Oswego Industries and Arc of Oswego Employees Donate Nearly 340 Pounds of Food and Hygiene Items to Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Pictured: AlecsZandre Livingston, Oswego Industries, Inc. Employment Services Associate and Ken Dennison, Catholic Charities Building and Safety Manager
Oswego, NY — Employees of Oswego Industries, Inc. and Arc of Oswego County have demonstrated their commitment to the community by donating nearly 340 pounds of non-perishable food and hygiene items to the Catholic Charities Food Pantry. This contribution will directly benefit individuals and families in need throughout Oswego County, particularly during the holiday season.
The collection effort was a collaborative initiative among employees, who generously provided items such as canned goods, boxed meals, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste. This act of giving reflects the organizations’ shared mission of empowering individuals with disabilities while promoting a culture of service and compassion.
The Catholic Charities Food Pantry plays a vital role in supporting local families, offering critical resources to ensure access to food and essential items. Representatives from Catholic Charities expressed heartfelt gratitude for the donation, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the community during a time of increased need.
Oswego Industries, Inc. and Arc of Oswego County continue to champion initiatives that strengthen the community and foster inclusivity through acts of kindness and dedication to service.
About Oswego Industries, Inc. and The Arc of Oswego County:
Oswego Industries, Inc., a nonprofit organization established in 1968, provides services and support to individuals with disabilities, helping them lead fulfilling, independent lives. The Arc of Oswego County, a chapter of The Arc New York, offers advocacy and resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, they work to empower individuals while enhancing the broader community.
For more information about their programs and services, visit www.oswegoindustriesinc.org or www.arcofoswegocounty.org.
KeyBank Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to Oswego Industries, Inc. for Virtual Reality Career Exploration Program
Fulton, NY – Oswego Industries, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services to individuals with disabilities, is thrilled to announce it has received a generous $10,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation. This funding will support the organization’s innovative Virtual Reality (VR) Career Exploration program, part of its Employment Support Services, which helps individuals explore various career paths in a safe, immersive environment.
The VR Career Exploration program, powered by Transfr VR technology, allows participants to engage with job roles across multiple industries—from healthcare to manufacturing—through realistic, hands-on experiences. By simulating real-world tasks in a risk-free setting, participants can explore their interests, develop job-related skills, and build confidence in their career pursuits.
“Key is committed to the communities it serves and makes philanthropic investments in organizations and programs that advance social, racial, and environmental equity by investing in low-to-moderate income individuals and families. The Foundation’s mission is advanced through its three funding priorities – Neighbors, Education, Workforce – and through Community Service,” said Eric S. Brown, Vice President of KeyBank Foundation, in an email announcing the grant. “Your program reflects this mission, and we wish you well in your endeavor.”
“With the support of KeyBank Foundation, Oswego Industries is expanding its mission to empower individuals with disabilities by giving them the tools to explore a variety of careers in a meaningful, risk-free way,” said Su-Ann Howard, Employment Services Manager at Oswego Industries, Inc. “This cutting-edge VR technology enables us to deliver immersive career experiences that foster growth, build independence, and provide a path toward fulfilling and sustainable employment.”
The program has already made a significant impact, providing over 80 minutes of VR training to participants, many of whom rated their experiences highly as they discovered new job possibilities. This technology-driven program not only aligns with Oswego Industries’ goal to foster independence and productivity among individuals with disabilities but also supports workforce development throughout Central New York.
For more information about Oswego Industries, Inc. and its VR Career Exploration program, please visit www.oswegoindustriesinc.org or contact mkt@oswegoind.org
About Oswego Industries, Inc.
Since 1968, Oswego Industries, Inc. has been dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling lives of their own choosing. Through a range of vocational, educational, and recreational services, the organization helps people build skills, develop independence, and achieve their personal goals.
About KeyBank Foundation
KeyBank Foundation, a nonprofit charitable foundation funded by KeyCorp, supports organizations and programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures. Our funding priorities focus on neighbors, education and workforce. Through grants and sponsorships, we make dreams a reality.
