Sycamore Collaborative

Many people celebrate Diwali – lighting small lamps or diyas, sharing gifts, coming together for a feast, engaging in good works, and sharing in community. The multiday celebration is an observance of the overcoming of light over darkness, the triumph of good over evil. Rituals include cleaning personal spaces and praying for the wellbeing and prosperity of families and of each other. Diwali is as much a family celebration as it is a community celebration. The Sycamore Collaborative joins in the celebration! We wish the many families in Schenectady and throughout the world that observe the feast a Diwali filled with endless joy, warmth, and light. And to all persons of good, may each of our lives shine brighter with every diya lit – that the actions of our life continue to bring light and resilience to Schenectady! #Diwali #schenectadyny #CommunityCelebration

The Day of Atonement marks one of the holiest days in Judaism. A time to gather to pray, to reflect, and to commit to righting wrongs and to acts of justice and love, these acts of worship, introspection, and commitment are done as a community. As Jews throughout Schenectady and the world gather tonight and tomorrow, we are all encouraged by remembering that our ability to create spaces for solidarity and justice is collective, never individual. To all who observe the holiday, G'mar chatima tova! To all people of goodness, may the divine inspire and accompany us in our efforts for community resilience, justice, and peace. . . . #YomKippur2024 #yomkippur #judaism #interfaith #dayofatonement

Rosh Hashanah is a time of celebration. It is also a time of opportunity. In the Jewish tradition, the welcoming of the New Year is a time to evaluate our collective and individual commitment to works of well-being, dignity, and peace. As a collaborative of faith communities that represent dozens of religions, traditions, denominations, and movements, one of the strengths of the Sycamore Collaborative is our ability to highlight the collective ethical and moral standards represented in our collaborative - a witness to the diversity of hopes and aspirations of Schenectady and the Greater Capital Region. To all who celebrate the New Year 5785, Shanah Tova! To the broader community, may we all take opportunities to commit to works of dignity, justice, peace, and solidarity. A Good Year to all! To learn more about what we do and how we support the community: ?? https://lnkd.in/ePpRP5fq . . . #RoshHashanah #ShanahTovah #Jewish #jewishtradition #interfaith #foodpantry

Today, the Northern Hemisphere will experience equal amounts of light and darkness. The autumnal season will usher in cooler days and nights, the last of the harvest, and shorter days and longer nights. Autumn is a time of preparation. Cultural and religious traditions throughout the Northern Hemisphere will encourage whole communities to gather and celebrate the gifts of the land and human work that allows us to get ready for the dark and cold winter days to come together. Autumn is a reminder that laboring in the community will ensure that all are provided even in the most difficult of times. A joyful celebration of the Autumnal Equinox to one and all! Let us celebrate the power of resilience that working in a community ensures... #AutumnEquinox #FallEquinox #firstdayoffall #endofsummer #lastdayofsummer

Read all about it! We are excited to have our Urban Farms program, Farmer Tatyanna, and our Executive Director Amaury Ta?ón-Santos featured on the front cover of the Times Union! Our Urban Farms and Food Pantry programs greatly impact the Schenectady community by providing fresh, healthy produce and groceries, educating the next generation about composting, and fostering a deeper connection with the land. Thank you for the support—together, we’re growing a healthier, more connected community! To read the full article: https://lnkd.in/erTR6ds8 Times Union Media Group #UrbanFarms #CommunityImpact #Schenectady #SustainableLiving #FreshProduce #TimesUnion #518eats #schenectadyrising

With the help of Yarold, our Compost Coordinator and Research Associate, we are able to share insights into the importance of food pantries! Read on to find out how food pantries make a positive impact on the community and the environment! . . . #foodpantries #reducewaste #foodlifecycle #foodpantry #foodinsecurity #endhunger #community #Schenectadyrising

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Schenectady and the Greater Capital Region. To that effect, there are some adjustments for today's programs of the Sycamore Collaborative: Summer Meals - https://lnkd.in/gkycwksE The Summer Meal sites will operate at the announced times and sites. TODAY it's Grab-and-Go! Children and youth participating in the program TODAY will be able to receive a meal and take it home. Parents are also encouraged to come and pick meals for the children and youth in their households. Urban Farms - https://lnkd.in/e-vXCbRk The Urban Farms will be open today until noon. Afternoon programs at the farms are canceled for the day. Everybody! Stay safe and cool! . . . #heatadvisory #518sunfun #freefood #freelunch

Interested in making an impact in your community this summer? Sign up to volunteer with our Summer Meals program today and join us in feeding the future of Schenectady! To sign up for volunteering, ?? https://lnkd.in/eqGRcpEQ ?? Contact [email protected] or call 518-374-2683 x103 for more information! #518sunfun #freelunch #freefoodforkids #summermeals #communitysupport #Schenectadysummermeals #schenectadyny

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were the inalienable rights that undergirded the Declaration of Independence of what was to become the United States of America. These rights, the declaration says, were granted by the Creator. All people being created equal continues to be one of the greatest challenges of the American democratic experiment. As many throughout the nation take a pause this holiday, let us remember the aspirations that inspired the pursuit of independence and recommit our efforts to ensure justice, freedom, and well-being are a reality for all. Happy Independence Day!

The First Day of Summer Meals in Schenectady was a SUCCESS! Today, 5 sites opened! Southgate Apartments from 11:15-12:30 pm – 105 Frank St, 12304 Schenectady Public Library from 11:30-12:45 pm – 99 Clinton St, 12305 Messiah Lutheran Church from 11:30-12:45 pm – 2850 Guilderland Ave, 12306 Jerry Burrell Park from 11:45-1:00 pm – 753 Hamilton St, 12309 Sycamore Collaborative Campus from 12:00-1:15 pm – 837 Albany St, 12307 Next week, 6 more sites will be opening! See the next photos for the overview of each of the sites with their locations and times. Reminder, you can text “FOOD” to 304-304 to find a site near you! It’s not too late to join our Summer Meals Volunteers team! It doesn’t have to be all summer! If you’re interested, contact Cali at [email protected] to coordinate. . . . #518sunfun #freelunch #freefoodforkids #summermeals #communitysupport #SchenectadyRising