Community Action Seeks to Build Greater Awareness of Poverty

Throughout the year, Community Action Planning Council hosted special initiatives in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Community Action.  The anniversary celebration culminates with a series of events in October, designed to create greater awareness of poverty and the role of Community Action – and its many volunteers and partner organizations – in providing support to those who live in poverty.

October 20 and 21, Community Action is hosting a two-day workshop entitled Bridges Out of Poverty, sponsored in part by the United Way of Northern New York.  The training takes place at the Bruce M. Wright Memorial Conference Center, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM each day.  Acclaimed trainer, consultant and author Jodi Pfarr (Minneapolis, MN) will present Bridges Out of Poverty, a comprehensive workshop designed to help participants understand the dynamics that cause and maintain poverty and to identify strategies to more effectively address poverty.  The training is open to social service workers, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, educators, faith-based organizations, human services staff/volunteers and anyone seeking to gain a better understanding of generational poverty and how best to assist people in moving out of poverty.  The cost to attend is $25 per person and includes lunch both days and a workbook.

October 22, 9:00 – 11:00 AM, the agency is hosting Community Action Voices, a breakfast discussion at the Children’s Home of Jefferson County.  Participants will be asked to share their perceptions of poverty in the community.  There is no cost to attend.

The evening of October 22 marks the 50th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Gala at the Hilton Garden Inn, during which Community Action Planning Council will recognize individuals and organizations for their support of Community Action and programs for the low-income population.  Social hour begins at 5:00 PM, with dinner and the awards program to follow at 6:00 PM.  The slate of honorees is as follows:

  • Josephine Oddi, Carmen A. Bocciolatt Leadership Award
  • Evelyn Harris, Patricia A. Barber Community Spirit Award
  • Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, Public Service Award
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, Partnership Award
  • 7 News / Fox 28, Media Partner Award
  • Todd Moncalieri, Volunteer of the Year Award

Lisa Harris-Eglin (Menands, NY) is the keynote speaker.  A member of the NYS Bar and professor of business law, Lisa will share her personal connection to Community Action as a former Head Start student and longtime advocate for the low-income population.  The dinner is open to the public; cost to attend is $25 per person.

For more information about Community Action’s schedule of events, please contact Dawn Cole at dcole@capcjc.org or 315.782.4900 ext. 250.