(315) 598-3108 info@oswegoind.org

Oswego Industries and Arc of Oswego Employees Donate Nearly 340 Pounds of Food and Hygiene Items to Catholic Charities Food Pantry

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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

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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.

Oswego Industries Inc., and Arc of Oswego Holiday Food Drive

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FULTON- Oswego Industries, Inc. and Arc of Oswego County recently conducted a food and personal hygiene drive to support local seniors, with distribution coordinated by the Oswego County Office for the Aging and NY Connects.

Over a five-week period, employees of Oswego Industries, Inc., and Arc of Oswego County generously contributed over 540 pounds of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to NY Connects.

Pictured L to R: Amanda Gregory, Oswego Industries and Arc of Oswego County. Elizabeth Weimer, Oswego County Office of the Aging, and Lee Sullivan, Oswego Industries and Arc of Oswego County.

Oswego Industries, Inc. added 17 turkeys to the donation, which will be made into baskets and delivered by Oswego County Office for the Aging and NY Connects with help from Oswego Industries staff and individuals enrolled in our comm hab program to area seniors in need.  Adding the turkey brings the total weight donated to over 780 lbs. of food and personal hygiene that will be distributed in the coming weeks.

Elizabeth Weimer, a senior aging services specialist with Oswego County Office for the Aging and NY Connects, said “These items are going to be distributed to the lowest-income seniors in rural areas. There are approximately 150 seniors that will benefit from this donation.”

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About Oswego Industries, Inc.

Oswego Industries Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities by providing them with meaningful employment and opportunities for personal growth. Through a wide range of programs and services, Oswego Industries Inc. promotes independence, inclusion, and a sense of purpose for individuals with disabilities. For more information, please call (315) 598-3108 or visit us online www.oswegoindustriesinc.org.

About Arc of Oswego County

Arc of Oswego County is a private, not-for-profit organization which has been providing programs and services to individuals with disabilities since 1953. Services include community habilitation, respite services, and senior day habilitation programs. Its mission is to be a leader in the field of developmental disabilities, committed to meeting the needs of individual growth, productivity, and independence comprehensive support system for Oswego County residents with disabilities.  For more information, please call (315) 598-3108 or visit us online www.arcofoswegocounty.org.

About the Oswego County Office for the Aging

The Oswego County Office for the Aging (OFA) helps seniors through directly provided services such as case management, insurance counseling, information, referral & assistance and outreach. OFA also contracts with agencies to provide services such as senior nutrition service, transportation, legal services, health promotion, social adult day care, consumer directed in-home services, personal care aides and housekeeper chore aides. For more information about the Oswego County Office for the Aging  please visit https://www.oswegocounty.com/departments/human_services/office_for_the_aging

About NY Connects

NY Connects is your trusted place to go for free, unbiased information and assistance. We can help you link to long term services and supports,  such as home care, transportation and meals. Our goal is to help individuals remain in their homes as long as possible. For more information about NY Connects  please visit https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/

Oswego Industries’ Jason Krause and Lisa Guernsey Featured on Spectrum News.

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Oswego Industries’ Jason Krause and Lisa Guernsey were featured on Spectrum News last weekend. The footage was filmed during our open house on September 28th.