The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties in Utica, New York, has announced a ten-year, $10 million initiative to address racial equity and social justice issues in Herkimer and Oneida counties.
The largest single commitment in the foundation’s history will support ongoing efforts to engage local partners in developing a collaborative, coalition-style model focused on systemic change and will advance the development of “impact centers” serving families in targeted, high-needs neighborhoods. The foundation also has established a Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund with a $50,000 commitment and a $50,000 grant from the Ronald and Sheila Cuccaro Family Fund.
“We’ve all seen the news and heard the terrible stories from across the country. Some might say we’re fortunate in this community that those awful things have happened someplace else. But these issues touch us here, too — and everywhere. We have to take a stand as people who care about Utica and the Mohawk Valley that we will do more. We’re challenging individuals and organizations to do what they can to support this effort,” said CFHOC board member Ron Cuccaro. “Our family feels this deeply — that all of us who have the ability to help financially have a responsibility to do everything that we can to make a difference, and that this time, now, is a critical turning point for our community and the nation.”
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