HOPE AFTER THE STORM Donors Help Rome Rebuild Following Tornado Devastation
Cornhill Revitalization Project
Mohawk Valley Gives and so much more!
Scientist at Masonic Medical
Community Dinner held at Mohawk Valley Community College
Little Falls Canal Harbor
Clinton Farmers’ Market
President’s Message
Beyond the Classroom: The Impact of the Kirkland Fellowship
Hope After the Storm: Donors Help Rome
Rebuild Following Tornado Devastation
Innovative Partnerships & Investments
Chapters of Discovery at Erwin Library & Institute
Cornhill Revitalization Project
Meet the Team: Jessica Amber Hernandez Fund
Christopher & RoAnn M. Destito Family
RECORDBREAKING YEAR!
2,600 grants and scholarships awarded
HIGHEST EVER
$15.7 million invested in the community
HIGHEST EVER
540 partner organizations
HIGHEST EVER
38 new funds
HIGHEST EVER
$16 million in donations
SECOND HIGHEST EVER
PRESIDENT’S message
Our region is undergoing a remarkable transformation in countless ways. It’s something we often reflect on—whether we’re talking with peers, partners, or even amongst ourselves—as we navigate the mix of challenges and opportunities ahead. While change is a constant in every community, our region has seen itself through both spectacular progress as well unprecedented devastation. From the Utica University Nexus Center to the storms and tornadoes that have impacted our region, the Utica Children’s Museum and the recent announcement of 1,000 new Chobani jobs, everything is changing. The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, with the support and partnership of so many public, private and nonprofit partners, is dedicated to bringing the best results to our community and fulfilling our vision everyday: a vibrant region with opportunity for all.
As I reflect on my 10 years as President and CEO, I’m proud of how our organization has evolved from a reactive grantmaker to a proactive community investor, spearheading innovative solutions for sustainable change. I’m filled with gratitude for our hardworking team, collaborative partners, engaged Trustees, and generous donors. Together, we’ve embraced opportunities to create greater impact across our region. We’ve changed—both as an organization and as a two-county community. And we believe we have changed for the better.
Throughout this journey, we’ve listened, learned, researched, and engaged in meaningful conversations both inside and outside the organization. We’ve adapted our strategies to continue supporting nonprofits that help our communities thrive, while also investing in bold, long-term initiatives that uplift all of Herkimer and Oneida counties.
In this issue, you’ll see a glimpse into our evolving work, including behind-thescenes insight into the people and processes that drive it forward and some of the organizations and donors that have walked this path with us. We’re also excited to spotlight the fourth-annual Mohawk Valley Gives campaign happening on September 19, so be sure to save the date!
As you read through these pages, I hope you feel the same pride and gratitude that we do. We’re proud of our community, optimistic about the future we’re shaping, and deeply appreciative of the partnerships that make it all possible.
Alicia Dicks President/CEO
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: The impact of the Kirkland Fellowship
Scholarships are vital to student success and helping them achieve their future goals. Equally important, however, is providing teachers—who play a critical role in that success—with opportunities to grow and enhance their own skills.
The Hayes-Couper Fund was established in 1992 by Clinton natives Elizabeth and Gordon Hayes, Sr. and Richard, Patricia and Esther Couper and their families to support educational needs in the Clinton Central School District (CCSD) and the Town of Kirkland. Five years later, the Kirkland Fellowship program was created to fulfill the fund’s mission by providing teachers with learning opportunities that improve student success.
Each year, CCSD teachers can apply for funding for professional development that helps them to implement meaningful projects and lessons in their classrooms. Applications are reviewed by a committee that includes relatives of the Hayes and Couper families, as well as CCSD and Hamilton College representatives. Since its inception, the Kirkland Fellowship program has awarded more than $130,000 to nearly 50 educators from the district.
Three teachers—Sarah Gaetano, Katie Parker, and Hilary Lopata—were the recipients of 2024 Kirkland Fellowships. While they each had a distinct vision, they used their fellowship grants to bring their projects to life while sharing the same goal: to inspire and empower their students through hands-on, meaningful learning experiences.
SARAH GAETANO
Seventh grade English Language Arts teacher Sarah Gaetano began implementing TED Ed in her classroom in 2018 and has organized an annual TEDx event at Clinton Central School since 2019. These TedXClinton Central School events feature a diverse mix of speakers covering a wide range of topics—some speakers travel across state lines to attend the event, while others come from classrooms within the district. Sarah used funds from the Kirkland Fellowship to attend a TEDNEXT conference in Atlanta, GA, where she gained insights from visionary leaders offering fresh perspectives. The experience helped her sharpen her skills and bring new ideas and inspiration back to her students. It was here where she realized that the true power of education lies not just in the lessons taught, but in creating a welcoming environment where her students feel comfortable expressing themselves and asking for help.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned from this experience is that it’s really important to put yourself out there and ask other people for help when you need it,” Sarah explained. “The only way you can grow to your fullest potential is by connecting with others and joining in on life’s journeys. I’m so thankful to live in a community where so many people are happy to help and be a part of what I’m doing.”
This year’s TEDx Clinton Central School event was titled “Beyond the Lens” and explored how our views of the world define our experiences, challenge assumptions, and open doors to new possibilities. Nine speakers took to the stage to share their stories with an audience made up of students and community members. The event is held every spring in the Clinton Central School theater.
KATIE PARKER
Katie Parker is the elementary school librarian. Each winter, she conducts a project with her fourth-grade students in which they research Nobel Prize winners. Using the knowledge they’ve gathered, students solve clues and unlock a series of locked boxes in search of a class prize—an activity she calls “breakout boxes.”
Given the fact that much of her school year is dedicated to discussing Nobel Prize winners, Katie took the opportunity to use funds provided to her through the Kirkland Fellowship to visit the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm, Sweden. This trip opened her eyes to the vision and dedication of those who have shaped the world through their contributions to science, literature, and peace—a vision she was eager to share with her students to help inspire and enrich their learning.
“Visiting the Nobel Prize Museum was a humbling experience— walking through the stories of extraordinary individuals who transformed the world reminded me that innovation and dedication can truly change the course of history,” Katie said. “I was very thankful to be able to take the experience of going into a space that is designed to teach you about a specific thing and apply it to my own space when I returned.”
This was more than just a trip overseas for Katie—it was the catalyst that helped her revitalize the space she and her students share, as well as reignited her passion for teaching.
“All of those Nobel Prize winners had a dream of improving the world in order to make it a better place,” she explained. “What this experience has inspired me to do, and what I am hoping my students take away from this, is that no dream is too big or too crazy, you just have to be daring enough to dream it and shoot for the stars.”
HILARY LOPATA
Hilary Lopata is the music director at Clinton Elementary School as well as the director of the middle school musicals. Hilary wanted to use her Kirkland Fellowship funds to help plan a special musical that would leave an everlasting impact on her students.
“I was lucky enough to attend the iTheatrics teacher training program in New York City,” Hilary explained. “iTheatrics is a company that turns Broadway musicals into junior musicals. As the music director, I went there to learn skills from the best in the business.”
After attending the specialized training, Hilary was eager to apply her newfound knowledge to the school’s production of “Elf the Musical.” By adapting professional practices for a middle school setting, she brought out the best in the cast, transforming the production into a joyful and polished performance that captured the heart and humor of the beloved holiday story.
The musical ran a total of four performances in November 2024 and performed to a crowd of over 500 attendees at each showing. Approximately 70 students starred in the performance, with another 30 students working behind the scenes.
Along with teaching her students to overcome stage fright, Hilary’s biggest wish was to foster a sense of ownership and pride in her students, encouraging them to fully embrace their roles and contributions.
“I wanted them to have fun doing something they can be proud of,” she said. “Learning to take ownership and pride in themselves and to realize that they must be a part of this collaborative group are essential skills that I hope they grasped. This production taught them that it’s okay to depend on others to solve problems quickly.”
Donors Help Rome Rebuild Following Tornado Devastation
OOn the evening of July 16, 2024, an EF-2 tornado ripped through Downtown Rome, leaving behind a trail of destruction and heartbreak. The damage was immediate and visible for miles. In the face of this crisis, something remarkable happened—neighbors came together and donors from all over the country stepped up to support those impacted by the event.
The storm damaged several of Rome’s most iconic symbols: the B-52 airplane was knocked from its foundation, the steeple of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church collapsed into its roof, and the beloved mural of Brigadier General Peter Gansevoort was destroyed.
Over the last few years, tornadoes have become more prevalent in Central New York. In 2024, the state experienced a record-breaking 32 tornadoes—the highest number of touchdowns in New York’s history.
Within hours of the tragic event, the Community Foundation established the Rome, NY Emergency Response Fund to aid impacted residents and was actively working to align efforts with Oneida County officials and the City of Rome. What began as an emergency call-to-action quickly became a powerful testament to generosity and collaboration. Nearly $2 million was raised, including $1.5 million from Oneida County, $33,650 from United Way of the Mohawk Valley, and more than $490,000 from community and corporate donors. In total, the fund received over 570 donations from 26 different states.
“When we learned of the level of devastation impacting the residents and businesses in Rome, we immediately started asking, ‘How can we help?’ By donating to the fund created by the Community Foundation, we knew our donation would go directly to the most important needs in the Rome community,” said Lydia Berez, Utica National Insurance Group Vice President – Compliance Officer, Internal Audit and Regulatory Affairs.
Rome residents impacted by the tornado were invited to apply for relief funding through an application process jointly conducted by the Community Foundation, Oneida County and City of Rome. More than $1.8 million in aid was approved, with over 500 residents receiving emergency assistance to help with expenses related to insurance deductibles, home repairs, tree removal and relocation.
“In the wake of unimaginable devastation, the people of Rome showed us what true resilience looks like,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. “Oneida County was proud to stand alongside the City of Rome and the Community Foundation to deliver real help, quickly and directly, to those impacted. This was more than a disaster response—it was a demonstration of unity, strength, and our unwavering commitment to rebuilding stronger than before.”
“The strength of Rome lies not just in its people, but in the partnerships that support them. In the aftermath of the tornado, the collaboration between the City of Rome, Oneida County, and the Community Foundation was nothing short of remarkable. Through the Rome, NY Emergency Response Fund, we mobilized quickly to meet urgent needs and begin the hard work of rebuilding. This united response is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together with purpose, compassion, and commitment to our community’s resilience.”
Using the process that was put to work for the Rome storms, the Community Foundation and Oneida County pulled together yet again in June 2025 to support the Town of Kirkland, Clark Mills, and surrounding areas that were heavily impacted by another powerful tornado.
The devastation left behind after events of this nature are heartbreaking, but the partnerships and collaboration formed to support the community are remarkable. It is a reflection of the power of people—donors, neighbors, and partners—who answer the call in a community’s time of need.
JEFFREY M. LANIGAN | Mayor of Rome
INNOVATIVE Partnerships & Investments
BLACQUE ACRES | $230,000
Support from the M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund and the Community Foundation for the creation of an urban container farm in Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood that will provide residents with affordable, healthy vegetables year-round.
CAMDEN
LIFE CENTER | $10,000
A grant from the Mele Family Fund to create the Camden Youth Advisory Council to enhance the well-being of rural youth.
DODGE
PRATT NORTHAM ART & COMMUNITY CENTER | $2,000
A grant from the Adirondack League Club Community Fund to rebuild a greenhouse and purchase theatre equipment to enhance community programming.
DOLGEVILLE
MANHEIM PUBLIC LIBRARY | $4,800
Funding for multiple tai chi workshops aimed at improving senior’s overall fitness and balance.
HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE | $15,000
Support from the M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund for a childhood grief program that provides youth a safe space to process their emotions and develop coping skills after the loss of a loved one.
OLD
FORGE VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORP. | $10,000
A grant from the Linda and Sarah Cohen Fund to support the purchase of a new ambulance.
ROME
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | $3,075
Support from multiple Community Foundation funds for the SFM Skatepark, a destination-class skatepark for all ages and skill levels in Rome being built in memory of Stone F. Mercurio.
SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACEUTICA, NY CHAPTER
| $7,100
Support from multiple Community Foundation funds for the Build A Bed Program, which constructs beds for children in need.
THE CREATIVE OUTPOST | $18,480
Funding for Project Launch, an internship and up-skilling program to prepare high school students for careers in media, film and content creation industries.
WCNY | $10,000
Support to help launch Pulso Central, Central New York’s first Spanish-language radio station.
CHAPTERS OF discovery AT Erwin Library & Institute
The Summer Reading Adventure for Kids was designed to encourage students to read and improve their literacy skills during summer break from school. Due to the library’s rural location, there are limited opportunities for children to engage in meaningful, quality programs during the summer months. The library has made it a priority to combat that and provide services for not just the children, but for the entire family.
“We strongly value families in our community,” said Jessica Ford, program director at Erwin Library and Institute. “I think strong families produce strong communities.”
LLocated in Boonville, the Erwin Library and Institute seeks to meet the educational, cultural, recreational, and informational needs of Northern Oneida and Southern Lewis County residents.
As a public library, they provide an abundance of resources to patrons while promoting literacy, engaging the community through different events and creating a safe space to connect people to information, ideas, and each other. The library offers many services, including free book loans, internet access, computer use, printing services, and children’s programs. The library is also a popular location for homeschooling groups to collaborate.
The Community Foundation understands the important role libraries play in the community—which is why it has granted over $62,400 to the Erwin Library and Institute to support its mission. A portion of those funds directly supported the library’s 2024 Summer Reading Adventure for Kids.
Founded in 1885 by Cornelius B. Erwin, the library was built per his request on his $1.1M estate after his passing. Erwin split his estate among several institutions, including the Village of Boonville, to create a public library for the community. The building that still exists today as the Erwin Library and Institute was built in 1890 of rock-faced local limestone with a square tower at the entrance. The library joined the Mid-York Library System in 1959 and was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
To learn more about the Erwin Library and Institute, visit ErwinLibrary.org
WHAT IS THE CORNHILL REVITALIZATION PROJECT?
A collaborative endeavor with multi-faceted initiatives led by Community Foundation, which includes partnerships with People First, Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation (MUNPC), Collective Impact Network, Oneida County, and City of Utica.
This project’s goal is to address the city’s affordable housing needs while providing residents with access to vital resources, including nonprofit partner programs and services, community meeting spaces, a business incubator, a dedicated art and media studio, a gym and wellness facility, and a neighborhood grocery store. While the project is designed to directly support Cornhill residents, it will also strengthen the capacity of local nonprofits and deliver lasting benefits to the broader community.
This project aims to create two Impact Centers, 100 new apartments, and 30,000 square feet of commercial and community space. Impact Centers seek to bring essential services to communities in need. Their mission aligns with their name—making a meaningful impact where it matters most.
The Impact Centers will be centrally located in the Cornhill Neighborhood at: 1115 West Street and 313 James Street.
PROJECT MILESTONES
MAY
2024
Demolition of the Leisure Time Activity Center in preparation for the future West Street Impact Center.
MARCH
2024
Tyler Hutchinson hired as Business Process Manager/ Cornhill Revitalization Project Manager.
AUGUST
2024
Oneida County, City of Utica, and Community Foundation partner on Cornhill Corridor Study.
JULY
2024
$3.5M awarded to the THRIVE Cornhill Initiative by the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC).
JULY
2024
Sarah Tower hired as Community Project Marketing Coordinator.
JUNE
2025
Grand opening and ribbon-cutting event held at the Cornhill Empowerment Center.
OCTOBER
2024
Community Dinner held at Mohawk Valley Community College to announce project updates and gather community feedback.
Cornhill Revitalization Project website and social media pages launched.
INSTAGRAM
@revitalizecornhill
FACEBOOK
@Cornhill Revitalization Project
WEBSITE revitalizecornhill.com
JANUARY
2025
People First awarded $3M through the Pro-Housing Communities Program.
MARCH
2025
Cornhill Empowerment Center transitioned to new leadership under the Community Foundation.
To view the full project timeline, visit revitalizecornhill.com/history.
Community Voices
The Impact Centers will create renewed and enhanced neighborhood spaces, they will build those community connections, they will help this community grow and reach its full potential.”
VICTOR VOSS | Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation
If we give the people in our community the tools to thrive, their talents will shine, and their full potential will blow past all of our expectations. For too long, there has been insufficient investment and not enough opportunity. This project aims to reverse that and move into a future that supplies the very best for our children and neighbors. Entrepreneurs, children, musicians and families will all have more opportunity at their fingertips because of this project. There’s still a lot of work to do, but projects like these are the fruits of a lot of hard work done.”
EVON ERVIN | Oneida County Legislator
WEST STREET Impact Center
Utica gave me an opportunity. Utica Royalties is doing the same, giving opportunities for these kids. The West Street Impact Center is the kind of space where programs like ours will grow. It’s the kind of space that can help this community come together and flourish.”
MAHAWA PETERS | Founder and President | Utica Royalties
I understand what this project is trying to do. South Street was very vibrant when I was younger; they had restaurants, the five & dime, bakeries, groceries, there was a lot going on. What they are proposing is going to go back to that –making the community vibrant for all the people.”
Jessica Amber Hernandez is the Strategic Initiative Program Manager at the Community Foundation. In her role, Jessica leads the development, coordination, and implementation of the Cornhill Revitalization Project. She plays a key role in aligning residents, nonprofit partners, and new community resources to ensure the project evolves with the neighborhood’s needs. Her strategic approach brings together local organizations and community voices to strengthen Cornhill’s vibrancy and connectivity.
DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE AND WHAT PROJECTS AND WORK YOU ARE INVOLVED IN.
In my role, I work closely with both the community and my team. I serve as a liaison between the Cornhill neighborhood and the Community Foundation—making sure the voices of residents are heard and that our commitments are upheld. I also manage and implement new initiatives and programs in Cornhill, helping to ensure a smooth transition and that the evolving needs of the community are met. I’ve also been actively involved with the Rome, NY Emergency Response Fund, helping to address the many applications from individuals who experienced property damage during the Rome tornado in July of 2024.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR ROLE AT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION?
I enjoy having a role that involves a variety of tasks, and I love the balance of working externally with the community and collaborating internally with my team.
WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW?
I have 19-year-old twins.
MEET THE TEAM: Jessica Amber Hernandez
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU’VE ENCOUNTERED IN YOUR WORK, AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM?
The biggest challenge is the community’s lack of faith in the Community Foundation and the Cornhill Revitalization Project. I combat these doubts by holding steadfast in my faith that this will happen—because it needs to happen for the community of Cornhill. Our kids need places to go and things to do. Growing up in New York City, we had a Children’s Foundation designed specifically for kids, and it was life changing. My brother even met his wife there. The Children’s Foundation offered everything—speech classes, college prep courses, after-school programs, and field trips. The idea of having all those resources in one central location and seeing the positive impact it creates is something many people don’t fully understand. I wasn’t just a participant from the age of 11…I worked there, my kids went there, and my cousins went there. It was the only safe place we had. Without it, many of us would have ended up on the streets, caught up in drugs, gangs, or worse. There were no other options. That’s why I hold so tightly to my faith that these Impact Centers in Cornhill will happen. They must happen. And when they do, they will be life-changing for this community.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE?
I enjoy being outside, hiking, swimming, and bike riding. But I can just as easily curl up under a tree with a good book.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT THIS AREA?
The total diversity in Utica is like a mini-New York City. There are over 45 different languages spoken, hundreds of different nationalities, and the restaurants and food follow that.
:
Christopher & RoAnn M. Destito Family Fund
15 years of grantmaking
In every thriving community, there are individuals whose generosity and bold vision shape a brighter future. RoAnn Destito, a dedicated supporter and Board member of the Community Foundation, exemplifies this spirit. Through her philanthropic leadership and deep-rooted commitment to giving back, she has helped spark meaningful change and inspired others to do the same.
In 2010, RoAnn created the Christopher & RoAnn M. Destito Family Fund in memory of her husband, Christopher, who passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Christopher was an avid supporter of the Rome community that he
called home, and RoAnn wanted to make sure that the fund would continue his legacy by supporting the events and initiatives that he held dear.
“The focus of this fund has always been on the events and causes that my husband cared about,” RoAnn explained. “Christopher was one of the founders of the Honor America Days in Rome, so I have always made sure to support them each year in his memory. While the emphasis is on Rome organizations and activities, I don’t limit it strictly to that area. Our son is now deeply involved in giving back as well, so we support causes that I feel are very meaningful—and that Christopher would have found meaningful, too.”
In 1992, RoAnn was elected to represent the 116th New York State Assembly district. During her time in the Assembly, she worked to advance and strengthen the state’s procurement practices, opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, and support for military families. In 2011, she was unanimously confirmed by the New York State Senate as Commissioner of the Office of General Services, the first woman to serve in that position. In 2021, after 40 years of state service, she retired. Supporting her community remains an important part of her life and is something she cherishes deeply.
“My goal is always to make sure that a community is strong,” she said. “A community is strong when they have a good educational system, good health care and good housing. I’m very pleased to support these three pillars through my family fund when I can.”
Since its inception, the fund has awarded nearly $55,000 in grants—a figure RoAnn hopes will continue to grow in the years ahead. Inspired by the values her parents instilled in her, she’s now passing on that same spirit of philanthropy to her grandchildren, encouraging them to embrace the joy and responsibility of giving back.
“My parents were both public servants and involved in giving back to their community, and I think that’s why I chose a public service career myself,” she explained. “It pleases me to see that my son is just as dedicated to giving back as his father once was, and I see these same sentiments developing in his children. It’s an amazing thing to support your community, but it’s even better to see others doing the same. It’s very important to me that the people of this community know that I’m thankful for the support that they gave me in the past and that I continue to do everything I can to pay it forward.”
“My goal is always to make sure that a community is strong.”
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
$5.2M+ RAISED
325 PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS
Mohawk Valley Gives 2024, powered by the Community Foundation and UpMobility Foundation, was an incredible success, exceeding goals in all areas—nonprofit participation, community engagement, and dollars raised. Thanks to the generous support of over 8,200 donors from all over the world, $5.2 million was raised, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the nonprofit organizations that raised them. The event saw a significant increase in participants, with 325 nonprofit organizations throughout Herkimer, Oneida, and Otsego counties signing up, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and commitment to this cause. Every nonprofit received at least one donation during the campaign.
8,200+ DONORS
12,200+ DONATIONS
From an engaging half-day nonprofit training session at Mohawk Valley Community College—branded as “Mohawk Valley Gives University”—to surprise nonprofit visits from the Prize Patrol bus carrying big checks and balloons, every aspect of the event was thoughtfully organized and executed, creating a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.
Sponsorship plays a pivotal role in the success of any fundraising event, providing the financial foundation needed to elevate its reach and impact. We are especially grateful to our lead sponsors, Staffworks and M&T Bank, who have supported Mohawk Valley Gives from the very beginning in 2022.
In 2024, more than 20 local businesses stepped up as sponsors—not only offering generous financial support, but also becoming enthusiastic ambassadors for the cause. These sponsors went above and beyond, helping to spread the word in creative and meaningful ways.
Their partnership continues to drive the success of Mohawk Valley Gives, and we are proud to recognize and thank each of them for their dedication to our community.
With new ideas and a passionate community behind it, there’s no doubt that Mohawk Valley Gives 2025 will have a greater impact than ever before. The potential for even larger success is inspiring, and everyone involved is eager to come together for what promises to be an unforgettable experience!
Those interested in getting involved or supporting Mohawk Valley Gives can reach out to the planning team at hello@givemv.org or visit givemv.org
Community Impact Award
And the award goes to…
The Community Impact Award is presented by the Community Foundation to nonprofit organizations that serve Herkimer and/or Oneida counties to celebrate outstanding achievements in the charitable sector. The 2025 recipient is Human Technologies!
ABOUT HUMAN TECHNOLOGIES
Human Technologies (HT) is a self-sufficient, social enterprise organization founded in 1954 with a mission to create employment for people with differing abilities. HT is not your typical nonprofit organization, says Carl Reistrom, president/CEO. He describes it as a business with a mission.
“It’s special in that, we’re just different. We’re unique. We don’t have clients, we don’t have consumers…we have employees. Our mission is people focused and in order to continue to create these opportunities and support people, we run our organization like a business,” Reistrom shared.
To make their mission a reality, the organization obtains 100% of its revenue through developing, investing in, and managing numerous lines of business, including:
• Environmental Services
• Facilities Management Services
• 3PL/Supply Chain Management Services
• Uniform and Apparel Management Services
• Manufacturing and Packaging Operations
“Our board of directors made a very courageous decision back in the 2000s to become non-reliant on state or federal funding and truly become self-sufficient,” said Reistrom.
The organization is headquartered in Utica at the site of the former ECR International/Utica Boilers building on Dwyer Ave. Though much of their focus is local, they have operations across New York State, as well as in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and northern Virginia.
HT’s commitment to community was one of the driving factors behind the Community Impact Award recognition.
“Human Technologies is a great example of what is possible when you think outside of the box,” said Alicia Dicks, president/CEO of the Community Foundation. “The opportunities they are creating are keeping talent local, attracting investment locally, and are contributing to the revitalization of our region, something we always talk about. We’re honored to present them with the award this year.”
Reistrom says he hopes that the work they are doing at HT can influence other organizations to think a bit differently about how they generate revenue to support their missions.
“It starts with a vision of what’s possible—one bold enough to disrupt old models and re-imagine something better,” he said. “That vision must be backed by the alignment of your board and management team, setting clear direction and goals. From there, the question becomes: How do we achieve it? What do we do best? How do we leverage the resources we currently have? Do we partner with other entities? It’s all about identifying the best path forward and crafting an actionable strategy to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.”
Despite all of HT’s successes, they credit it all to the most vital part of the puzzle—their employees.
“At Human Technologies, we specialize in finding abilities in people and putting them in a position where they’re going to succeed,” said Nate Linck, manager of marketing and communications. “To see them succeed and gain that confidence in themselves is the cornerstone of what we do.”
Congratulations and keep up the good work, Human Technologies!
MAKING AN IMPACT through Scholarship Funds
Each year, the Community Foundation works to fulfill the wishes of many individuals and families who have established scholarship funds to benefit local students and help them continue their educational journey.
The Community Foundation oversees more than 80 active scholarship funds that have awarded more than $4.6 million in scholarships to thousands of students since the program’s inception. Award criteria for each scholarship are set by the donor, with some stipulating that student recipients focus on a particular academic program or attend a specific school. On the other hand, some donors choose to cast a wider net and provide awards to deserving students pursuing their studies at any college, university, or trade school. Fields of study range from accounting to aviation to veterinary sciences—and everything in between.
Creating a scholarship fund not only enriches the lives of students, but their families, their futures, and overall—our community. The Community Foundation is a trusted local resource for the oversight, compliance, and administration of charitable funds that award scholarships to individuals.
In loving memory of their beloved daughter, the Moylan family established the Alivia Paige Moylan Memorial Scholarship Fund in 2020 to honor her legacy and spirit.
Tragically taken too soon, Alivia touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, compassion, and determination. The scholarship supports Whitesboro High School students who plan to pursue an education in healthcare, including veterinary healthcare which Alivia dreamed of studying.
“The Community Foundation is a one-stop resource to educate fundholders on setting up, managing, and giving
back through various types of funds,” said Virginia Moylan, Alivia’s mother. “Our family has had a wonderful experience working with the team at the Community Foundation. They have really helped us to understand the process of how to make our fund last well into the future.”’
Fulfilling the process of awarding a scholarship from start to finish is no easy task, but the Community Foundation is skilled at coordinating and delivering all aspects each academic year.
“The process begins in January where we work to identify scholarship amounts and determine which schools to reach out to,” said Allison Campbell, Community Foundation fund administration coordinator. “Area high schools and colleges are contacted in February so they can begin to spread the word to students about available scholarship opportunities. Beginning in March and through the summer months, we are in constant contact with local schools and guidance counselors to identify candidates that meet the criteria for each award. We also collect necessary documentation from students and make sure that the awards are directed to their school of choice.”
Donors wishing to set up a scholarship fund will work with the Community Foundation team to determine a name and investment strategy of their choosing and will receive an immediate tax deduction for gifts they make to the fund. Donors can choose to endow their scholarship fund, which means it would exist in perpetuity, or establish an expendable scholarship fund, which allows awards to be made over a set duration of time.
For families, schools, or organizations currently selfmanaging an existing scholarship fund or program, the Community Foundation offers a seamless transition process for your scholarship awards.
For more details on scholarship funds, visit foundationhoc.org/createafund, or contact Nick Grimmer, chief development officer, ngrimmer@foundationhoc.org
TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHT: Bob Bojanek Our #1 fan!
Robert Bojanek (better known as Bob) wears many hats within the Community Foundation.
His affiliation with the Community Foundation began around 2014. At this time, Bob had sold his company and was looking to take a portion of the proceeds and place them into a foundation to do some good.
“In looking at the best approach, I was researching starting my own foundation and I quickly realized that didn’t make the most sense for me,” he said. “If we were to go this route, my wife and I wouldn’t really know who to donate to and what the biggest needs in this community were. It was then that we turned to the Community Foundation.”
Bob and his wife, Kathleen, opened a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation in 2015 called The ShoreLine Group Fund. The fund has since granted over $105,000 to more than 30 organizations. As a donor-advised fund, the couple has discretion over what organizations the fund makes grants to, and they look to the Community Foundation for its expertise in community needs.
“Through this fund, we wanted to do something impactful for the community,” he explained. “The fact that the Community Foundation handles all the administrative tasks
associated with having a fund is just the icing on the cake. The reports and statements we receive regarding the fund are easy to understand and I consider them a bonus as well. The real importance, though, lies in their understanding of this region and being able to help us make grants that will have a lasting impact.”
The ShoreLine Group Fund focuses its grantmaking on supporting education and combatting food insecurity, two causes that Bob is very passionate about.
Outside of his fund, Bob also serves as a member of the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and, in 2024, he became chair of the organization’s Investment Advisory Group (IAG).
“If I had to describe it, my time as a Trustee of the Community Foundation and as Chair of IAG has been refreshing,” he said. “This is an incredibly involved and active board that looks at problems and helps to find creative solutions that are in the best interest of the organization, its fundholders, and above all, our community.”
“The Community Foundation’s Board is truly an adjunct to the staff, and they work so collaboratively,” he continued. “It’s remarkable to see the camaraderie and sense of community that flows between the two. I like to say that the Community Foundation has forever changed me.”
Our Newest Funds
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS
Donor-advised funds are ideal for individuals, couples, or families who want to be actively involved in recommending grants to their favorite nonprofit organizations.
• Abraham Giving Fund
• Anthony “Chip” Lombardo Memorial Fund
• DiMeo Family Fund
• John H. Sheridan Memorial Fund
• Kessler Promotions, Inc. Charitable Fund
• Knop Family Fund
• NHK Charitable Fund
• Pulver Roofing Charitable Fund
• Qandah Family Fund
• Richard F. Callahan Family Fund
• Robert and Lynne Angelicola Family Fund
• The Gaetano Sisters’ Fund
• Teresa D. Huggins Memorial Fund
• Wilson Family Fund
MEMORIAL FUNDS
A memorial fund is a meaningful way to keep a loved one’s memory alive by supporting charities and causes that were important to them.
• Candella Family Fund
• Chief Russell Brooks Memorial Fund
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Scholarship funds allow donors to create a brighter future for students pursuing continuing education.
• American Dream STEM, Trades and Medical Sciences Scholarship Fund
• ECR International – Utica Division Scholarship Fund
• Fred C. Snyder Education Scholarship Fund
• Jack and Florence Sitrin Scholarship Fund
• Jean M. Hernon-Kallus ’82 Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Laura Brooks Harney / P.J. Harney Scholarship Fund
Old Forge, NY
NONPROFIT AGENCY FUNDS
Nonprofit agency funds provide local charitable organizations with investment and gift administration services that more fully leverage resources in order to help nonprofits achieve their mission.
• Ann P. Allen Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Bernice Benson Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Broadway Utica – UticaWorx Fund
• Central New York Health Home Network Fund
• Clinton Historical Society Fund
• Griffiss Institute Fund
• Herkimer County HealthNet Fund
• Midtown Utica Community Center Fund
• Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, Inc. Funds
• Mohawk Valley Latino Association Fund
• MUNPC Fund
• Olmsted City of Greater Utica Fund
• Project Fibonacci Fund
• Rome Health Foundation Fund
• Salerno Catholic Education Fund
• Samaritan Counseling Center of the Mohawk Valley Fund
• The Ride for Missing ChildrenMohawk Valley Fund
• Utica Royalties, Inc. Fund
• View Board Funds
• WCNY Mohawk Valley Sustainability Fund
DESIGNATED FUNDS
Designated funds allow donors to provide their favorite nonprofit organizations with annual support now and forever.
• Francis and Theresa Kelly and Family Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Joan and Eugene Sampson Endowment Fund
• Project Village Guatemala Fund
• Sheila Bamberger Fund for Sitrin Health Care Center
• SHINE Fund
DISCRETIONARY FUNDS
Discretionary funds are ideal for donors who recognize that the needs of our community are constantly evolving and want to ensure that future community needs can always be addressed through their generosity.
• Kate Baker Clarke - Richard J. Cardamone Memorial Fund
FIELD-OF-INTEREST FUNDS
Field-of-interest funds enable donors to support a particular area of interest, such as education or the environment, while entrusting the Community Foundation with the responsibility to select the most fitting recipient of this funding.
• Neighborhood Revitalization Fund
• Rome, NY Emergency Response Fund
• Clark Mills, Town of Kirkland and Affected Areas Storm Relief Fund
Invest in Your Community
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?
Contact Nick Grimmer, CFRE, Chief Development Officer, 315-525-6584, ngrimmer@foundationhoc.org.
Donor-Advised Scholarship Field-of-Interest
Bequests Future Fund Life Insurance GENERATE AN
Retirement Plans Charitable Gift Annuity Charitable Remainder Trust
A copy of our most recently filed financial report is available from the Charities Registry on the New York State Attorney General’s website (www.charitiesnys.com) or, upon request, by contacting the New York State Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, or The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502. You also may obtain information on charitable organizations from the New York State Office of the Attorney General at www.charitiesnys.com or 212.416.8401.
Charitable Checking
The Community Foundation is pleased to announce that it will soon offer a new way to give back! Charitable Checking Accounts offer a simple, flexible way to support the causes and nonprofits you care about. Geared toward individuals and families, these accounts are easy to open with no minimum balance required and no annual fees. In addition to valuable tax advantages, having a Charitable Checking Account also makes keeping track of gift receipts for tax time a breeze. Let us help you streamline your charitable giving and learn about new nonprofits and projects that align with your philanthropic interests. To learn more, visit foundationhoc.org/charitablechecking
Children at the Old Forge Library
Utica Children’s Museum Grand Opening
Mohawk Valley Gives University
West Side Senior Center Ribbon Cutting
Celebration of Philanthropy honoring Linda and Sarah Cohen
Pro-Housing Communities Check Presentation
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.
The organization was established in 1952 by community leaders who cared about the future, and their vision paved the way for the more than $150 million invested in Herkimer and Oneida counties over the past 70+ years. Through grantmaking, innovative partnerships, and collaborative multi-year investments, we are working to achieve significant impact in the region we serve and beyond.
