Each November, SUNY Upstate Medical University employees and students are encouraged to nominate a local non-profit organization whose mission is in line with the mission of Upstate. In 2021, the “Your Cause” selected organization was The Rescue Mission’s Emergency Youth Shelter. The youth shelter is a joint effort between the Rescue Mission Alliance, ACR Health and McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center.
The new shelter, which is expected to open in 2022, will have 10 beds and serve runaway and homeless youth ages 12 to 17 in Syracuse and Onondaga County, NY. There will be a focus on serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Over the past year, Upstate students and employees have volunteered for paint days, gardening, and general work around the shelter to get it ready for opening day. In addition, Upstate students and employees generously donated to the shelter’s Wishlist for much needed items and supplies.
Upstate students and staff also delivered holiday meals as well as a online pantry drive to stock the shelter shelves. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Upstate students and staff have stepped up to lend their efforts to increasing University Hospital’s capacity to serve our communities. As 2021 comes to an end, SUNY Upstate Medical University has logged over 2,700 hours of service which translates into a cumulative economic impact of almost $75,000. We thank our Upstate employees and students for their tremendous efforts this year!
