July 2025

The mission of SVHC is to cultivate local solutions and collaborative actions that advance the health and well-being of the Cortland community.

SVFR Food Rescue Update - 2025 is Off to a Record-Breaking Start!

Seven Valleys Food Rescue (SVFR) works to bridge the gap between food surplus and food insecurity in our region by rescuing excess, edible food and redirecting it to those in need. Every pound saved helps reduce waste and nourish our communities.

As of this month, SVFR has recovered an incredible 21,762.6 pounds of food - a nearly 5x increase from the 4,518 pounds rescued at this time last year.

2024 was our most successful year yet, with 24,699 pounds recovered. At this pace, we’re on track to surpass that total by September - well ahead of schedule! This vital work wouldn't be possible without generous food donors and our dedicated volunteers.

Total Pounds of Food Rescued by SVFR, 2020-2025

Become a Volunteer or Food Donor today!

Calling all Lovers of Stories:

Join us for Another Story Slam!

Get TiX HERE!

The Doula Partnership at this year's NYS Perinatal Conference

The Doula Partnership (Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, and Madison counties) joined community based doula organizations Calming Nature Doula in Buffalo, Citywide Doula Initiative in New York City, and Mid-Hudson Chocolate Milk in the Hudson Valley on stage for a plenary session at the NYS Perinatal Association Conference to talk all things doula! Moderated by Dr. Ashanda Saint Jean, the four doula organizations debunked misconceptions about doula work, spoke to barriers in the field, and had a thorough conversation about the importance of doulas in supporting pregnant and postpartum people.

Learn more

SVHC Supports Annual CIT Training in Cortland

In mid-June, SVHC helped coordinate the Youth and Adolescent Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), put on by the Cortland County Mental Health Department in collaboration with Rural Health Institute of NY and local law enforcement. The comprehensive 3-day program was designed specifically for first responders working with youth in crisis, helping them to learn tactics and strategies to be most effective and compassionate with that population. Presenters covered a range of topics including trauma-informed care, PINS diversion, juvenile justice intervention, child abuse and neglect, brain development and more. The CIT trainings are held annually.