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Linda McNally 
Linda McNally, director of senior services for Syracuse Area Services was named the 2015 Syracuse Woman of the Year by the Syracuse Commission for Women. The annual award honors a woman who has made a difference for people for Syracuse city residents.
"Linda has made an incredible difference in our community and I am proud we are able to bestow this honor on her," Mayor Stephanie Miner said in a news release announcing the award.
As director, Linda is responsible for the Army’s Senior Center. The Army’s senior programs provide opportunities for socialization and wellness that support independence for our community’s seniors. The Senior Center provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fosters a sense of community. Nutritionally balanced breakfasts and hot lunches are available for all participants. Seniors have the choice to participate in many programs and daily activities that include yoga and exercise, diabetes support and personal enrichment programs. Over 100 people attend each week day.
Sheria Dixon
Sheria Dixon (center) received the Impact Award at the CNY Business Journal’s 2015 Non-profit Awards. Sheria has been the director of the Army’s Barnabas Center for Youth for the last seven years. The Center serves more than 500 young people each year, providing a safe haven where youth are encouraged to develop their own sense of empowerment and develop the skills necessary to graduate from high school and transition into the workforce or seek additional education.
Sheria’s personal experience has helped her to become a successful advocate for young people in our community. At the age of 14, Sheria was a resident of The Salvation Army’s Booth House for Runaway and Homeless Youth. Receiving guidance and support from The Salvation Army helped her develop the confidence she needed to finish high school and pursue her dreams.
Among Sheria’s many accomplishments are helping develop an anti-gang Street Outreach program, which offers high risk youth alternatives to gang involvement. She has also been very active in Syracuse Truce, a collaborative effort with Syracuse Police and the legal system to end youth violence and gang activity.
Last month, Syracuse Area Services of the Salvation Army was honored with two awards from the CNY Business Journal, one for an individual and awards for their Young Leader’s Advisory Council, and the annual Turn Around Jumpers 3on3 Basketball Tournament.
Young Leaders Advisory Council
Started in 2010, The Salvation Army’s Young Leaders Advisory Council is a group of approximately two dozen young (under age 40) professionals who are committed to furthering the mission and vision of the Army through volunteer service and fundraising. It’s one of the first Young Leaders groups in the country.
The Salvation Army’s Young Leaders meet monthly and volunteer at events throughout the year. In addition, they sponsor/organize two large fundraising efforts, the Turn-Around Jumpers 3on3 Basketball Tournament each June, and the Tickets for Teens program, which provides movie tickets to low income teens each year at Christmas Bureau Distribution.
Turn-Around Jumpers 3on3 Basketball Tournament
Turn-Around Jumpers 3on3 Basketball Tournament was awarded Outstanding Fundraising Event. The event is held each year in early June at Le Moyne College, kicking off on Friday evening with an SU “Legends” event and team check-in and games on Saturday and Sunday. More than 100 teams (male and female) participate each year, with age brackets ranging from 10-year-olds through adult. In 2014, a corporate division was established to allow players to compete on behalf of their companies.
Turn-Around Jumpers is a vibrant community event that engages corporate sponsors (approx. 40), volunteers (more than 100), board members, staff and participants (400-500), as well as the families of participants. SU Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Hopkins serves as the Honorary Chair for Turn-Around Jumpers and he actively participates in promoting the event and is on site all weekend at the event. In addition, Coach Hopkins engages other SU basketball coaches and players to participate in the weekend festivities, including a Friday night “Legends” game.
Throughout the weekend, participants are exposed to the our through information tables, displays and conversations with staff and volunteers. In the spirit of the Army’s service to low income communities, a scholarship fund is established each year to allow dozens of teams the opportunity to compete that would not otherwise be able to afford the entry fee. Heading into its 6th year, Turn-Around Jumpers really does live up to its motto of “Changing Lives One Hoop at a Time.”