The Jefferson Leadership Institute Class of 2017 held its second “Race Against Poverty” event on June 9 in Watertown. A combination of area contributors and proceeds from the competition resulted in $23,000 raised to support the “Race Against Poverty Fund” at the Northern New York Community Foundation. The “Race Against Poverty Fund” was established to assist in the implementation of “Bridges Out of Poverty” and “Getting Ahead” initiatives in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. A number of “Bridges Out of Poverty” training sessions and “Getting Ahead” workshops have been conducted and completed to date to help area residents living in poverty.
The Northern New York Community Foundation makes grants to support the work of non-profit organizations and provides scholarships to individuals in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. The Foundation has been built and added to from gifts (both while living and through their legacy plans) by individuals and organizations committed to meeting the changing needs of Northern New York, as well as supporting specific charitable interests and passions.
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