Post-Standard editorial focuses on CNY Circles/Bridges Out of Poverty
A Post-Standard editorial featured a call for volunteers to become part of a "radically sensible strategy" to help people move out of poverty.
Read the March 24th editorial Crossing the Bridge

Register for our Bridges Out of Poverty Spring training sessions.
Download our flyer (PDF).

United Way Awards Community Initiative Grant to Contact for "Getting Ahead/Circles" Work
The Getting Ahead/Circles Initiative has received the go-ahead from United Way of Central New York. Contact has been awarded a $74,000 Community Initiative Fund grant to begin work on this next phase of the Bridges Out of Poverty effort launched in 2005. With this grant, individuals in poverty will learn skills for transitioning out of poverty and develop a circle of allies to help them implement their plans.
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Successful STEP Program Expands to 3rd and 6th Grades
Success with fourth and fifth graders has led to expansion of our STEP program to third and sixth grades this fall. Success Through Early Prevention (STEP), presented in partnership with the Syracuse City School District, is an alternative education program designed for students experiencing behavior problems that interfere with classroom instruction. Short-term participation and limited class size enable children and families to receive necessary supports during STEP and after transition back to the home school.
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Paving ‘R’ Way Moves to Lincoln Middle School
Paving ‘R’ Way has moved from Shea Middle School to Lincoln Middle School. Paving ‘R’ Way is a 21st Century Community Learning Center After-school Program sponsored by Contact Community Services.

The program will have a greater impact on more students at Lincoln, with a larger pool of eligible 7th and 8th graders. Paving ‘R’ Way provides academic/tutorial assistance, recreation, performing arts, health and mental health services, career exploration, and case management services.
Read more about our Paving ‘R’ Way program.