Lender Center Hosts Community-Based Organizations for Networking, Partnership-Building
Representatives from some 80 regional community-based organizations gathered at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown March 27 for an expo event hosted by Syracuse University’s Lender Center for Social Justice. About 300 people attended.
The event was designed to facilitate dialogue and strengthen collaboration between individuals and organizations that serve Central New York, according to Lender Center Director Kendall Phillips. “The Lender Center is focused on increasing economic inclusion for all people and allowing them to create intergenerational wealth and stability. These organizations are on the front lines of providing support, resources and opportunities for all the communities in our region,” Phillips says.
Participants included organizations like Peace Inc., Syracuse Housing Authority, Vera House, Alzheimer’s Association of Central New York, Helio Health and InterFaith Works. Roundtable discussions, open forums and breakout sessions focused on the unique opportunities and challenges facing community-based organizations, including funding, burnout and effective advocacy. The event also featured tabling and networking opportunities.
The event was part of the Lender Center’s ongoing focus on the racial wealth gap, funded by a three-year, $2.7 million grant from MetLife Foundation.




