(607) 273-7494

development@fcsith.org

Community Outreach

Downtown Community Outreach Worker

The Outreach Workers gently travel throughout the downtown corridor – which extends from Meadow Drive to Aurora Street, and from Court Street to Green Street, and includes support to the Tompkins County Public Library and Dewitt Park – keeping an eye open for people who are exhibiting signs of distress.

The Outreach Workers aim to support a welcoming and inclusive downtown community by engaging people with a kind attitude, often needed to de-escalate potential conflicts.

For Individuals the Outreach Workers can assist if you:

  • Could use someone to talk to, food or other basic needs.
  • Need help identifying resources that would best meet your needs.
  • Need help getting connected to services.

Area business may also seek the outreach workers’ assistance if there are minor conflicts with pedestrians that could use mediation. You can expect the outreach workers to help:

  • If you are concerned about an individual in distress or behaving in an unusual way (such as sleeping in public, appearing to be under the influence, etc.)
  • If you see a conflict between individuals.
  • If you would like to refer someone in need for services, or request support from a human service agency, but are not sure where to start.
  • When situations occur, and you feel an individual may need help, but are not sure whether calling the police is the right action.

In the event of a serious safety concern, the police should always be called. This program does not replace the role of trained police officers in an emergency.

Listed below is the contact information for our Outreach Workers:

Will Taylor
Cell: (607) 793-3776
Office: (607) 273-7494
Email: WTaylor@fcsith.org

Natalya Cowilich
Cell: (607) 229-8510
Fax: (607) 273-1295
Email: NCowilich@fcsith.org

The programs hours or operation are Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Downtown Community Outreach Services are provided through a collaboration of community partners that includes: The City of Ithaca, Cayuga Medical Center, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, Family and Children’s Service of Ithaca, and Tompkins County.

All outreach services are provided to community members free of charge.