Message from the President | Mohawk Valley Frontiers


The Mohawk Valley Frontiers welcomes you to our web site. We are a dedicated civic service organization, established in 1971 in Oneida County (based out of Utica/Rome, NY). We are a local chapter of the Frontiers International, Inc., which is a national civic service organization, founded in 1933. Our national organization was founded in the state of Ohio, during a time when people of color where not allowed to be members of other national civic organizations.

 

The zeal to serve the communities of color around the nation led men of valor to establish the Frontiers International Inc. Our local chapter strive to provide the people of Utica/Rome with programs and events that uplift those in need of a hand up.

 

We have been an integral part of the supportive fabric of our community for over 47 years. The men and woman who are members of this dedicated organization, truly live by our motto of "Service", each and every day.

 

Since 1996, we have developed a vibrant and highly successful youth program called the Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley. Our youth program prepares our students for academic success, professional development, self-esteem, and civic responsibility. We are the largest totally volunteer 503c youth program in Central NY. Our youth program includes a myriad of student trips, events, presentations, internships, shadow opportunities, and other activities that all aide in the continued development of each youth member. We have over 450 alumni of the Junior Frontiers who have gone on from high school to college. We have over 35% of our students go on from college to graduate and professional schools. We are very proud of the impact and success of our Junior Frontiers as we change the blight in our community, one child at a time.

 

We provide several programs and opportunities for the senior members of our community. One such program is our free dinners for the needy. Our dinner program to feed shut ins during the holiday and to provide fellowship and companionship to those left alone during this otherwise family time of the year, is a part of our service to our adult community. Our members share the common attribute of service to others. We all share the " Yoke" of caring and giving, and we are all known of as "Yokefellows".

 

If service to our community is your passion, and if caring for your fellow human being moves you to action, we invite you to learn more about us. Moreover, if what you learn about us agree with your path in life, please consider joining us and complete the application for membership either online or on paper.

 

Whether you desire to become a member or not, we hope you find yourself compelled to join us in this work by making a tax-free donation online or In-person. We look forward to hearing from you as we strive to increase the quality of life here in the Mohawk Valley.

 

Sincerely,

 

U'nice Elliott-Jefferson, President, Mohawk Valley Frontiers, Co-Director, Jr. Frontiers