Founded in 1995 Southside Interfaith began as a food pantry operating out of South Presbyterian Church since then they’ve grown into a Community Development Corporation. Their slogan Empowering Syracuse Communities is exemplified by their mission statement , “to empower Southside residents of the City of Syracuse, NY , to organize, create, build up and support a vibrant, diverse, and high quality neighborhood in collaboration with community partners”. Every Tuesday morning the group gathers for coffee, refreshments and substantive discussion.
Audrey Haskell the CDC’s Vice president, explains their organization,” We have a mission statement, we have a board of directors, we’ve been in business since 1995. The main thing that supports us is Board President, Diane Turner she operates the Farm Fresh Mobile Market goes to locations as scheduled, these are all of the places we go” as she pulls out a monthly calendar, “There’s a schedule that details which locations and times the service is available.”
Most visible of their programs the Farm Fresh Mobile Market can be seen all over the city delivering fruit and vegetables. Directed by Diane Turner, supported by customers and sponsorship by; Wegman’s, Gifford Foundation, Onondaga County, Allyn Foundation and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Some of our neighborhood gardens are maintained through Southside Interfaith’ s partnership with Onondaga Earth Corps and the Gifford foundation, an example of one of these efforts is the Community Garden on the corner of Colvin and State Streets.
The hallmarks of Southside CDC are “Seven Habits of Our Community” focusing on;
1. Financial Responsibility
2. Nutrition and Wellness Awareness
3. Education Involvement
4. Communication Skills
5. Hygiene and Health
6. Parenting Partnerships
7. Emotional Support Systems
These supportive efforts are provided in partnership with local not-for-profits, the business community and collaborative alliances with various government departments.
When walking down Newell Street notice the newly cleaned McKinley Park, Southside Interfaith CDC partnering with Department of Parks recreation and Youth, planted new trees and are spearheading a drive to make the park playground apparatus handicapped accessible. The accessibility initiative will include special equipment designed to make the playground accessible to all regardless of ability. Haskell explains, “Our goal is to make it the most accessible park in the city for people with disabilities.”
Donna Reese, Outreach Specialist with Aurora of CNY emphasizes the need to be aware of sight issues as McKinley Park is re-imagined.” It’s instrumental to place railings with sight issues in mind. Colors can be used so people can follow paths. These issues are important to the vision impaired.
During a recent gathering at the W. Newell Street headquarters a cross section of residents and advocates met to discuss issues of the day. Every Tuesday there’s an opportunity for community residents to share, plan or just have coffee and chat. Participants included; Wil Wagner, Board of Directors member, Southside Interfaith CDC; Pat Parker, volunteer and member of McKinley Park Supporters; Audrey Haskell, Board of Directors Vice President, Southside Interfaith CDC; Harold Green, Veteran, visitor at Southside Interfaith CDC Coffee & Conversation Program; Donna Reese, member of McKinley Park Supporters and advisor from Aurora representing persons with disabilities; Bill Elliott, veteran, visitor at Southside Interfaith CDC Coffee & Conversation Program.
Ongoing projects include the creation of a “Senior Corner” to be named after Danny Russo a volunteer who maintained a local baseball diamond, something in memory of Danny.
As with any not-for-profit organization Southside Interfaith CDC is funded by donations and grants from various funding sources including aforementioned organizations and self-funding through “go fund me” on the internet. They also accept donations in an effort to maintain and enhance their mission, Empowering Syracuse Communities through grass-roots resident participation in having a direct impact on the quality of life in their neighborhood and city.