Pathways to Partnership

Reduced government funding. Increased competition for donations. Rising costs. These are just a few of the challenges our nonprofit partners face as they look to the future.

Recognizing there is strength in numbers, the boards for The Peacemaker Program and the Women’s Employment Resource Center (WERC) began discussing the possibility of a partnership in 2016. With missions that promote self-determination and empowerment of their clients, the organizations believed strengthening ties would be of mutual benefit. They approached The Community Foundation to help facilitate initial discussions and sought guidance on options available to them.

In the months that followed, The Community Foundation continued to assist the organizations, engaging the New York Council on Nonprofits (NYCON) as a consultant and awarding funds to cover merger-related expenses.

“As the nonprofit landscape continues to change, it’s essential for organizations to find new and innovative ways to collaborate for success. The Community Foundation is uniquely positioned to help our nonprofit partners explore these opportunities because we favor what’s in the best interest of our community and its residents,” said Alicia Dicks, president/CEO of The Community Foundation.

In October 2017, the two organizations announced their merger and new name, Empowered Pathways. The merger allows the new organization to build capacity, consolidate administrative services, decrease overhead and increased funding opportunities.

“The mission of empowering people to take control of their situations and forge their own path forward aligned perfectly, along with the size and needs of each organization,” said Stephanie Eghigian, executive director of Empowered Pathways. “Together, we will be stronger and poised to increase opportunity, capacity, stability and resources such as training and programming for our staff and clients.”