Director of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation highlights role played by local nonprofits in Oswego County
By Stefan Yablonski
For Chena Tucker, the director of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in Oswego County, with its high poverty rates.
“Across the county, nonprofits work tirelessly to meet basic needs and support opportunity,” said Tucker. “Nonprofits are not just service providers. They are neighbors, educators, advocates and problem-solvers — the ones showing up, often quietly, to meet people where they are and fill gaps that would otherwise go unmet.”
For an example, Tucker cited Oswego County Opportunities which serves more than 15,000 residents annually through over 50 programs focused on housing, food security, transportation and workforce development.
Continuing, she said, “Catholic Charities of Oswego County supports nearly 3,000 people each year, providing emergency aid, housing support and family stabilization.
“The United Way of Greater Oswego County operates the Stuff-A-Bus campaign and community food drives that help stock pantries across the county. The Salvation Army of Oswego and the Human Concerns Center provide thousands of free meals and groceries each year to help families make ends meet. For families with young children, the Oswego County Diaper Bank distributes thousands of diapers annually — an essential resource that promotes infant health and helps parents maintain stability at work and at home.”
Collectively, these organizations are helping build a community where children are nourished, families find stability and fewer of our neighbors face hunger or hardship alone, she added.
Nonprofits also support seniors and veterans.
Oswego County’s older adults and veterans are well supported through nonprofit programs, she said. The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) engages more than 250 older adults who give their time to food pantries, mentoring and health programs. NY Connects, coordinated by the Oswego County Office for the Aging, helps seniors and caregivers navigate home care, transportation, and long-term support options.
Meanwhile, the Oswego County Veterans Service Agency ensures veterans and their families have access to benefits, housing, and mental health support — honoring their service through tangible care and connection.
The Broader Impact
With a population of about 118,000 residents, Oswego County’s nonprofit sector is not only a force for good — it’s a key part of our local economy, Tucker said.
In 2022, 125 nonprofit organizations employed 3,670 people, nearly 16% of the county’s workforce, with wages totaling more than $168 million. That same year, 594 organizations reported a combined income of $371.5 million (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & Upstate Giving, 2022).
Beyond providing essential services, nonprofits engage volunteers and community partners to respond to needs thoughtfully and strengthen collective support.
“When we talk about impact, it’s not just about numbers,” said Tucker. “It’s about people — the child who gets access to early learning, the senior who can stay independent a little longer, the veteran finding stability or the family that finds support during a crisis. That’s what defines our community’s strength.”
A Shared Responsibility
As the region navigates economic change, rising costs and shifting demographics, the well-being of Oswego County is closely tied to the capacity of its nonprofits. Every grant, volunteer and partnership helps sustain their impact, according to Tucker.
“Meaningful progress takes time and trust. Our responsibility — as funders, partners and neighbors — is to keep showing up: to listen, support and stand alongside the organizations doing the daily work that moves our community forward,” she said.
