Agencies We Fund

The Q Center at ACR Health is a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth, their families, and allies to gather, share and receive support.  The Q Center programming promotes equality, celebrates diversity, provides resources that cultivate pride and leadership skills, and strives to create a safe and inclusive community for all.  The Q Center program provides services in Central New York, Northern New York, and The Mohawk Valley.

For more information contact - Lisa Dunn Alford (315) 475-2430 or laford@acrhealth.org  

Camden AYSO Region 918:  The Camden American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO) is a local, non-profit organization.  Its mission is to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs to area youth ages 4 -19 which promote a fun, family environment based on AYSO’s philosophy that everyone plays on balanced teams with open registrations, positive coaching and good sportsmanship.  Mystic Fields in Camden hosts kids and families seven days out the week offering skills camps, weekday team practices, and weekend games.

For more information contact – Randy Waterman (315) 246-7116 x7015 or ayso3e918@gmail.com 

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Camp Nazareth: Camp Nazareth is a children’s overnight summer camp for youth ages 8-16 located in Oneida County. Camper’s experience daily activities while enjoying the best the Adirondacks has to offer.  The Camp Nazareth program serves hundreds of children each summer promoting a healthy and safe environment while creating a model for skill building, independence, and responsibility.

CYO Basketball: Catholic Charities Oneida/Madison County offers CYO Basketball for kids, a youth basketball league in the Mohawk Valley. This program provides youth the opportunity to play basketball in a league that promotes a positive culture that is safe and where there is respect between all involved including players, coaches, fans, officials, and CYO Staff.

For more information contact – Dave George (315) 724-2158 x7015 or dgeorge@ccharityom.com

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Compeer for Kids: This program offers recruitment and training of volunteers for mentoring friendships with youth (ages 5-18) receiving mental health treatment, have a parent/family member diagnosed with mental health services, and/or are receiving preventative services. 

Restorative Youth Development Program: This program provides individual, group, and family therapy for youth implicated as perpetrators of sexual abuse (or engaged in other types of sexual behavior problems) who are at risk for involvement or re-involvement with the juvenile justice system.

Sexual Abuse Treatment Program: Clinical staff provide Specialized Sexual Abuse Treatment to youth and family for those not eligible to participate through the Department of Social Services (DSS) or who cannot afford to pay for services.

For more information contact - Cassandra Sheets (315) 733-1709 or csheets@cflrinc.org

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4-H Outreach: 4-H is an opportunity for youth ages 5-19 to learn and develop life skills that may assist them in becoming responsible adults.  Projects are based on research and knowledge from Cornell University, and other land-grant universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This youth development programming utilizes the Intergenerational Master Gardener Program, 4-H Government Interns Program, and 4-H Conservation Education Days to provide young people with role models and meaningful participation in community awareness and problem-solving opportunities.

Harbor Horizons: A 4-H Outdoor Experience:  Harbor Horizons will host monthly programs over nine months for 150 urban youth, ages 8–15, in the cities of Utica and Rome. Activities include supervised fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, and lessons on conservation and responsible recreation. Primary sites are Bellamy Harbor and Harbor Point, with additional opportunities at the Utica Marsh, Utica Zoo, Erie Canalway, and Mohawk Trail. The program provides sports-based opportunities and supports positive youth development, leadership and community well-being through active outdoor engagement and environmental education.

For more information contact- Mary Beth McEwen (315) 736-3394 or mm822@cornell.edu

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Creative Community Youth in the Arts - CCYA:  This program will provide meaningful opportunities for area youth to participate in high quality musical theater, drama, art, and after school enrichment programs. The program offers daily after school enrichment, weekly homeschool art and music classes, winter and summer youth musical theater, summer youth art, and special youth programs and art classes throughout the year. Youth are encouraged to not only participate, but volunteer for all programs and activities at the Center. 

For more information contact - Loraine O’Donnell (315) 942-5133 or dpnart@frontier.com

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Project STAMP: Project STAMP is a restorative intervention process that responds to repeated, chronic school truancy. The Project improves school attendance and academic performance by building communication between the student, the student’s family, and the school through attendance mediation and conflict interviewing. Class participation and accessibility concerns can also be addressed during this process. This process results in a school attendance agreement, signed by all parties, and officially bound by a school official. The student’s voice in the process is the most critical element of the process.

For more information contact – Timothy Lyon (315) 724-1375 or tlyon@empcny.org

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Youth Wellness Access & Community Partnership Program:  Empower Wellness NY provides scholarships for athletics, immediate access to counseling and builds community partnerships to empower underserved youth ages 4–17 in Oneida County to thrive physically, mentally, and socially. By removing financial barriers, covering costs of sports participation and funding timely mental health support, we ensure youth can access life-changing opportunities. Through partnerships with schools, gyms and recreation programs, Empower Wellness fosters resilience, social connection, and personal growth in a safe, inclusive environment.     

For more information contact - Pablo Hurtado (716) 239-9311 or www.empower-wellnessny.org

Evelyn's House: Evelyn's House is our joint transitional and rapid rehousing program for homeless women, aged 16-24, who are pregnant and/or parenting. At Evelyn's House, we provide a safe, nurturing home with supportive services and community resources for these young women and their children during and after pregnancy, so they can become empowered during this transitional life moment.

Transitional Life Skills: TLS program provides independent living skill development to youth who are runaway, homeless, or at risk of homelessness with a focus on fostering independent living skills, continuing education, and/or finding employment.  Participants are encouraged to be full partners in assessing their own strengths and addressing areas where growth is needed.  Groups are held at Evelyn's House on a bi-weekly basis.  In addition, the program can provide emergency assistance and case management services to youth who are runaway, homeless, or at risk of homelessness who do not meet the criteria for Evelyn's House - this includes youth ages 16-24 who are served through our Project HOME and Street Outreach programs.

For more information contact – Adrianna Judd, Housing Program Manager at (315) 927-5864 or ajudd@ican.family

Youth Sports and Education: The Youth Sports and Education program combines sports and physical activity along with mental health stigma reduction and awareness for the youth of Oneida County.  This will be accomplished by working with two agencies currently in ICAN’s Independent Practice Association to conduct a mixture of groups, interactive awareness training, and sporting events across multiple sports.  These experiences will be unique and innovative and the target population of the underserved community will allow youth that would normally not have access to these experiences to enjoy and learn from each event offered.

For more information contact – Isabelle Alexander-Klaboe at (315) 731-5638 or iaklaboe@ican.family

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JPC Youth Center:  This program provides the young people of Cornhill with opportunities for enrichment, life skills development, and positive recreation - all in a safe, nurturing environment where they can bond with caring, adult role models.  JPC also works as part of a larger system to keep the young people of Cornhill and neighbors safe.

For more information contact- Rev. Maria Scates (315) 734-9608 or revscates@johnsonparkcenter.org

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MUCCamp:  MUCC Summer Camp at Camp Nazareth offers students the opportunity to experience the outdoors with activities such as hiking, canoeing, fishing, crafting, cooking, swimming, and arts and crafts. Students who spend a week away at summer camp develop new interests and friendships in addition to gaining confidence in their newfound skills. These experiences help them to develop endurance and personal strengths, qualities that serve them well in future endeavors. The camp is held at Camp Nazareth, NY in the Adirondacks.  MUCC transports our campers from the City of Utica to the campsite for the week-long sleepaway camp.

MUCC Sports Program: Through the MUCC Sports Program, youth improve their physical fitness and overall well-being. Through sports, youths can socialize, develop friendships, and establish a strong sense of belonging. MUCC offers a diverse range of sports programs, including volleyball, soccer, and basketball.  This program aims for area youth to develop essential life skills, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership with the addition of promoting healthy habits.

For more information contact – Kay Klo (315) 496-1791 or kay@midtownutica.org

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Runaway & Homeless Youth Program: The Runaway and Homeless Youth Program ensures the safety of youth, helps them to get off the streets, and to reunite youth with their families whenever possible. The program serves youth up to age 21 years and their families. Services are free and confidential. Staff will work with youth on a non-residential basis and if eligible for shelter services, youth can be placed while being assisted in the RHY Program

If youth need emergency help, with nowhere left to turn, youth can reach out to MVCAA’s 24/7 hotline for assistance immediately.  Call or text (315) 525-7275.   The youth must call to initiate services, as the program is voluntary.

For more information contact – Samantha Jones at (315) 624-2377 or sjones@mvcaa.com

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Outreach and Prevention: Outreach & Prevention (O & P) is a drop in social, recreational and educational activities drop-in program for youth up to age 18. This program also provides a teen night 1 night a week during the school year and based on need more frequently in the summer months. This program offers meaningful activities and lays the foundation for children to have a positive impact on the community by improving social skills and self-confidence, encouraging involvement with the community, developing trusting relationships with adults, teaching character building skills to minimize the impact of negative behaviors, and increasing parent participation in the lives of their children.

Project Aim: Project AIM provides adult - mentor led programming for youths between the ages of 13-18 in group sessions that facilitates personal growth with students. The program assists with developing real-life problem solving, forward thinking and life skills. AIM provides youth access to staff for homework assistance or will assist youth in linking them to free tutoring services in our community. We help youth explore ways of getting connected to their school environment through sports, clubs, ROTC and Young Scholars. Students leave the program with lifelong friendships, emotional intelligence and tools to manage adulthood.

For more information contact -Sandra Soroka (315) 272-2615 or sandys@neighborhoodctr.org

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Initial Response Team (IRT): The Oneida County Probation Department, Rome City School District and BOCES partner to reduce PINS petitions, based on evidence of early identification of problematic behaviors and family conferencing.  The program also offers Mentoring and Crisis Management.

For more information contact - Holly Bolton, Director (315) 798-5914 or hbolton@oneidacountyny.gov

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Green Corps:  The Oneida County Green Corps is a job training program that will provide a pathway into "green" careers for Oneida County Youth with barriers to employment.  The program will provide young adults with job training, support and hands-on work experience so they can independently pursue opportunities in the new "green" economy. 

For more information contact- Dave Mathis (315) 798-5908 or dmathis@oneidacountyny.gov 

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Patrick L Johnson Community Youth Center: The Patrick L Johnson Community Youth Center is sponsored by Rebuilding the Village, Inc. and is in Cornhill Utica. The center is open five days a week from 2:45 PM to 6:00 PM and on certain weekends for special events. The center is staffed by an executive director, a center coordinator, full-time youth counselor and one part-time youth counselor.  During the center hours youth engage in wholesome age-appropriate activities that keep them safe from gang recruitment and other street activities. They get at least one-half hour of indoor or outdoor physical activity daily. They also participate in discussions that improve and enhance their social skills. Parental participation is always welcome.

For more information contact - Freddie Hamilton (917) 623-8830 or fhamiltonma@gmail.com

LEAD (Leadership, Education, Achievement, Development): The LEAD program assists youth at the Utica City School District’s Proctor High School that are struggling academically, have behavioral issues or are becoming chronically truant.  The program offers an after-school program at Proctor High School in Utica to work with youth at risk of dropping out of school or being placed outside of school. The program will focus on the mental health needs of the students, reinforce social emotional skills, teach resiliency along with coping strategies as well as develop positive goals for their future.

SIT (Students in Transition): The SIT program works with Utica City School District students (and in some cases, their family) who are experiencing homelessness or are runaway and homeless who are living on the streets, couch surfing or are residing in shelters. Youth will be referred to the program via the UCSD and through the McKinney Vento program offered at the district. The program will work with the school district to assist students who are struggling in school because of being homeless. The program coordinator of the SIT program will mentor these students to help through mental health issues or trauma because of being homeless and will support their families who also may need community resources and/or referrals to assist with issues they may be experiencing because of homelessness. The following supports will be offered to students enrolled in the SIT program; coping, self-regulation, leadership, problem-solving, conflict resolution, art activities, homework help, and prevention activities to mitigate risky behaviors such as drugs and alcohol use.

For more information contact – Melanie Adams (315) 733-7768 x204 or madams@uticaschools.org

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School Break Day Camp:  School Break Day Camp is offered to children residing in Oneida County.  These Camps will provide weeklong recreational experiences at the Root Farm Facility in Sauquoit, NY that will include equine, agricultural and challenge course activities.  This program benefits participants by increasing their independence, self-confidence and ability to work well within a group setting.

For more information contact - Nina Wallace (315) 927-2094 or nina.wallace@upstatecp.org  

Youth Development Drop-In Center:  The Salvation Army Drop-in Center is offered to children in the Rome community and will afford them the opportunity to develop social skills, learn and cultivate life skills, and allow them to develop as individuals helping to grow their confidence and self-esteem. The program provides music instruction, structured and unstructured recreation, life skills, scouting programs, arts & crafts, and dinner and snacks.  The programs will have a primary emphasis upon at-risk youth ages 5-14 who will benefit from a positive, safe and nurturing environment.

Long Point Summer Camp (Rome):  For many kids, summer camp is the first time they will see the world outside of their neighborhood. Each year, we enable hundreds of children from low-income families to enjoy fresh air, exercise and build new friendships through our annual summer camp programs. This camping experience is more than just a week away from home. Here, children learn new skills and self-reliance. Trained counselors who understand their emotional needs and problems help them mature and grow. Camp activities include learning to swim, scouting, arts and crafts, music development and sports.

For more information contact – Captain Ted Tressler  (315) 336-4260 or ted.tressler@use.salvationarmy.org

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After School Program:  The Salvation Army’s After School Program supports low-income families by providing a safe and supportive environment for children between 6-17 years of age in the Greater Utica Area.  The Salvation Army Utica is a haven for children that may lack supervision when parents are at work and who need increased positive structure and supervision. The program environment offers opportunities for learning healthy decision-making, peer interaction, and other life skills development. Activities include dance and drama, physical activity/sports, crafts, games and music and arts.

Long Point Summer Camp (Utica):  For many kids, summer camp is the first time they will see the world outside of their neighborhood. Each year, we enable hundreds of children from low-income families to enjoy fresh air, exercise and new friendships through our annual summer camp programs. This camping experience is more than just a week away from home. Here, children learn new skills and self-reliance. Trained counselors who understand their emotional needs and problems help them mature and grow. Camp activities include learning to swim, scouting, arts and crafts, music development and sports.

For more information contact – Captain Kelly Ross (315) 434-1310 or Kelly.Ross@use.salvationarmy.org

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Youth Outreach Soccer Program: The Youth Outreach Soccer Program offers camps and clinics to area youth to enhance and increase soccer skill.  This program builds character and leadership through passion for soccer.  This next generation of soccer coaches will invest in youth, their families and communities through high level learning strategies and systems that inspire, educate and empower youth to become leaders and positive role models in their communities.

For more information contact – Anel Pajazetovic (315) 601-4454 or krajisnikfootballclub@gmail.com

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Safe Youth 315: Safe Youth 315 program offers a year-round after-school and weekend program for inner city youth of Utica, throughout our three main properties. Safe Youth 315 offer a full-service Gymnasium for facilitating sports programs such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, and other indoor athletics. Youth also have the option to participate in organized dance which promotes overall physical movement as well as a youth boxing program.  In addition to sports and dance, the program also offers a wide array of programs for youth that include drumming, health and wellness classes, acting, art, and creative writing.  Under our roofs youth can engage in, sports, physical activity, education, skills training and much more while being supervised by well-trained adults that will ensure a healthy and safe place for all.

For more information contact – Simon Davis 315-880-3472 or sdavis@ucdevelopment.org

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Utica Little League Program:  Utica Little League serves nearly 250 youth ages 4 to 16 for year-round services primarily in the baseball and softball athletic arenas.  Utica Little League has adopted a national softball program standard and has also instituted a Challenger Program which serves youth with mental and physical disabilities.  During the winter months Utica Little League utilizes indoor facilities to provide off-season skills and networking days for our kids. 

For more information contact - Utica Little League,  uticalittleleague@gmail.com 

Wilson’s Cops and Kids: Wilson's Cops & Kids is a nonprofit organization that offers a free boxing program to underprivileged & at-risk youth aged 8-18+ with a focus on providing a safe atmosphere for them to learn the fundamentals of boxing. Wilson's Cops & Kids is partnered with the Utica Center for Development and Utica Police Department with a focus of mentoring City youth. This program will offer youth participants the opportunity to interact with police officers and other positive role models in a positive setting while developing higher self-esteem, work ethic, self-control and discipline through the sport of boxing. Members can have the opportunity to compete in USA Boxing matches.

For more information contact – Christopher Evans (315) 404-6567 or wilsonscopsandkids@yahoo.com

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Intensive Summer Learning:  This programming is provided to Utica City School District students ages 12 – 20 who have been identified as facing obstacles to high school graduation. Programming encompasses academics, college prep, and experiential learning to keep students engaged and prepare them for the upcoming year. Youth in grades 7th – 12th attend three-week academic and character education summer programs and STEAM Scholars Program on the Utica University campus. Additionally, 12th graders, graduated seniors and recent alumni will be placed in paid internships throughout the community.

For more information contact – Jordan Peters  (315) 792-3237 or jopeters1@utica.edu 

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AMEND Together/The Council:  YMCA of the Mohawk Valley seeks to enhance youth development efforts through engagement and empowerment. AMEND Together is a primary prevention initiative that engages young men to be part of the solution to ending violence against women and girls; it challenges a culture that supports harm, cultivates healthy behaviors, and changes the future for youth in our community. The Council is a strengths-based group approach to promote boys’ safe and healthy development; it is working towards a future where boys and youth who identify with male development develop healthy and diverse masculine identities which allow them to grow as respectful leaders and connected allies in their communities.

For more information contact - Dianne Stancato (315) 732-2159 or dstancato@ywcamv.org   

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