Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse (ACTS) is the largest interfaith
grassroots organizing alliance in Onondaga County. ACTS has worked diligently for
many years to make the city of Syracuse and Central New York a better place to live.
Accomplishments
√ The ACTS Health Care Task Force serves as the convener of the SCHIP Coalition for uninsured children who are above the Medicaid level. This group of health care insurers, state and county government, Syracuse City School District/SAY YES, and other concerned groups have met regularly to find better ways to enroll children eligible for Child Health Plus. Their efforts to lower administrative barriers have resulted over 5,000 children becoming CHP insured, improving their access to primary medical care.
√ The Youth Task Force has succeeded in getting ACTS membership on the Say Yes Community Advisory Board. Its primary focus is to serve parents of children 0-4 years of age so that they will be equipped to be effectively engaged in their children’s educational development from birth by better preparing them to enter the public or private school system, and becoming their children’s advocates throughout the educational process.
√ The Economic Development/Jobs Task Force, along with the Syracuse Alliance for a New Economy, signed a Community Benefits Agreement with the Syracuse School District that allows high school students to shadow construction workers renovating city schools as part of the one billion dollar school renovation project. The task force has also taken on the critical issue of addressing transparency, accountability, and equity regarding federal stimulus funds spent in Syracuse and Central New York.
√ The Justice Task Force has successfully removed one of the barriers that people face when trying to obtain photo identification after being released from jail or prison, and is continuing to work to eliminate the sale of erroneous background checks that deny people employment, housing, and other opportunities.
√ The Food Access Team is working relentlessly to find ways of making healthy, fresh, affordable food accessible to those living on the south side of Syracuse. The team is currently working in coalition with Gateway and many other community groups to bring a grocery store into the South Salina Corridor. The group is also launching a “Clean-up or Clear-out” campaign to clean up the corner stores in the south side.
√ The Immigration Reform Team remains diligent in its efforts to preserve family structure by seeking a reasonable path to citizenship for hardworking immigrants.
