My prayers that all is well with each of you.  For those whom I have not met, I am Captain Carolyn Lewis, Retired, your President for the WNY Chapter.  To properly introduce myself:  I have 29 years of service as a Captain with the NYC Dept of Correction.  I retired in 2019 and have come home to Central New York, Wayne County.  I am also the Chair of the National Correction Reform Committee and a member of the Education & Training Committee. 

The Executive Board serving with me has a wealth of knowledge, experience and are active community leaders. Know that we are committed to hearing from our WNY NOBLE Brothers and Sisters as well as the community and local stakeholders on what is needed from and for our Chapter. Our goal is to make a difference within our internal and local communities. 

 

We are happy to report efforts being taken to re-establish our Chapter, build partnerships and support that further our mission: 

 

Operational : 

• We have established the Chapter website - WNYNOBLE.ORG.

• The Chapter dues have been reduced to $50.00. 

• Generic business cards are available to the membership.

• Membership kits have been created and the chapter purchased a new retractable banner.

• The Law & Your Community presentations will continue to be facilitated throughout our region. 

 

Community Events: 

• The Annual Back To School (BTS) Giveaway was a success. We were able to distribute a total of 700 backpacks filled with school supplies in Rochester and Red Creek, NY.

• We have expanded our events to Wayne County, Central NY.

 

Partnerships/Sponsorships: 

• The Executive Board recently had an initial meeting with Mayor Evans to discuss establishing a relationship where we may address our initiatives, issues and concerns.

• Excellus BlueCross BlueShield continues to be a sponsor. This year, they committed to donating a total of $5500 towards our community events.

• Walmart has donated $10,000 for our programs and events.  

• Kinecta Federal Credit Union partnered with us during our Back To School Giveaway and will be supporting the Holiday Food Kit and Toy Giveaway.

• The Pirate Toy Fund has partnered with us and committed to annually donate 550 items for the school supply giveaway and 150 toys for our Christmas Toy Drive. Additionally, for the 2021 BTS Giveaway, they donated over 550 items.

• Pencils & Paper, and Rochester Education Foundation donated school supplies for our Back To School event.

 

Growth and Program Promotion:

• We are working to begin a collegiate chapter with the area colleges and universities, build our membership and provide mentoring for potential recruits and those preparing for promotional exams.

• Our newest partner, The Mary Nelson Youth Center in Syracuse has committed to supporting events and programs. 

• The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has partnered with NOBLE to bring our message to our communities.

• We are partnering with the Kinecta Federal Credit Union to bring financial education/wealth building to our members and the community.

 

As you can see, we are collectively working towards reorganizing and rebuilding the WNY Chapter. Check our calendar for the next Chapter meeting, event or program. Your voice and presence make the difference in our efforts and our community, so please join us by becoming a member, reinstating your membership, or becoming a NOBLE partner.