Organizations Receive Funding for Martin Luther King Day Projects

As a part of New York State’s Volunteer Generation initiative, the newly formed Regional Volunteer Center of the Southern Tier has made $2,500 in grants to local organizations participating in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

This diverse group of projects from across the region will allow volunteers of all ages to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by participating in a day of service to address the needs of our local communities.

“The MLK Day of Service shines a spotlight on service as a powerful force to bridge economic and social divides – today and throughout the year,” explains Patrick Rogers, Executive Director of the Institute for Human Services. “National Days of Service provide each of us with an opportunity to join neighbors and local leaders to tackle community challenges and strengthen the nation.”

The projects funded are:

• ST. PAUL'S ANGLICAN CHURCH (Pine City): To support their 1st Health Screening Day for the community.
• SOUTHERN TIER INDEPENDENCE CENTER (Binghamton): To support work by volunteers to prepare for STIC’s annual fundraiser. Volunteers will be prepping and painting walls for their annual Haunted House.
• THE ARC OF SCHUYLER(Watkins Glen): To sponsor a public showing of Lives Worth Living, a 60-minute historical documentary about the Disability Rights Movement in America at The Glen Theater.
• AMERICAN RED CROSS (Endicott): To allow AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps Members to spend the day reaching out to local businesses and organizations to distribute flyers and recruiting volunteers in Tioga and Tompkins County.
• RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP) (Binghamton): To partner with the Endicott Visitors Center to hold an Open House to recruit new volunteers and provide seasoned volunteers with some new opportunities.
• 171 CEDAR ARTS CENTER (Corning): To support their call for volunteers for their 27th annual “Make the Dream” celebration which encourages volunteers to participate and assist their School's Out Classes.
• ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM INC. (Elmira): To support “Together We Dine” a two-part community dinner that delivers 400-500 meals for disabled and elderly and a sit-down dinner for 300 or more at the Ernie Davis Community Center.
• FOODNET MEALS ON WHEELS (Ithaca): To support the Cornell Alumni Association of the Ithaca Area’s project to paint Foodnet’s Meals on Wheels offices.
• DAVIS COLLEGE (Johnson City): To support a student-initiated project that will operate a soup kitchen at Carroll Street Ministries. Funding will allow volunteers to hand out warm accessories (hats, gloves, scarves) to attendees.
• ENDICOTT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (Endicott): To support a performance of “DREAM” a collaboration honoring Dr. King between local performing arts organizations.

The Regional Volunteer Center of the Southern Tier is a new collaboration which promotes and enhances local volunteer efforts. Working with local nonprofits, the Center’s goal is to build the volunteer infrastructure in the region so that more people are able to make a difference. It is led by the Institute for Human Services, the United Way of Broome County, and United Way of Tompkins County. To learn more about the volunteer center or to search for opportunities dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211helpline.org/givehelp.

Funding for the MLK Day Mini-grants has been made possible by a grant through the New York State Office of National and Community Service

About the Institute for Human Services   
The Institute for Human Services is a non-profit management support organization founded in 1984. The Institute provides management support, information and referral, organizational development, research and technology services to planners, funders and providers serving the Southern Tier of New York State. Support for its 2-1-1 HELPLINE Give Help project is provided by the United Way of the Southern Tier. For more information, visit www.ihsnet.org.

About the United Way of Broome County
The mission of United Way of Broome County is support the development of Broome County as a community where the health and welfare needs of all people are met equitably and thoroughly regardless of race, religion, or economic status. Working through 30 local partner agencies, United Way supports about 75 programs in the areas of education, income, and health, which are the building blocks for a good life. For more information, visit www.unitedwaybroome.org.

About the United Way of Tompkins County
The United Way of Tompkins County’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities. Since 1921, UWTC has supported individuals and families in our communities. United Way is volunteer focused and results-driven, working year-round to address community conditions and create lasting solutions. For more information, visit www.uwtc.org/volunteer.