I am elated to announce that Rise Above Poverty was honored to receive the Gifford Foundation’s “What If” grant. This award will enhance our ability to equip and encourage students in our reading clinic to improve their literacy and achieve academic success with their reading proficiency. We are thankful to be awarded this grant and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to help young people develop a love of reading in our program.

We appreciate the support of our community partners who Help Us, Help Others who experience poverty and homelessness in the Syracuse City School District.

Thank you Gifford Foundation for supporting Rise Above Poverty with a gift to assist Families in Need during the holiday season. Your donation allows us to replenish our supplies to help students and their families.

We are grateful for the Gifford Foundation's willingness to not only work with us, but with other organizations that seek to uplift our communities and equip our neighbors.

Yesterday I was the recipient of a random act of kindness. While purchasing winter coats the woman next in line approached me and asked if she could pay for my purchase. She stated you must be buying all these women's coats for others and I would like to pay for them. So, of course, I accepted her offer. At which point, I told her about Rise Above Poverty and our mission to help others in our community. No name or information was given during our conversation, but I am so thankful for our encounter today and your act of compassion and generosity.

Thank you for your support!!