The Central New York Community Foundation’s short documentary, Voices Rising: Syracuse’s Fight Against Lead Poisoning, was featured yesterday in Reel Change: A TFN Virtual Film Series, presented by The Funders Network (TFN). The national series highlights documentaries that explore the challenges communities face and the local leaders driving meaningful, equitable change.

Produced by Black Cub Productions and funded by the Community Foundation, the film documents Syracuse’s first participatory budgeting project, held in support of the Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY initiative. The project empowered residents to determine how $150,000 in grant funding would be used to increase childhood lead testing and awareness.

The October 22 screening was followed by a moderated discussion featuring Darrell Buckingham, senior program officer at the Community Foundation; Eric Jackson, CEO and founder of Black Cub Productions; and moderator Qiana Williams, senior program officer at the Community Foundation and 2024 TFN PLACES alum. Together, they reflected on the film’s themes of civic engagement, environmental justice, and collective action.

“This film captures what happens when residents have both the tools and the trust to make decisions about their community’s future,” said Williams. “The participatory budgeting process gave neighbors ownership over solutions to one of Syracuse’s most pressing health issues.”

Jackson added that the partnership allowed his production team to “amplify voices that too often go unheard.” He said, “We wanted viewers to feel the strength and resolve of the people who are confronting lead poisoning not just as a statistic, but as a lived experience.”

Voices Rising: Syracuse’s Fight Against Lead Poisoning first premiered in 2024 at the Everson Museum of Art and continues to serve as a testament to resident-led problem solving. Its inclusion in the Reel Change series extends its reach to a national audience of funders and changemakers seeking to learn from Syracuse’s example.

“Central New York’s story is one of resilience and collaboration,” said Melanie Littlejohn, Community Foundation president & CEO. “To see our community’s work recognized on a national platform reaffirms that the most enduring change happens when we listen to and invest in local voices.”
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The documentary remains available for public viewing at cnycf.org/voicesrising.

The Central New York Community Foundation is launching a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 20–26, to raise awareness of childhood lead exposure and equip families with tools to protect their children’s health.

Created in partnership with the LeadSafeCNY Coalition and Black Cub Productions, the campaign features three high-quality animated PSAs designed to educate families on the dangers of lead, steps for testing homes, and resources for remediation. Local children were hired to voice-over the animated characters. The bi-lingual videos will be distributed in English and Spanish through a paid media strategy focused on high-risk Syracuse ZIP codes, with options to expand countywide. Residents will soon be able to view the PSAs at leadsafecny.org/lead-psa.html. A preview video can be viewed above.

“By meeting families where they are — in their neighborhoods, on their phones, and in the media they use every day — we are breaking down barriers to information and action,” said LaToya Jones, director of the LeadSafeCNY Coalition. “These PSAs give parents and caregivers clear, practical steps to safeguard their children, while connecting them to local resources ready to help.”

The new effort comes as childhood lead poisoning remains a pressing health and equity issue in Syracuse. According to the Onondaga County Health Department, 9.3% of Syracuse children tested in 2024 showed elevated blood lead levels over 5 mcg/dl—well above the CDC threshold of concern. In some neighborhoods, rates are significantly higher: in Census Tract 23, located north of Interstate 690, 18.3% of children tested had elevated lead levels; in the Brighton neighborhood’s Census Tract 54, the figure was over 13%. Black children are disproportionately impacted: in 2024, 197 Black children in Onondaga County were found to have elevated lead levels compared to 70 White children.

“Every child in Syracuse deserves to grow up in a safe and healthy home. Lead poisoning robs children of their potential, and its effects are felt most heavily in our Black and low-income neighborhoods.” Said Darrell Buckingham, senior program officer at the Community Foundation. “This campaign is about equipping families with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their children today, while we continue to work with our partners to eliminate lead hazards for good.”

LeadSafeCNY, an initiative of the Community Foundation, has made a multi-year commitment to decrease the region’s alarming childhood lead poisoning rates. Since its launch in 2018, the initiative has invested millions into lead-free housing construction, renovations, workforce training, public policy, and community engagement efforts. By concentrating resources in neighborhoods most affected, the initiative aims to make the greatest impact where children are most at risk.

The PSA campaign reflects this commitment, offering families straightforward, accessible messages:

• What to Know About Lead: Education on the dangers of lead exposure and its common sources.
• How to Check for Lead: Actionable steps for testing homes and preventing exposure.
• What’s Next? Resources and Remediation: Connecting families to tools, testing kits and local support.

The PSAs will run on Meta Ads (Facebook and Instagram), Google Paid Search and other digital platforms, driving families to immediate action and available resources.
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For more information and to view the PSAs, visit leadsafecny.org/lead-psa.html. All PSAs will be posted when the campaign launches.

The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that turns community dollars into community change. Established in 1927, it receives contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to address the region’s greatest needs. The foundation has invested more than $320 million in community projects that benefit Central New York. It also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives that foster a thriving and equitable region and address the most critical issues of our time.

​Since 2018, the Central New York Community Foundation has so far invested more than $2.9 million to help put an end to childhood lead poisoning in Syracuse. We recently released a map that showcases the investments made so far.

 The Central New York Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY initiative recently received a $400,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to support the LeadSafeCNY Coalition’s outreach and community engagement over the next two years. The coalition is a collaboration of stakeholders from the healthcare, housing, education, philanthropy and government sectors, as well as affected residents, who are working to decrease lead poisoning rates in Central New York.

Funding will be used to support the coalition’s director position, held by LaToya Jones through United Way of Central New York, as well as expenses related to resident engagement and advocacy efforts. In addition, grant funding will be used to support one Social Care Navigator who will provide education and resources to local residents at risk of childhood lead poisoning.
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“We are deeply grateful for the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation’s continued support of LeadSafeCNY,” said LaToya Jones, director of the LeadSafeCNY Coalition. “As someone who grew up in these communities, I understand firsthand the devastating impact lead poisoning can have on a child’s health and future. With this funding, we are able to expand our outreach, amplify our partnerships, provide essential resources, and continue working with families, healthcare providers, and community partners to create a safer, healthier environment for everyone. Together, we can reduce the harmful effects of lead exposure and ensure that our children have the opportunity to grow up healthy and succeed.”

Since the Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY grantmaking launched in 2018, nearly 1,800 windows and 165 doors have been replaced and more than 225 safe and affordable rental units have been either newly constructed or renovated. In addition, nearly 285 individuals have been trained on proper lead paint removal and thousands of people have been informed about the risks of lead poisoning.

The EPA reports that chipping lead paint is the leading source of lead poisoning in the United States. Due to friction points from frequent opening and closing, doors and windows are the primary sources of paint chips and dust particles that contain lead. Elevated blood lead levels in young children have been found to cause reduced brain function, impacting the skills needed for academic success, physical activity and social interaction. This can lead to a higher likelihood of ADHD diagnosis, absenteeism, criminal behavior, violence and suicide.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, which awards grants to meet the unmet healthcare needs of individuals, families and communities throughout New York State, chose to support LeadSafeCNY for its potential to significantly improve the health and safety of children in Syracuse. Over the past five years, the Cabrini Foundation has provided a total of $825,000 in support of LeadSafeCNY.

The LeadSafeCNY initiative funds a variety of approaches to address the region’s high childhood lead poisoning rates. According to the Onondaga County Health Department, 9.3 percent of Syracuse children tested in 2023 were shown to have elevated blood lead levels. The total amount invested in the community to date through LeadSafeCNY is $2.6 million.
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Those interested in learning more about LeadSafeCNY or viewing local lead data can visit   leadsafecny.org.

​The Central New York Community Foundation is premiering a short film produced by Black Cub Productions that documents the organization’s first participatory budgeting project, held in support of its LeadSafeCNY initiative. Residents are invited to attend the premiere event, set to be held at the Everson Museum of Art’s outdoor plaza on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. Voices Rising: Syracuse’s Fight Against Lead Poisoning is said to highlight “the transformative power of community engagement through participatory budgeting to address the injustice of childhood lead poisoning in Syracuse,” according to its website.
In 2022, the Community Foundation held its first participatory budgeting project, which is a community engagement tool that gives residents the power to decide how to allocate funding through a process of democratic deliberation and decision-making. Filming took place during the project’s nine months of convening, during which Syracuse residents, community leaders and nonprofit organizations designed solutions to increase childhood lead testing. A total of 165 resident delegates participated in the planning sessions. This culminated in a citywide one-day vote in May 2023 to determine which project would receive $150,000 in grant dollars from the Community Foundation.
“As the documentary crew, we wanted to showcase the process and power of participatory budgeting, while also allowing people who view this documentary to feel how impactful it was to be in that space, hear about the education and the history around lead poisoning, and understand the personal stories, said Eric Jackson, chief executive officer of Black Cub Productions. “Our goal was to respect that process and the space that cultivated such experiences for everyone involved.”
The documentary is set to premiere at an outdoor event on September 6, 2024 at 6:00pm at the Everson Museum of Art. Food trucks, music and information about lead poisoning will be available. The first 300 people to register online will receive a $10 food credit toward the purchase of food. The film will begin at dusk. Limited seating is available; guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Those unable to attend the event will have an opportunity to watch the documentary from the Community Foundation’s website after September 6.
“It is our responsibility as community members to protect and nurture our children, who will carry forth the legacy of Central New York for the benefit of future generations,” said Melanie Littlejohn, Community Foundation president & CEO. “That is why we are committed to eradicating lead poisoning in Central New York and why this documentary is so important – it captures the resilience and determination of Syracuse residents as they took collective action to stop this injustice.”
Those interested in more information about the documentary or LeadSafeCNY can visit cnycf.org/voicesrising.
The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that turns community dollars into community change. Established in 1927, it receives contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to address the region’s greatest needs. The foundation has invested nearly $300 million in community projects that benefit Central New York. It also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives that foster a thriving and equitable region and address the most critical issues of our time.

The Central New York Community Foundation announced today that it will be investing an additional $1 million toward childhood lead poisoning prevention through its   LeadSafeCNY  initiative.
Since the Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY grantmaking launched in 2018, nearly 1,750 windows and 165 doors have been replaced and more than 265 safe and affordable rental units have been either newly constructed or renovated. More than 280 individuals have been trained on proper lead paint removal and thousands of people have been informed about the risks of lead poisoning. In addition, 44 homebuyer loans for new, lead-free homes were guaranteed through a program-related investment with Home HeadQuarters.

The Community Foundation established its LeadSafeCNY initiative in 2018, committing to invest at least $2 million to fund a variety of approaches to address the region’s high childhood lead poisoning rates. The foundation surpassed that amount, having invested $2.6 million as of June 2024. The new $1 million commitment will be in addition to that.   View PDF of LeadSafeCNY impact stories and highlights.

“Lead poisoning is entirely preventable,” said Melanie Littlejohn, Community Foundation president & CEO. “The effects lead has on the mind and body undermines our efforts to increase literacy rates, encourage high school completion and mentor our young people into successful careers. Our dedication to eradicating this injustice must continue.”

According to the Onondaga County Health Department, 9 percent of Syracuse children tested in 2023 were shown to have elevated blood lead levels. This is signaling a downward trend, as 10.4 percent had elevated levels in 2018 when LeadSafeCNY was initially launched.

Over the past six years, Community Foundation funding has largely been focused on Syracuse city census tracts where lead poisoning rates are higher and residents report poor housing conditions. Census Tract 54, which is located in the Brighton neighborhood of Syracuse’s Southside, was one of the organization’s first target areas. In 2008, 26 percent of children living in that tract were testing with elevated lead levels in their blood. In 2023, that number dropped to 11 percent, indicating significant improvement.   View map of Community Foundation investments.

In addition to grant funding, the Community Foundation has led the charge in forming collaborations between entities and individuals working toward the same goal. The LeadSafeCNY Coalition, a collaboration of stakeholders from healthcare, housing, education, philanthropy and government sectors as well as affected residents, was formed in September, 2022. Recently, the coalition hired its first director – LaToya Jones. Subcommittees meet regularly to maintain dialogue and identify solutions on topics such as increasing community knowledge, testing and workforce development.

“The energy of passionate and knowledgeable community organizations, public officials and residents around the issue of lead poisoning is what is making a true difference in Syracuse,” said Darrell Buckingham, program officer at the Community Foundation. “We are optimistic that with the help of this collective effort, we can put an end to lead poisoning in Syracuse.”

The EPA reports that chipping lead paint is the leading source of lead poisoning in the United States. Due to friction points from frequent opening and closing, doors and windows are the primary sources of paint chips and dust particles that contain lead. Elevated blood lead levels in young children have been found to cause reduced brain function, impacting the skills needed for academic success, physical activity and social interaction. This can lead to a higher likelihood of ADHD diagnosis, absenteeism, criminal behavior, violence and suicide.

Those interested in learning more about LeadSafeCNY or viewing local lead data can visit   leadsafecny.org.

About LeadSafeCNY
LeadSafeCNY is an initiative of the Central New York Community Foundation, which has made a multi-year commitment to help decrease the region’s alarming childhood lead poisoning rates. Understanding that lead poisoning undercuts all community efforts to help children reach their fullest potential, LeadSafeCNY tackles this issue through multiple approaches including funding, impact investing and collaboration to support lead-free housing construction, existing home renovations, community outreach and training, workforce development, public policy and more.

The Central New York Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY initiative recently received a $150,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to put toward the cost of hiring a coordinator for the LeadSafeCNY Coalition. Over the past four years, the Cabrini Foundation has provided a total of $625,000 in support to LeadSafeCNY.

The coordinator will work closely with partner organizations to formulate and implement the coalition’s goals, objectives and strategies. The LeadSafeCNY Coalition is a collaboration of stakeholders from the healthcare, housing, education, philanthropy and government sectors, as well as affected residents, that is working to build on successful strategies implemented in other areas of the country, harness existing resources and make strategic investments to decrease lead poisoning rates in Central New York. The coordinator will be employed by Home HeadQuarters, a housing development organization that is doing extensive work to remove lead paint from Syracuse homes.

Since the Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY grantmaking launched in 2018, nearly 1,500 windows and 150 doors have been replaced and more than 195 safe and affordable rental units have been either newly constructed or renovated. In addition, nearly 280 individuals have been trained on proper lead paint removal and thousands of people have been informed about the risks of lead poisoning.

The EPA reports that chipping lead paint is the leading source of lead poisoning in the United States. Due to friction points from frequent opening and closing, doors and windows are the primary sources of paint chips and dust particles that contain lead. Elevated blood lead levels in young children have been found to cause reduced brain function, impacting the skills needed for academic success, physical activity and social interaction. This can lead to a higher likelihood of ADHD diagnosis, absenteeism, criminal behavior, violence and suicide.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, which awards grants to meet the unmet healthcare needs of individuals, families and communities throughout New York State, chose to support LeadSafeCNY for its potential to significantly improve the health and safety of children in Syracuse.

The Community Foundation established its LeadSafeCNY initiative in 2018, committing to invest at least $2 million to fund a variety of approaches to address the region’s high childhood lead poisoning rates. According to the Onondaga County Health Department, 11 percent of Syracuse children tested in 2022 were shown to have elevated blood lead levels. The total amount invested in the community to date through LeadSafeCNY is $2.3 million.

Those interested in learning more about LeadSafeCNY or viewing local lead data can visit leadsafecny.org.

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About Central New York Community Foundation
The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that turns community dollars into community change. Established in 1927, it receives contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to address the region’s greatest needs. The foundation has invested more than $270 million in community projects that benefit Central New York. It also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives that foster a thriving and equitable region and address the most critical issues of our time. For more information, visit https://www.cnycf.org/

About Mother Cabrini Health Foundation
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of targeted communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. The Foundation – which is named in memory of a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor – provides flexible support for new and innovative approaches that enhance health and wellness across New York State. For more information, visit https://www.cabrinihealth.org/
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About Home HeadQuarters
Home HeadQuarters is a non-profit neighborhood and housing development organization and certified Community Development Financial Institution that, since 1996, has helped more than 5,000 families become first-time homebuyers; provided nearly 13,000 homeowners with affordable home purchase and improvement loans and grants, and developed more than 1,300 formerly vacant and abandoned properties. The organization is the leading lender to families of color living in Syracuse, out lending all other financial institutions combined. The organization is a chartered member of NeighborWorks America, the country’s first designated Community Based Development Organization and is recognized nationally for its innovative loan products for homebuyers, homeowners, local minority contractors and “mom and pop” landlords who are unable to borrow from traditional lenders. Learn more at https://www.homehq.org/.

Lead Coalition Coordinator
The Lead Coalition Coordinator (“the Coordinator”) is responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of the LeadSafeCNY Coalition’s strategic goals and objectives. An employee of Home HeadQuarters, Inc. (HHQ), the Coordinator will work closely with the LeadSafeCNY Coalition and its partners and stakeholders, which include a diverse group comprised of community-based organizations, municipal and state governments, local philanthropic organizations, healthcare providers, affected community residents, lead remediation professionals and contractors, academia and others. The Coordinator will work to ensure that partners effectively coordinate and leverage their collective resources to ensure the Coalition is successful in reaching its goals to reduce childhood lead poisoning in Central New York.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Partnership Facilitation:

Serve as Coalition liaison and local point person for LeadSafeCNY efforts responsible for coordinating partners engaged in local lead efforts.

Identify, develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and new local partners.

Manage routine Coalition activities, including setting agendas; defining roles and responsibilities; scheduling and facilitating monthly Steering committee meetings as well as quarterly Coalition committees; and taking minutes at all Coalition meetings.

Conduct follow-up activities identified at Coalition meetings.

Assist in the facilitation of how Coalition funds are used.

Document and report to partner organizations on progress toward objectives and systems change.

Identify and implement a cross-partner data collection platform that will assist the Coalition in identifying metrics for reporting and new program development.

2. Project Management & Action Plan Implementation:

Coordinate stakeholders’ efforts to implement specific items in the Action Plan related to the Coalition’s strategic goals and objectives.

Research solutions to identified resource needs.

Assist in data compilation to inform strategies and new program development.

Report to Coalition members and funders on progress toward strategic goals.

Prepare reports and materials to share progress to the community at-large.

Coordinate efforts to update the Action Plan as necessary.

3. Resource Development:

Work closely with Coalition members and partners to develop a funding plan that leverages resources to support local implementation.

Develop and advocate for avenues and resources to sustain the LeadSafeCNY Coalition over time.

Take the lead in and/or support development of grant and funding proposals as needed.

4. Capacity Building & Technical Assistance:

Partner with local and State leaders to identify and create opportunities that support local efforts.

Assess and address priority capacity needs of Coalition committees.

Facilitate technical assistance from Coalition to local partner organizations on an as-needed basis.

Aid in identifying training and other support needs that the Training and Support Committee can address.

5. Resource Deployment:

Work with HHQ’s lending team to deploy home improvement grant and loan products that focus on remediating lead hazard in homes, with a specific focus on the Window and Door Replacement Program.

Identify ways to leverage existing resources to create financing that best meets the needs of households facing lead hazards in their homes.

Make client referrals to other local organizations to access healthy housing resources as needed.

Perform all other duties as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Degree in public policy, public health, business management or government

Familiarity with lead paint rules and regulations, home renovation/repair and local community knowledge

Proven project management and organizational skills with attention to detail

A demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate and achieve results across multiple partnerships and agendas

Cultural competency and strong interpersonal skills for interacting with colleagues, clients and program partners of all demographic and professional levels

A track record for open and effective internal and external communication; be able to effectively engage diverse audiences and stakeholders verbally and in writing

Experience in fundraising and grant writing

Possess strong presentation and public speaking skills

Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative spirit

Ability to work independently as well as part of a team made up of people from diverse backgrounds and in partnership with other organizations

Strong understanding and commitment to addressing environmental and economic inequities through solution-based approaches

High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Own or have access to vehicle for transportation and be willing to travel for trainings, meetings and conferences

Spanish speaking ability a plus

Strong understanding and commitment to addressing environmental and economic inequities through solution-based approaches

CLASSIFICATION

Salaried, Exempt

TO APPLY: 

Interested parties should submit a cover letter, describing their salary requirements and qualifications, with resume and 3 professional references to: [email protected]. No phone calls please.

Home HeadQuarters is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

BABY B.A.C.K. INC. will be launching a lead poisoning awareness campaign called
‘Get the Lead Out’ with support given by LeadSafeCNY, an initiative of the Central New York Community
Foundation.

This campaign is being developed to educate and provide awareness about the impact lead poisoning is
having on young kids in the city of Syracuse. The campaign features an educational quiz about lead
poisoning that students and people in the community can take. Entrants will be entered into a random
drawing - eight winners will win up to $1000! It will officially launch on Wednesday, September 13 and
will conclude on October 25.

Link to the campaign website for Get the Lead Out: https://gettheleadoutsyr.com/

Onondaga County announced this week that the Central New York Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY initiative would be receiving $500,000 to put toward the cost of replacing exterior doors and windows in rental units resided in by low-income individuals.
 
The renovations will be completed by nonprofit housing and community development organization Home HeadQuarters at no cost to property owners through a deferred loan. Property owners are required to retain ownership for a two-year compliance period, enforced through a lien placed on the property. Since LeadSafeCNY launched in 2018, more than 1,400 windows and 150 doors have been replaced and more than 190 safe and affordable rental units have been either newly constructed or renovated. Home HeadQuarters estimates that an additional 40 affordable rental units will have significant lead hazards removed thanks to this new funding.
 
The EPA reports that chipping lead paint is the leading source of lead poisoning in the United States. Due to friction points from frequent opening and closing, doors and windows are the primary sources of paint chips and dust particles that contain lead. Elevated blood lead levels in young children have been found to cause reduced brain function, impacting the skills needed for academic success, physical activity and social interaction. This can lead to a higher likelihood of ADHD diagnosis, absenteeism, criminal behavior, violence and suicide.
The Community Foundation established LeadSafeCNY in 2018, committing to invest $2 million to fund a variety of approaches to address the region’s high childhood lead poisoning rates. According to the Onondaga County Health Department, 10 percent of Syracuse children tested in 2021 were shown to have elevated blood lead levels. The total amount invested in the community to date through LeadSafeCNY is $2.3 million.
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Those interested in learning more about LeadSafeCNY or viewing local lead data can visit leadsafecny.org. Property owners interested in applying for the Windows & Doors program at Home HeadQuarters can visit www.homehq.org.