About

Celebrating over 50 years, Sycamore Collaborative is a partnership of faith communities working for social justice and community resilience. 

In partnership with the community, volunteers, and generous donors, Sycamore Collaborative serves thousands of high-need people each year.

In collaboration with community-based organizations, government agencies, and volunteers from the community, we are committed to exceptional service and initiatives that address food insecurity and support the embracing of diversity and justice that encourages health and resilience.

1967-1973

Created!

The organization's first covenant was adopted by the Assembly, the gathering of our member faith communities. When incorporation was finalized, an urban agent was hired to facilitate community engagement. Originally, this included support programs for children and youth, the elderly, and housing initiatives. 

1977-79

Early food relief initiatives begin

With the first food pantry located in the basement of the First United Methodist Church in downtown Schenectady.

1995

Summer Meals begin

With a rented school bus, and coolers filled with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and milk.

Early 2000s

A location for impact and growth

After several moves, the Food Pantry at 839 Albany St. opens to serve the community. This site is still operating today accommodating the growing need for food relief – now the largest food pantry in the greater Schenectady area.

2014

A space for the Community

In partnership with the congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, we acquired 837 Albany St. to provide a space for welcome and hospitality to the Hamilton Hill Community. This initiative laid the groundwork for the expansion and planning of the Community Hub.

2018

Urban Farms

Sycamore Collaborative annexed Schenectady’s three working urban farms to provide fresh produce, community connections, and farming skills to the community.

2019

Interfaith statement and commitment

Congregation Agudat Achim, the Nemeton of the Mother Grove, and Congregation Gates of Heaven formally join the organization.

2024

Deepening our interfaith identity and food relief work

We developed a new strategic plan, new identity expression, deepening partnerships, and community engagement

Directors and Managers

  • Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos

    Él/he/him
    Executive Director, CEO

  • Aldo R. Juárez-Romero

    Él/he/him
    Deputy Director, COO

  • Mark DeSanctis

    He/him
    Business Manager, CFO

  • Chinira Lovick

    She/her
    Manager for Resource Development

Board of Directors

Shae Fitzgerald, Chair, She/they
Company Manager, William Kemp Players
Congregation Gates of Heaven

Donald Wheeler, Vice Chair, He/him
Retired Educator
Trinity Presbyterian Church, Scotia

Anne Nelson, Secretary, She/her
Technical Support Specialist, CommerceHub
Nemeton of the Mother Grove

Elyse Brown, Treasurer, She/her
Associate Director for Annual Giving, Union College

Melanie Puerto-Conte, She/her
Safe Harbour Coordinator, CAPTAIN
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish

Rev. Arnetta Dix-Howard, She/her
Refreshing Springs Community Church

Florence Reed, She/her
Retired Civil Servant
First Reformed Church, Schenectady

Rev. M G Martell Spagnolo, DMin, He/him
Ordained Minister, United Church of Christ

Shirley Readdean, Emerita, She/her
First United Methodist Church, Schenectady

Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos, DMin, Él/he/him
Executive Director, CEO