Dunbar Center; has served generations of Syracuse residents from its humble beginnings as a “Settlement House” for new arrivals helping people with basic needs including social activities. Speak with anyone who’s been in Syracuse during Dunbar Center’s decades of service, they’ll recall good times and the recognition that most African-Americans received their introduction to Syracuse through their association with Dunbar. Dances, meetings it all happened at Dunbar Center.
However, during recent years the organization has fallen on hard times. After losing their revenue stream from several funding sources the organization was closed. Syracuse Community Health Center stepped in as their fiscal agent preventing total elimination of Dunbar Center, an institution located in the heart of the African-American (and newly minted immigrant) populations.
Dunbar Center has reorganized and reopened led by Interim Executive Director, Chandice Haste-Jackson, PhD. The organization has organized a series of events designed to increase the capacity of Dunbar Center to fulfill its mission under the banner, “The New Dunbar The Progressive Core of Our Community! If you are interested in becoming involved please contact the new Dunbar Center at following: thenewdunbar@gmail.com
Tonight’s meeting is to begin the process of rebuilding the center people are encouraged to come out and support the center. The following are current needs applicable to volunteers dedicated to moving the organization forward:
Current Volunteer Needs at the Dunbar Center:
October-December 2014
Volunteer Board Members:
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- Key resource positions
- Volunteers for social/skill building activities
*Includes arts, crafts, tutoring, mentoring, gardening, cooking & nutrition, dance, recreational activities and any special skill you wish to share!
- Volunteers for following positions:
- Receptionist
- Office Assistant
- Senior Services assistant
- Youth Services program assistant
- Activities assistant
- Janitor
- Maintenance worker
- IT Systems Coordinator
- Social Worker
- Project leader: “Adopt-A-Family”
- Adopt a specific family with specific tangible needs that have been identified by a case manager. This project is limited to three months for each family and is targeted to the families who come to Dunbar with no resources or supports in their lives.
*Examples of support include: undergarments, clothing, shoes, purse/wallet, personal hygiene items, diapers, formula, infant/children’s clothing, food items, Bibles, uplifting books & magazines, etc.
- Project leader: “Food Pantry”
- Help restock the community food pantry for use by individuals and families needing assistance.
*Includes: canned goods and non-perishable foods
- Seasonal Donations:
- Thanksgiving items
- Christmas items
- Cold weather clothing (hats, gloves, scarves, coats, etc.)