One of the most rewarding parts of The Gifford Foundation’s work is getting to know the remarkable organizations that are strengthening our community every day. Through project grants, we have the opportunity to support innovative ideas, expand access to important services, and help local nonprofits build the capacity they need to create lasting impact.

This summer, we’re highlighting three organizations whose work touches very different corners of our community, from creating inclusive opportunities for Deaf youth, to training residents for family-sustaining careers, to ensuring that people of all abilities can experience the benefits of spending time in nature. Together, these projects reflect the creativity, dedication, and community spirit that make Central New York stronger. Click below to learn more about each of them.

Jubilee Homes of Syracuse is working to address a current shortage of skilled construction workers by providing training and pathways to in-demand careers in the construction industry.

For many children, summer programs offer opportunities to learn new skills, make friends, and explore the outdoors. But for Deaf youth and CODA children (Children of Deaf Adults), those opportunities are often limited by programs that are not designed with their communication needs, culture, or experiences in mind.

That’s why Deaf New American Advocacy (DNAA) created the Roots & Hands: Deaf Youth and CODA Summer Farming Program, an innovative initiative that combines outdoor learning, leadership development, and cultural connection.

Founded by Deaf refugee and community leader Monu Chhetri, DNAA was born from lived experience. After arriving in Syracuse and encountering isolation and barriers to services, Chhetri began bringing Deaf refugees together in her apartment to build community and share resources. Those early gatherings eventually grew into a nonprofit dedicated to creating a more accessible and equitable future for Deaf New Americans.

Through the Roots & Hands program, Deaf and CODA youth spend eight weeks learning sustainable farming practices at Asha Laaya Farm in Kirkville, a Deaf-led nonprofit farm. Participants gain hands-on experience growing food while also building leadership skills, strengthening communication abilities, and developing a deeper understanding of the environment.

The program offers something equally important: a space where young people can see their identities reflected and celebrated. By creating opportunities for Deaf youth and their families to learn and grow together, the program strengthens community connections and fosters a sense of belonging.

A recent Family Harvest Event brought together dozens of families to celebrate the season’s accomplishments, demonstrating how the program extends beyond individual participants to create stronger community bonds.

With support from The Gifford Foundation, DNAA has expanded its ability to serve young people, has acquired new equipment, and has improved transportation access for participants, helping to ensure that more Deaf and CODA youth can participate.

A walk in nature can improve physical health and reduce stress. Yet for many people living with disabilities, mobility challenges, or age-related limitations, access to these experiences is often limited.

The Oswego University Foundation, through SUNY Oswego’s Rice Creek Field Station, is working to change that.

The Rice Creek Field Station Accessible Trails Project was created to make one of the region’s most valuable outdoor education and recreation spaces more welcoming and accessible to all visitors.

Rice Creek Field Station serves as a hub for environmental education, scientific research, and community engagement. Its trails, gardens, and educational programs connect thousands of visitors with nature each year. However, like many outdoor spaces, much of the site’s trail system was difficult for some visitors to navigate.

With support from The Gifford Foundation, Rice Creek transformed an existing trail into a fully accessible nature experience that meets federal accessibility guidelines. The project also added a trail extension connecting visitors to the site’s popular Herb Garden, creating a 0.6-mile accessible loop.

New trailhead signs, benches, and educational displays help visitors navigate the site while learning about local ecology, public health, and environmental stewardship.

Accessible outdoor spaces like Rice Creek help ensure that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature. They also create opportunities for families to explore together, students to learn outdoors, and community members to develop a stronger connection to their local environment.

Central New York is experiencing significant growth and investment, with major construction and development projects creating new opportunities across the region. At the same time, employers face a critical shortage of skilled workers needed to help bring those projects to life.

Jubilee Homes of Syracuse is working to bridge that gap while creating pathways to economic opportunity for local residents.

For nearly four decades, Jubilee Homes has been a driving force in the revitalization of Syracuse’s Southwest side. From developing affordable housing and supporting workforce development programs to helping bring essential services and grocery access to underserved neighborhoods, the organization has consistently focused on strengthening communities and expanding opportunity.

Its latest effort, the Jubilee Homes Construction Career Training Center, is designed to help residents prepare for in-demand careers in the construction industry.

Located in a renovated building on West Onondaga Street, the training center provides participants with access to industry-recognized certifications, beginning with Heavy Equipment Operator training. Using a combination of advanced simulators, classroom instruction, and hands-on learning, students gain valuable skills and credentials in just 12 weeks.

The program is especially important because many traditional training pathways can be difficult to access due to time commitments, transportation barriers, or limited availability. Jubilee’s model offers a more flexible and supportive approach, helping participants move more quickly into careers that provide family-sustaining wages.

Beyond technical training, participants receive wraparound support services, including transportation assistance, job coaching, and employment placement support. These services help address barriers that can prevent individuals from successfully completing training and entering the workforce.

The results are already encouraging. Jubilee recently graduated 51 certified heavy equipment operators across two training cohorts, with many participants securing employment opportunities before completing the program.

Support from The Gifford Foundation helped equip the new training facility with essential furnishings and simulation equipment, creating a learning environment that will serve future trainees and help meet the workforce needs of a growing Central New York economy.