HSC Launches Searchable Meeting Space Directory for Tompkins County

HAVING DIFFICULTY FINDING A ROOM FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION'S MEETING OR EVENT?

HAVE A ROOM AVAILABLE THAT COULD BE OF USE TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHERS IN OUR COMMUNITY BUT YOU NEED TO GET THE WORD OUT?

We have the solution!

As part of our mission, the Human Services Coalition (HSC) works to identify information and service needs in the Tompkins County community. Over the years we have noticed a true need for meeting spaces where local organizations can get together to share ideas and consolidate efforts. To service this need HSC, in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension, created an online, searchable database of available meeting spaces in the Tompkins County area.

Go to www.hsctc.org/rooms to easily search for spaces to meet your needs or to add a room (room additions subject to approval).  Use of the database is free of charge.

You're just a few clicks away from finding the space you require or advertising your space to organizations in need.  Give it a try today!

This project was funded by a grant from the Park Foundation. 

Community Arts Partnership Selects New Executive Director

Community Arts Partnership Selects New Executive Director

July 9, 2013 (ITHACA, NY)— Starting in August, Ithaca’s arts community will have a new advocate. On July 5, the Community Arts Partnership (CAP), the arts council for Tompkins County, said goodbye to Brett Bossard, who is now the new Executive Director of Cinemapolis. On August 19th, John Spence will become the Executive Director of CAP. Spence comes to CAP after spending seven years as Executive Director at Better Housing for Tompkins County. 

For the past 16 years, Spence’s career has focused primarily on nonprofit management and fundraising.  Prior to his years at Better Housing, Spence served as Director of Development at Corning Community College where he lead the faculty and staff’s participation in the college’s first capital campaign.  He has also served as Executive Director of the Tompkins County SPCA and GIVE Tompkins, whose sole purpose was to raise awareness of, and participation in, local philanthropy. 

Between 1998 and 2002, Spence served on CAP’s Board of Directors where, at different times, he held the position of fundraising chair and board president.   

Jamie Ferris, current president of CAP’s board, believes Spence’s background in nonprofit agency management, development, and collaboration will be a great asset to the organization. “We are pleased and very excited about John’s coming on board at CAP. Tompkins County generally, and the arts community specifically, will benefit greatly from his networking and collaborative skills.  Building on the achievements of our past director, Brett Bossard, CAP is ready to expand and deepen its support of the artists, organizations, and artistic events that enrich our lives and community.”

The Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County was founded in 1990 in response to a desire to strengthen and develop the County's arts and cultural community. After an exhaustive, inclusive, community cultural assessment, CAP was launched as a not-for-profit agency that would serve the public by providing services to the arts and artists of Tompkins County. For more information on the Community Arts Partnership and its programs, visitwww.artspartner.org or call Program Director, Robin Schwartz at (607) 273-5072.

Executive Director Job Tomkins County

The Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County (ADCTC), a private non-profit 501(c)3 substance abuse outpatient counseling center, invites resumes for the position of Executive Director. Interested applicants should hold a graduate degree in Business Management, Healthcare Administration, or a related field, along with a history of successful not-for-profit leadership and organizational development.

This position reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for formulating and implementing organizational goals to further the philosophy and mission of ADCTC. The Executive Director will also spearhead the organization’s development, fundraising, and community outreach functions. Knowledge of the substance abuse field is a plus.

ADCTC is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We offer a competitive compensation package commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience, plus comprehensive benefits.

Please send resumes to: E.D. Search Committee, Alcohol & Drug Council of Tompkins County, 201 E. Green St., Fifth floor, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850.

Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Honors Members as Businesses of the Year

Alternatives Federal Credit Union, The Plantsmen Nursery, Ithaca College, and Finger Lakes ReUse have been named the recipients of the 2010 Business of the Year Awards given by the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce.

Alternatives Federal Credit Union was named as the winner of the David R. Strong Small Business of the Year and The Plantsmen Nursery was named the New Business of the Year.

Alternatives Federal Credit Union CEO Tristram Coffin was elated, saying, “We are thrilled and honored to be selected as the Chamber's Small Business of the Year. This recognition illustrates the power of business as a tool to make a positive difference in the lives of underserved people and communities.”

Dan Segal, owner of the Plantsmen Nursery, said, “We’re honored to receive the Chamber’s New Business Award because it validates our efforts to offer something unusual in the nursery/landscape field, and recognition from the Chamber adds depth to the growing credibility of our business. I also see it as a nod towards our genuine efforts to be a clean and green business while still managing to grow beyond a marginal enterprise. And as the award reflects on our civic involvement, we wouldn't be successful without the patronage and trust of our community, so we really enjoy supporting as many local projects as we can, as a way of showing our gratitude and giving back. It may sound corny but it's true!”

Ithaca College was named the Large Employer of the Year Award, and Finger Lakes ReUse was awarded the Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year from the Chamber of Commerce.

Ithaca College President Tom Rochon stated, “Being honored by the Chamber of Commerce as the Large Employer of the Year is an accolade that is truly shared by every single member of the Ithaca College community. Our faculty, staff, and students are constantly striving to find ways to support and contribute to the betterment of the larger community in which we all reside, and it is on their behalf that I accept this very meaningful recognition.”

As the recipient of the Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year, Diane Cohen, Executive Director of Finger Lakes ReUse, stated, “We're very pleased to receive this award from the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce; it is a great way to recognize our amazingly dedicated board of directors and hard-working staff of 13 employees; all of whom helped establish Finger Lakes ReUse as an organization with a clear and achievable mission: to enhance community, economy, and environment through reuse. We are grateful for the community support we’ve received since we opened the ReUse Center less than two years ago. We are happy to say that we have now re-purposed more than 100,000 unwanted items including furniture, housewares, building materials, computers, and electronics. We couldn’t have done any of this without key support from our volunteers, and all those who have supported our efforts from the start, particularly Tompkins County Solid Waste and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.”

“The dozens of very qualified nominees for these awards were both a challenge and a delight. The awards committee members devoted many hours to reading the excellent applications, but it was a very real pleasure to learn more about these well-run and mission-driven businesses and organizations”, said Tompkins Chamber President, Jean McPheeters.

The Chamber Awards will be given to the recipients at two luncheons. The first will be on Thursday October 14 at the Lakewatch Inn, where Alternatives Federal Credit Union and The Plantsmen Nursery will receive their awards. The second luncheon will be on Friday November 19 at the Holiday Inn Downtown. Please go to www.tompkinschamber.org to register.

Ithaca Human Services Coalition April Programs

"The Board and the Chief Executive: Strengthening the Governance Partnership" with Roger Sibley and Scott Heyman.No charge for this roundtable discussion. For chief executives of non-profit and governmental agencies and for the board members with whom they work most closely. This will be a roundtable discussion, not one of the Coalition's workshops. There will be no slides, no lecture, and no fee. Roger and Scott will lead an interactive discussion focused on only two topics: 1) The role of governance in creating a high-impact non-profit agency and 2) the better practices the chief executive and her/his board partners can employ to create good governance. Most of the session will be spent in mutual coaching about how to overcome obstacles that are preventing you and your board from reaching your goals.Thursday, April 22, 2010, from 9:00 - 11:00 am at Cornell Cooperative Extension Conference Room C, 615 Willow Ave, Ithaca. Register at registration@hsctc.org.


"Risk Management" with Craig McAllister, fee $25. A workshop for persons with any responsibility to organize risk management. Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 9:00 am - 11:30 am at the Child Development Council, 609 W Clinton St, Ithaca. Register at registration@hsctc.org.

"Counting Caring: Evaluating the 'Human' in Human Services" with Margo Hittleman, fee $45. A workshop for anyone with responsibility for program planning, evaluation or reporting. Tuesday, April 27, 2010 from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Child Development Council, 609 W Clinton St, Ithaca. Register at registration@hsctc.org.

"Finding Donors" with Burke Keegan, fee $25, a workshop for non-profit board and staff members who want to take their organization to a more sophisticated level of fundraising. Thursday, April 29, 2010 from 9:00 - 10:30 am at the Child Development council, 609 W Clinton St, Ithaca. Register at registration@hsctc.org.

Presenters: Roger and Scott have both served boards and agencies in the Ithaca area for longer than 30 years. Roger has been the Executive Director
of the Racker Centers, formerly Special Children’s Center, since 1979.
Scott served as the Director of Human Rights for five years, as Deputy County Administrator for two years, as County Administrator for 13 years, and as the CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes for 10 years.

Directions to the Child Development Council: 609 W Clinton St is the building immediately east (in the direction of downtown and Cornell) of the CVS Pharmacy. Ample free parking available in the large lot east of the building. The main entrance faces Clinton St and has a large banner that says "Child Development Council." Walk in the main door and the conference room is straight ahead.


Directions to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County: 615 Willow Ave. is located immediately adjacent to and faces NYS Route 13 just north of downtown Ithaca. From downtown Ithaca take Route 13 north to Willow Ave/Dey St and take a right turn; immediately take another right turn and Cooperative Extension is just ahead on your left – drive around the building and park in the lot behind the building, or park on the street; the entrance is in back facing the parking lot.


Registration: To register for any workshop, send your name and contact information to registration@hsctc.org. Be sure to specify the session you wish to attend. Send your check in the correct amount made out to "Human Services Coalition" to:
Human Services Coalition
100 W. Seneca St., Suite 300
Ithaca, NY 14850

Chief Financial Officer Job

Challenge has an opening for a CFO to help meet its mission to serve individuals with disabilities and employment barriers as they fulfill their vocational goals.

The CFO will be responsible for the overall financial management of Challenge. This includes, but is not limited to budgeting, reporting, treasury, and audits. The CFO will also participate in the recruitment, training, supervision and evaluation of the business office staff. Experience with Challenge’s funding agencies and social enterprise is highly desirable.

Qualified applicants who have a Bachelors degree in accounting, 4 years of financial management experience and 2 years of supervisory experience may send a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources
Challenge
950 Danby Road
Suite 179
Ithaca, NY 14850

Or email: melissac@aboutchallenge.org

Visit www.aboutchallenge.org to learn more about Challenge. A complete job description is available on the web site.

March 2nd Strategic Major Gifts Fundraising Workshop

For immediate release: February 24, 2010

Contact: Judith Pratt, judith@judithpratt.com, 607-273-2661

Strategic Major Gifts Fundraising with Chip Bryce

Tuesday, March 2, noon

Ramada Inn, 2310 Triphammer Road, Ithaca

$15 for AFP members; $18 for non-members.

Sign up by e-mailing Katie Foley, kfoley@fcsith.org. Pay at the door.

How large is a “major” gift?

While the size of a major gift varies from organization to organization, the strategies used to find and develop such donors can be used by non-profits of all shapes and sizes.

Chip Bryce, Director of the Office of Trusts, Estates & Gift Planning at Cornell University, will speak to the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP) at a luncheon on Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

Mr. Bryce has been working with major gifts officers at Cornell University since 1995. While he focuses on gift planning, he sees it as part of a larger strategy to help donors support organizations they love.

A native Ithacan and 1981 Cornell graduate, Chip held positions in real estate development and finance with the parent companies controlling the Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, and Harrah’s Casino brands. In 1994, he returned to Cornell to direct the university’s Real Estate Program. There, he spearheaded the campaign to raise a $4 million endowment to launch Cornell’s master’s degree in Real Estate. In 1997, he became director of the Cornell University Office of Trusts, Estates & Gift Planning.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents 30,000 members in 207 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. www.afpnet.com. The Finger Lakes Chapter of AFP serves professionals and communities in the Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York. The Chapter offers networking opportunities, educational sessions with experts from around the region, workshops with nationally-renowned speakers and an annual National Philanthropy Day celebration each November. www.afpfingerlakes.org


Katie Foley, Director of Development
FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICE OF ITHACA
Where to turn...
(607) 273-7494 * kfoley@fcsith.org
127 West State Street* Ithaca, NY 14850
On the web at http://www.fcsith.org

JOB OPPORTUNITY – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LOAVES AND FISHES OF TOMPKINS COUNTY

I will be retiring from my position as Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes this April. It has been an honor to work with others in this community where individuals care for and serve one another. I have been involved in different capacities at Loaves & Fishes since its beginning 26 plus years ago. It is time for new leadership. Please see the Job Listing below for more details.

Sincerely, Chris Pothier

JOB OPPORTUNITY – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LOAVES AND FISHES OF TOMPKINS COUNTY

Loaves and Fishes (L&F) of Tompkins County anticipates a vacancy in the position of Executive Director in April 2010. L&F is a Christian ministry which provides a place for free meals, hospitality, companionship, and advocacy for those in need, regardless of their faith, beliefs, or circumstances. L&F guests come from all areas of Tompkins County and include the working poor, the unemployed, the underemployed, individuals with disabilities, the homeless, people in crisis, families with inadequate public assistance and anyone in need of companionship. L&F serves an average of 125 guests per weekday. There are no forms to fill and no eligibility requirements; all are welcome.

L&F provides compassionate services including: free meals each weekday; advocacy during mealtimes which includes listening, referrals and practical support for basic needs (housing, medical, food, clothing, etc); and health information along with limited medical testing. L&F is seeking a creative leader with strong planning and organizational skills who can bring people, systems, and communities together on behalf of its guests. The Executive Director is the principal leader of the L&F Ministry of hospitality and advocacy and has overall responsibility for the general operations and activities of the organization carried out within the guidelines and policies set by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director works with local agencies to develop countywide plans for reducing hunger and food insecurity, participates in interagency coordination and activities with other groups which provide similar services, and acts as spokesperson for L&F with the media and governmental bodies.

Qualifications include: the ability and desire to work in cooperative effort with others toward achievement of the L&F Ministry goals; three years administrative experience in a non-profit organization; three years supervisory experience; experience in food service and in advocacy for the needy; grant writing and public relations experience; excellent organizational and communication skills; and a valid drivers license.

This is a full-time 40-hour/week position with a salary range of $48,000 to $52,000 and includes an excellent fringe benefits package. The full job description is on the home page, online at http://www.loaves.org. To apply submit a cover letter, resume, and names of three references to search@loaves.org by March 8, 2010.

Chris Pothier, Executive Director
(607)272-5457
http://www.loaves.org/

Upcoming Trainings: Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County

Beyond Special Events: Elements of a Successful Fundraising Plan with Burke Keegan. Fee $35. A workshop for development directors, board fundraising chairs, and agency chief executives. Wednesday, February 10, 2010 from 9:00 - 11:00 am at the Child Development Council, 609 W Clinton St, Ithaca. Register at registration@hsctc.org.

Recruiting and Fostering an Effective, Diverse Board of Direcators with Laura Branca, a workshop for members of non-profit boards of directors and for staff who work with the board on recruitment. Thursday, February 25, 2010 from 9:00 am to Noon at a fee and at a central location to be announced. Register at registration@hsctc.org.

Beyond Special Events: You would not travel to a foreign land without a map. You do not need to try to do Fundraising without a great Plan. This fast-paced workshop will explore how to set goals, how to determine what strategies are right for your organization, how to put it all in a calendar that works for you, and how to work with your Board and Volunteers to "plus them into" the Plan. Strategies and prospects are the heart of this important work. Knowing how to create an effective plan will also take you to the next level in your professional development.

Directions to the Child Development Council: 609 W Clinton St is in the building immediately east (in the direction of downtown and Cornell) of the CVS Pharmacy. There is ample free parking in the large lot east of the building. The main entrance faces Clinton St and has a large banner that says "Child Development Council." Walk in the main door and the conference room is straight ahead.

Registration: To register for any workshop, send your name and contact information to registration@hsctc.org. Be sure to specify the session you wish to attend. Send your check in the correct amount made out to "Human Services Coalition" to:
Human Services Coalition
100 W. Seneca St., Suite 300
Ithaca, NY 14850

Refunds or credits will be granted if your notification of cancellation reaches the Coalition offices at least two full business days prior to the start of the training session. Refunds or credits will be granted in the event of cancellation of a session. To find out whether bad weather has caused a session to be canceled, call Scott at 279-1453 the morning of the workshop.

Full and partial scholarships are available for non-profit board and staff members who cannot attend without one. To request a scholarship, call Scott Heyman at 607-273-8686, ext 238 or contact us at registration@hsctc.org.

The Coalition seeks to make all of its offerings available to the whole community. If you have any special needs, please contact Scott Heyman at 607-273-8686.

Questions: call (607) 273-8686 or email registration@hsctc.org

Highlights of the August 18, 2009 meeting of the Tompkins County legislature

Legislature Addresses 2009 Budget Challenges: The Legislature, by a vote of 13-1, authorized a series of internal account transfers and policy changes to bring the 2009 budget into balance, reconciling a projected $3.5 million budget shortfall. (Legislator Mike Sigler voted no; Legislator Kathy Luz Herrera was absent.) Policy changes include a flexible freeze on hiring and on equipment purchases greater than $2,000, as well as a temporary suspension of the County’s rollover policy which would allocate department personnel-related savings during 2009 to offset projected County deficits, rather than being retained by departments.

Legislator Sigler maintained that the action to implement a flexible freeze was not needed, since the Legislature had already acted earlier this year to authorize the County Administrator to review all department requests to fill open positions, and he noted that policy has already produced results. Administrator Joe Mareane, who along with Finance Director David Squires had recommended the adjustments, responded that the action formally puts the Legislature on record indicating that the County is at a very difficult time requiring vigilance on both hiring and equipment. All elements, he said, are part of a general belt-tightening effort that is essential this year.

The expected shortfall reflects deficits in sales tax receipts, state aid, social services programs, interest earnings, and the Assigned Counsel budget. Available resources come from nearly $1.8 million in federal stimulus funding and $800,000 in personnel-related savings, among other sources.

Contact: Jim Dennis, Chair, Budget, Capital and Finance Committee 387-4058; Legislator Mike Sigler, 339-7978;County Administrator Joe Mareane, 274-5551./

Surviving Tough Economic Times Program

Support programs and services available to help you survive these troubled times.
June 10, 2009 8:00-10:30a.m.
Presented by:
Tompkins JSEC

Are you interested in energy and cost savings for small and medium sized businesses? How can businesses take advantage of a variety of educational, technical, and financial assistance energy programs?

Are training funds one of the items recently cut from your budget, leaving you unable to upgrade the skills of your current workers or bring in new employees that lack fundamental skills your business requires?

Is your business contemplating layoffs as a method to deal with the harsh economic environment we find ourselves in these days?

Are your employees struggling to get by, not knowing what supports are available to them or whether or not they might even qualify for assistance?

Your Tompkins JSEC has assembled a program to address these issues!
Learn about cost saving energy initiatives from a representative of New York State Energy Research Development Authority

Become informed about the training funds that are currently available and about the On-The-Job (OJT) funds that you can use to subsidize your training needs.

Join us to learn about the NYSDOL’s Shared Work Program, also known as the “Layoff Alternative”.

Find out about the new website, myBenefits.ny.gov, which your employees can access to determine if they are likely to qualify for any of the many assistance programs currently available to New York State residents.

The course will be of interest to small business owners, human resource professionals, business leaders, consultants, managers, and supervisors.

Join us for this very informative and relevant program!!!
Location:
Country Club at Ithaca
189 Pleasant Grove Rd
Ithaca , NY

Agenda
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Registration & Breakfast
8:30 a.m. - 8:35 a.m. Opening Comments
8:35 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Dennis Mastro, NYSERDA
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Diane Bradac, Tompkins Workforce
9:15 a.m. - 9:50a.m. Wally Powers, Shared Work
9:50 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. Paula Guzzey, OTDA-NYS JOBS
10:20-a.m.-10:30a.m. Q &A

To Register:
Email usbcal@labor.state.ny.us or call Cathy Leonard 607 741-4518

Human Services Coalition Forum Announced

The Human Services Coalition Forum, on Wednesday, May 13th, at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, from 8:45 to 10:15AM., will focus on two special topics: *

"Cornell Civic Leaders Fellowship Program," with Amy Somchanhmavong, Cornell Public Service Center, and current fellows Jack Jensen, Community Building Works! Inc.;
Nancy Bereano, Share the Care Model on LGBT Aging; and Margo Hittleman, Natural Leaders' Initiative*

"Human Services Coalition (HSC) Workshop Series: Looking Ahead," with Scott Heyman, HSC Consultant

Presenters will share information and invite discussion with others about the topics.

Forum members will also have the opportunity to make brief announcements and share items of interest to the local human service community. The Human Services Coalition, acting in its role as the umbrella agency for local health and human service providers and planners, sponsors this monthly forum to provide the opportunity for an open exchange of ideas and information. A variety of topics and speakers are featured and all who are interested in human services and their efficient delivery are urged to attend.

Call 607-272-9331 or visit www.hsctc.org for more info.

Community Discussion: Local Implications of the National Economic Crisis

Is your agency or practice seeing fallout from the economic crisis? Are you, personally? Come join us next Monday evening for a community discussion on the Local Implications of the National Economic Crisis. TC Human Services Coalition's own Kathy Schlather is a featured panelist!

All local residents are invited to a panel discussion and forum, “Local Implications of the National Economic Crisis,” will be held on Monday, May 4, 7:00-9:00 pm at the Town of Ithaca Hall, 215 North Tioga St. Panelists are Karl Graham, Director of Community Relations and Development at Alternatives Federal Credit Union, Kathy Schlather, Executive Director of the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, and Michael Stamm, President of Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD). The forum will present information from a variety of viewpoints on how the national economic situation is impacting local businesses, nonprofits and individuals, and encourage open discussion and deliberation on possible local responses. The forum is sponsored by the Tompkins County Democratic Committee’s Issues Committee, and is free and open to all interested in attending.