Access CNY

02/24/2026

As we conclude our Champions Series for Black History Month, we honor Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross, a pioneering pediatrician, psychiatrist, and lifelong advocate for people with mental health needs.

Dr. Harrison-Ross dedicated more than 35 years to strengthening mental health systems, mentoring future providers, and advancing equitable care, including early telehealth innovations that helped families stay connected and supported in rural areas of Upstate New York.

02/17/2026

Connection is at the heart of strong communities, and it starts with creating spaces where people feel they belong.

Our Children’s Love Lunch hosted by ABA, Crystal House, Community Hab, and Systems of Care programs was filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and opportunities for families to connect and express themselves. Moments like these are what remind us that what we do truly makes a difference in the everyday lives of the people of Central New York.

02/17/2026

Our Champions series continues by honoring Dr. Sylvia Walker, whose work reshaped the landscape of disability advocacy and education. Dr. Walker advanced research, policy, and opportunity for people with disabilities, with a powerful focus on equity for minority communities.

Her work inspires our mission at AccessCNY as we ensure our community is a place where every person is supported to live, learn, and succeed.

02/14/2026

From us here at AccessCNY, happy Valentine's Day! Without your unwavering support, we couldn't provide the services that make a positive difference in our home region every day. Whether you're spending today with friends, family, or your sweetheart, we hope you know how much we appreciate your support 💙

02/13/2026

We’re proud of the heart our team brings to their work 💙

THIS is what drives our work each day- heart-centered service. Meaningful relationships, individualized support, and a deep commitment to helping people live their best lives. Because when services are built around the person, the person thrives.

02/13/2026

PSA: Our Invest in Us Rally in partnership with Arc of Onondaga has NOT been cancelled. We look forward to showing up with all of you to advocate for strong and secure funding on Friday, February 27th as planned! Mark your calendars because we can’t wait! 💪💙

Join us as we come together as a community to support the people and professionals who make the inclusive services we offer possible.

On Friday, February 27 at 10:00 AM, AccessCNY and Arc of Onondaga are hosting an Invest in Us Rally to highlight the urgent need for increased pay for Direct Support Professionals. These professionals provide essential, life-changing support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Central New York. Without them, our mission would not be possible.

We’ll hear directly from individuals receiving services, family members, and DSPs about why sustained funding matters—for dignity, stability, and long-term success.

📍 DoubleTree by Hilton, 6301 NY-298, East Syracuse
📞 Learn more or get involved: 315-401-0917

02/12/2026

This year's SADA Charity Preview night was a success! We love seeing our participants, staff, and community members' smiling faces. It was a great evening!

02/12/2026

Looking for an affordable way to stretch your grocery budget this month?

AccessCNY is proud to offer FoodSense, a monthly food co-op that offers high-quality groceries at a low cost. And it’s open to everyone in our community! Our February Food Box is just $20.50 and includes a variety of nutritious meats, produce, and pantry staples. Together, we’re making healthy food more accessible in our community 💚

🗓 Order by Monday, February 16 📍 Pick up Thursday, February 26 (11:00–12:15 PM) at 1603 Court St. 🛒 Pay with Credit, Debit, EBT, or Cash

🔗 Learn more and place your order at foodsense.foodbankcny.org
(Be sure to select AccessCNY as your pickup location.)

02/11/2026

Yesterday in Albany, AccessCNY and Arc of Onondaga met with Central New York’s elected officials to advocate for the people and families we support.

Our CEO, Paul Joslyn (right), was joined by DSP Vince and AccessCNY participant Thaddeus, alongside Assembly member Al Stirpe and partners from Arc of Onondaga. Together, we reinforced a clear message: funding must keep pace with inflation to ensure stability, quality, and opportunity for the people and families we serve.

Advocacy matters. Voices are important. And we will continue showing up.

02/11/2026

We love when our friends at Sidney Federal Credit Union visit us! Fun fact- AccessCNY was the very first nonprofit EVER to partner with SFCU on creating the exclusive banking benefits that nonprofit employees across CNY now depend on to make life a little easier. Through our partnership with SFCU, our employees can rest assured their financial wellness is prioritized by their employer.

Thank you to SFCU for visiting and for recognizing the value of investing in nonprofit professionals. When we support the people who do this important work, the communities we serve succeed 💚

02/10/2026

AccessCNY is excited to announce our participation in the 2026 SADA Charity Preview, an inspiring community event that offers guests an exclusive look at the Syracuse Auto Expo while supporting our city’s nonprofit organizations. Like AccessCNY, these organizations provide vital services in the community. Events like this help strengthen awareness of the resources and opportunities available to people in our community, all while enjoying an evening out in the city!

📅 Wednesday, February 11
Learn more or purchase tickets here: https://www.accesscny.org/sada2025/

02/10/2026

This week’s is Willie Mae Goodman, who dedicated her life to advocating for inclusive education, dignity, and opportunity for children who were too often overlooked. Her leadership helped shape services that affirmed that every child deserves the chance to thrive.