Community Foundation invests in Mohawk Valley projects in May

UTICA — The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc. invested more than half a million dollars in area projects in May, the organization said in a news release May 22.

The investments included $100,000 to Valley Health Services, Inc. to help pay for a pump station for what will be the only assisted-living facility in Herkimer County, the foundation said in the news release.

The American Red Cross of CNY will use $50,000 to provide emergency-preparedness training to residents living in areas where flooding is a concern.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties also invested more than $42,000 in startup funding for Utica Bike Rescue, a program that provides refurbished bicycles, bicycle-safety education, bicycle maintenance, and mechanical-skills training programs.

The organization focuses on children, students, refugees, and households with lower incomes, the foundation said.

In addition, the investments included $25,000 to replace the roof at Sculpture Space, Inc., a home in west Utica where artists-in-residence stay.

The investments also included $10,000 for Tri-City Lacrosse, Inc. and the Workforce Investment Board.

Tri-City Lacrosse will use its money for safety netting and fencing for new lacrosse fields in Stanwix Heights near Rome.

The Workforce Investment Board will use its $10,000 in a program that will help inform teachers about nanotechnology job requirements and opportunities.

The Community Foundation partners with various nonprofits in order to make “impactful” investments in areas of need, such as economic development, education, arts, culture, and health, according to the release.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com