If the years 1952 through 1986 marked the period in which the Foundation took root, the three that followed became the season in which it blossomed. That was made possible by landmark bequests. At the close of 1987 the Foundation received approximately $1 million, representing a portion of the assets of the former Faxton Street Home. Thus, the Faxton Street Home Fund was created. Established in 1870 as a residence for homeless women, the facility had carried out its mission and met related needs for over a century. As new community services arose to meet those needs, however, it merged with several local nursing facilities in 1972. In keeping with the Home’s original purpose, the Foundation’s board resolved that income from the fund would be used for the care and assistance of sick, elderly, handicapped and similarly needy individuals.

Late 1987 also brought the passing of Rosamond G. Childs. Her will provided for a bequest which would establish a second fund in her name at the Foundation. So large was the fund, $5.6 million, that it instantly tripled the size of the Foundation and opened up an entirely new world of grantmaking possibilities.

In 1989, after the last resident of the Faxton Street Home passed away, its board turned the Home’s remaining endowment of some $3 million over to the Foundation, increasing the size of the Faxton Street Home Fund nearly fourfold.

With assets that barely exceeded $1.7 million in 1986 on a path to top $12.6 million by the close of 1989, the Foundation was catapulted into a new era in virtually every sense of the word. 

Beyond its volunteer board, the recast organization would require full-time professional management on a day-to-day basis.  Consequently, in July 1989, Gordon M. Hayes, Jr., became the organization’s first executive director. He brought a background that was strong in both local heritage and financial experience, qualities that would serve the Foundation well in the ensuing years.

Shortly thereafter, a second full-time staff position was added, combining the duties of secretary and administrative assistant. With its operations having outgrown the office provided at the Savings Bank of Utica for many years, in September 1989, the Foundation moved to its own offices at 270 Genesee Street in Utica.

In three eventful years, the Foundation had passed major turning points, which had brought dynamic change. Visibly, financially and structurally it was ready to welcome the opportunities and challenges the final decade of the 20th century would bring.

By the year 1989, the Foundation had accumulated over $12 million dollars in assents and in that year was able to allocate $328,998 in grants. Such recipients included the Animal Protection League, Rome Family Services, American Cancer Society and the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley.