

NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation;

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties; and,

The United Way

Registration for the Workshop is $40 per person, which includes lunch and an informational packet with details regarding many available federal and state grant programs.

Interested participants can register by contacting Arcuri’s Utica District Office at 315-793-8146 or by emailing Liz Gustafson at liz.gustafson@mail.house.gov. Registration deadline is 5:00pm on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010.

U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri’s 4th Annual Grants Training Workshop

Date: October 4, 2010

Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Location: Radisson Hotel – Utica Centre, 200 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502

Leadership Alliance for a Vital Community (LAVC) Launches Community Indicators Website

Representatives from the Leadership Alliance for a Vital Community (LAVC) introduced a new website and the results of its community indicators study recently at a gathering of over 60 Oneida and Herkimer county organizations.

The website, www.hocindicators.org, provides a statistical snapshot of issues in the two-county region and creates county-level data benchmarks that the community can use to establish shared goals toward increasing the region’s economic viability and sustainability. Indicators measured included the economy; education; health; public safety; housing; arts and culture; transportation; and technology.

LAVC is a partnership among The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc.; Mohawk Valley EDGE; and United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area. Formed in 2009, its purpose was to undertake a community indicators study to obtain an overview of the area’s most pressing needs and opportunities for positive change. Data was collected, processed, and analyzed after a six-month study by the Center for Governmental Research (CGR). CGR, of Rochester, N.Y., also developed the website.

CGR demonstrated to participants how they can use the website and data to further the missions of their organizations and practical applications for the data at this morning’s workshop.

Hundreds work to improve health at regional summit

The OD reported that Ideas for increasing the health of the region range from holding more farmers markets, to working with schools to educate children on are health issues, to helping food pantries provide more fresh fruits and vegetables.

More than 200 people gathered at Hart’s Hill Inn Friday for the second regional health summit planned by a Regional Health Advisory Board to discuss areas identified as priorities in the area’s health: healthy mothers, babies and children; access to care; chronic disease and mental health and substance abuse.

“There are so many things we need to tackle together as a region,” said Phil Hayne, executive director of the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area and chairman of the Regional Health Advisory Board. “We need to develop really clear strategies with how to help our communities.”

A recent study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin ranked Oneida County 54th out of 62 counties in the state for health status. Herkimer County placed 41st. Read more here.

Oneida and Herkimer Impacted by NYS Parks and Historic Site Closures

The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today put forward a recommended list of closures and service reductions in order to achieve its 2010-11 agency savings target and help address the State's historic fiscal difficulties.

Governor David A. Paterson issued the following statement:

"New York faces an historic fiscal crisis of unprecedented magnitude. It has demanded many difficult but necessary decisions to help ensure the fiscal integrity of our State. The unfortunate reality of closing an $8.2 billion deficit is that there is less money available for many worthy services and programs. In an environment when we have to cut funding to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and social services, no area of State spending, including parks and historic sites, could be exempt from reductions. We cannot mortgage our State's financial future through further gimmicks or avoidance behavior. Spending cuts, however difficult, are needed in order to put New York on the road to fiscal recovery. Going forward through the budget process, I look forward to a productive dialogue with the Legislature on parks and historic sites, as well as other issues."

OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash issued the following statement:

"The 2010-11 Executive Budget included reductions to every area of State spending. As such, the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation has today put forward proposed closures and service reductions to meet its agency savings target. These actions were not recommended lightly, but they are necessary to address our State's extraordinary fiscal difficulties."

###

A fact sheet on the proposed closures and service reductions is included below:

The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today put forward a list of closures and service reductions in order to achieve its proposed 2010-11 agency savings target and help address the State's historic fiscal difficulties. As part of a comprehensive plan to close an $8.2 billion deficit, the 2010-11 Executive Budget included necessary cost reductions to each executive State agency, as well as cuts to education, health care, social services, and every other area of State spending.

OPRHP's plan includes the closure of 41 parks and 14 historic sites, and service reductions at 23 parks and 1 historic site.

The plan also assumes $4 million in park and historic site fee increases that will be identified at a later date, and the use of $5 million in funds from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to finance OPRHP operations. These two actions were part of the 21-day amendments to the Executive Budget and are intended to reduce the number of parks and historic sites subject to closures and service reductions.

Specific recommended closures and service reductions are detailed here.

Leadership Alliance for a Vital Community

Herkimer & Oneida County Indicators
What is a community indicators study? Community indicator studies are now commonly conducted across the country to provide objective snapshots of an area's quality of life. This is an opportunity to engage in a community-wide conversation about the current state of the Mohawk Valley region and how to respond collectively to issues that we face. The indicator categories are arts and culture, economic self-sufficiency, economy, education, environment, health, housing, public safety, technology and transportation.

Why would a community want an indicators study? A community indicators study is like a check-up with the doctor. The study tells the community what areas are healthy and which areas need work. It is objective and based on facts rather than sentiment. It will help the community establish shared goals toward increasing its economic viability, well-being and sustainability. We believe that with this information, organizations and individuals will form partnerships and take action to build a vital community and improve the overall perception of our community.

Who is responsible for the indicators study? This is the inaugural project of the Leadership Alliance for a Vital Community (LAVC), which is a partnership among The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc., Mohawk Valley EDGE and United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area. The Community Foundation is taking the lead in the data collection phase of this project on behalf of the Alliance.

What is the geographic focus of the indicators study? The focus is on Oneida and Herkimer counties.

When and how are you collecting the information? The data is being collected and processed, and will be released in the first quarter of 2010. We have selected the Center for Governmental Research (CGR) from Rochester, NY as the data collection agency that can best meet our needs. CGR is collecting and analyzing data to develop a report of the findings along with an accompanying web site, which will be unveiled in the spring of 2010.

How will you decide what information to collect? We will invite community members who are experts in the 10 indicator areas for sessions where they will review the potential indicators for each category. Their expertise will help inform the specific areas of study for a focused, independent and objective measurement of key community indicators. Ultimately, these experts and the Alliance will use the data to take action.

The purpose of LAVC is to strengthen a healthy, vibrant community through collaborative leadership that identifies significant community issues, builds regional consensus, creates a shared vision and is a catalyst for change.

Coalition Undertakes Community Indicators Study

The Onedia County Courier reported that three local community organizations working together to identify and meet the area’s most pressing needs undertook the first step in a Community Indicators study today. The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc., Mohawk Valley EDGE and United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area are working together as initial partners in the Leadership Alliance for a Vital Community (LAVC) on this project, the results of which will inform each organization’s work and be shared with the entire community.

Community indicator studies provide objective snapshots of an area’s quality of life.

This is an opportunity to engage in a community-wide conversation about the current state of the Mohawk Valley region and how to respond collectively to issues and opportunities that we face. The indicator categories are arts and culture, economic self-sufficiency, economy, education, environment, health, housing, public safety, technology and transportation.

The Herkimer and Oneida County Indicators study in particular will help the community develop and focus on shared goals toward increasing its economic viability, well-being and sustainability. LAVC believes that with this information, organizations and individuals will form partnerships and take action to build a vital community. Read the article here.

Oct 28th Presentation of Oneida County's New Tourism Brand

You are Invited

Join the Genesis Group, Oneida County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Trainor Associates during a Community Presentation of Oneida County’s new tourism brand and marketing campaign initiative…The Getaway Region, Oneida County NY – Get away to it all!

Be a part of the presentation and connect with the community…
Join us on Wednesday October 28, 2009 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Historic Hotel Utica

This Community Presentation is open to the general public and is being promoted to the following:
· Members of the Genesis Group and those on their email database
· Members of the Convention & Visitors Bureau
· Members of all 10 Chambers of Commerce in Oneida & Herkimer Counties
· Elected Officials in Oneida & Herkimer Counties
· Realtors
· Education Industry
· Health Care Industry
· Newcomers
· Young Professionals
· And of course the MEDIA!

Admission is FREE, with Hors d' oeuvres and a Cash Bar, Raffles & Prizes too!

For Reservations, contact Genesis Executive Director Ray Durso, Jr., by calling 792.7187 or by email, info@TheGenesisGroup.org
Thank you for your interest and support of Oneida County's
$ 1 Billion Tourism industry!

Kelly Blazosky Tim Trainor Ray Durso, Jr.
Oneida County CVB Trainor & Associates The Genesis Group

United Way Kicks Off 2009 Campaign

The Oneida County Courier reported that the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area kicked-off the 2009 campaign led by Campaign Chair John Hobika, Jr. of M&T Bank. The 2009 goal of $3.25 million was announced at the campaign kickoff held at the Stanley Center for the Arts in Utica.

“I am excited to be given the great opportunity to assist in bringing people together,” says Hobika. “This campaign is everyone’s campaign, and together we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our community. The dollars raised are directed at our efforts at the key underlying issues of health, economic self-sufficiency and education: the building blocks for a good life.” Read more here.

Q&A with primary candidates for county legislature

The OD featured questions and answers from Bruce Brodsky and Shannon Scott, who will face off Tuesday in a Democratic primary for the Oneida County Board of Legislators District 22 seat. Howard Welch also is running for the seat in November on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines.

Of interest is Bruce Brodsky's mention of the lack of cooperation, and he mentions the nonprofit sector. He offers an interesting solution of a community leadership team. This lack of partnerships and collaboration has been a topic of discussion before. Do you think a community leadership team could help the nonprofit sector?

What makes you the most qualified candidate for the position you seek?
Brodsky: I am the proven reform candidate with the professional qualifications to take action and not just talk about it. Playing politics and arguing without a realistic alternative is a waste of time. Real, cost-effective solutions make the difference. I will work with anyone to move my district, city and county forward on key issues, and will be part of the solution. I know the legislative process, will listen to my constituents, ask for advice from experts and continue to learn best practices of other communities. I will insist that results are measurable and public. I have gained experience that comes from family, work, volunteering and public service and have a record of success plus a level of enthusiasm unmatched in this campaign.

Scott: I am more qualified than my opponent because I have been in the legislature for the past two years, helping to reform the way business has been done for too long. My opponent served years ago and has already indicated that he is at odds with the way the minority has challenged the long-standing power brokers in the county. I have sponsored legislation to stop elected officials from receiving mid-term pay raises. I also wrote a local law to prohibit legislators from receiving appointments by the county executive during their term until two years after they left office. I want to protect the public from having their tax dollars wasted as it has been for too long.

What are the 2 main issues facing your community/district, and how would you go about addressing them?
Brodsky: The number one issue is the loss in homeowners in Utica. We must help people living in apartments who want to own their own home, provide incentives for new home development, and encourage owners of multi-family housing to live right in their own buildings. Many buildings are owned by out-of-state landlords. That's very bad for our community and this out-of-state owner trend must be reversed.

The second issue is our inability to work together. In Utica, there are city, county, state and federal elected representatives, a school board, many public authorities and dozens of community service groups and nonprofits whose purpose is community improvement. We must meet as a “community leadership team” several times a year and agree to work together. I propose an “anchor priority.” In an area of new development (i.e. new housing or business) the “community leadership team” could marshal resources of government, utilities and community services to extend the improvement area by at least one block in all directions around the new “anchor.” Read more here.

Genesis Group General Meeting June 18th

All are welcome to attend this week's Genesis General Meeting, set for Thursday June 18th at 7:30am
Location:
Holiday Inn Utica/NewHartford
1777 Burrstone Rd.
New Hartford
The meeting is FREE and includes complimentary coffee and pastries.

ON THE AGENDA:

"Brochure Exchange"
Area Tourism Officials will speak about "what to do & where to go" this summer in the Mohawk Valley region.
Speakers include representatives: Town of Webb/Old Forge, Oneida County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and various attractions and special events in Oneida and Herkimer counties.

"Boilermaker Pavilion"
Mohawk Valley EDGE Officials will discuss opportunities available at the "Call Mohawk Valley Home Pavilion" at this year's Boilermaker Health & Fitness Expo in July.
Come and learn how your company or organization can participate in our region's largest event!

"Infrastructure Project"
Steve Devan, O.C. Commissioner of Water Quality/Water Pollution Control; and Karl Schrantz, P.E.,
of Shumaker Engineeering will inform us on a massive multi-year project that will affect 15 communities
with-in the region.

"Mohawk Valley Matters/Regional Projects"
We'll receive updates from committee chairs on regional projects in areas of Education, Healthcare,
The College Community Network and Technology.

"Community Announcements"
Come and share good news and positive information about your company, a special project or an upcoming event!

Raymond J. Durso, Jr.
Executive Director

The Genesis Group
SUNYIT
PO Box 3050
Utica, New York 13504
315.792.7187
315.797-1280 Fax
info@thegenesisgroup.org
www.thegenesisgroup.org

The Peacemaker Program, Inc. saves taxpayers $1.2 million in 2008

Utica Daily News related: The Peacemaker Program, Inc. recently completed an analysis of its 2008 fiscal year showing the agency prevented 483 drawn out court battles, saving Oneida and Herkimer county residents nearly $2.3 million for that time period.

The Peacemaker Program, Inc. is a local non-profit agency in which nearly 500 community volunteers provide quality dispute resolution and child advocacy services. The organization served more than 2,700 people in 2008. Its mission is to offer inclusive innovative approaches to resolve conflict and achieve positive outcomes for children, families, and the community.

Family custody, visitation and support mediation helps participants generate their own solutions, and develop mutually acceptable parenting plans with the help of a neutral mediator. In 2008, 86 families developed their own agreements saving an estimate $1,075,000.

Child Custody Advocates assist the Oneida and Herkimer county family courts in deciding what is best for children involved in custody and visitation disputes. Based on information provided by advocates, 181 children were served, avoiding court trials for 70 families and saving taxpayers more than an estimated $875,000.

Parent/Child Mediation helps at-risk youths and their families achieve positive outcomes, and avoid court and out-of-home placements, including pre-PINS and PINS cases. In 2008, 115 individuals explored their conflicts with the assistance of a neutral mediator, and 89% needed no further intervention from the court system saving an estimated $90,000.

Child-Centered Permanency Mediation assists families, attorneys and other social service agencies to create a plan for children in foster care. As a result, 19 court cases were resolved prior to trial in 2008, resulting in a savings of $257,000.

This information as well as The Peacemaker Program, Inc.’s 2008 Annual Report can be found online at www.thepeacemakerprogram.org. For additional information on the agency’s programs or to find out how you can become a part of the solution, call 724-1718.