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Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties takes over community center management

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has taken over the operation of the former Empowerment Center on James Street in Utica. Now called the Cornhill Empowerment Center, the facility will serve as a hub for community-driven services and more. (Photo credit: Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties)

UTICA, N.Y. — The former Empowerment Center at 230 James St. in Utica, previously managed by the HomeOwnershipCenter, will now operate as the Cornhill Empowerment Center under the leadership of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties.

That’s according to an announcement from the foundation and City of Utica.

The Empowerment Center has served as a community space for years, hosing meetings, small events, and workshops to foster engagement and growth. Under the Community Foundation’s guidance, the center will serve as a hub for community-driven services, innovation, and leadership.

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“We are grateful to have the city’s support as we begin an exciting new chapter for the Cornhill Empowerment Center,” Community Foundation Business Process Manager Tyler Hutchinson said. “This opportunity reflects our shared vision and commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant Cornhill neighborhood. The center is a beautiful space with tremendous potential to serve the community, and our goal is to maximize its impact. We aim to strengthen its role as a vibrant hub that celebrates Cornhill’s rich history as a place where all residents feel welcomed and can contribute, unlocking opportunities for individuals and community groups to thrive and shape the future of their community.”

The Cornhill Empowerment Center will serve as a model for future projects planned in the neighborhood. The Community Foundation, Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation (MUNCP), People First, The Collective Impact Network, and the City of Utica are steering an investment of more than $77 million toward the Cornhill Revitalization Project. This includes the planned impact centers on West Street and James Street, which will serve as anchors for the community transformation.

“Every neighborhood deserves the resources and spaces to thrive,” Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime said. “The Community Foundation is an outstanding partner to the city of Utica in this shared mission. We are incredibly grateful for their vision in reawakening the Cornhill Empowerment Center, which will serve as a vital resource for the neighborhood for generations to come. Connecting underutilized spaces to organizations that recognize the community needs and can provide guidance and resources to the people we serve is essential.”

The Cornhill Empowerment Center hosted its first event under new management on Feb. 25, when MUNPC presented a celebration of Black History Month and introduced its new executive director, Leslie Pasco, to the community.

 

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