Tim Julian

As mayor of one of the poorest cities in all of New York State, we were constantly trying to find better ways to serve our constituency. Although we had plenty of not for profits, its seemed as though many were equally as bad off as the residents they were trying to help. Out of the box thinking was needed, and thankfully that is when Compassion Coalition was founded in the city. Their model truly revamped how services were offered to the most vulnerable residents of the city. I remember walking in thinking it was just another drop off center. I even brought some used clothing in a bag! Pastor Servello took it from I realized it not only was just the tip of the iceberg, but that at the rate they were going, they would quickly outgrow their space.
One of the events held by Compassion Coalition was the yearly back to school supply giveaway program. It was held in the park outside of city hall, and as mayor i had a birds eye view from my office. What could have been an easy walk through and fill your bag program, was enhanced by barbers giving haircuts, people handing out food and snacks, and brand new book-bags filled with supplies for an entire school year. Truly next level donations giving the community members who needed it most a leg up.
As the next step of this multi level attack on poverty, the opening of Your Bargain Grocer moved forward, people saw a full service, state of the art grocery store situated in a food desert of one of the cities poorest neighborhoods. Rightfully, the excitement grew daily. At the ribbon cutting, the remarkable vision of Mike Servello, was clearly evident and was welcomed into the neighborhood and city as the true champion that it was.
When any political figurehead, or head of a not for profit, or even a CEO of a for profit company looks back upon their work they should see clearly that it changed peoples lives for the better. This clearly demonstrates that, and Utica NY, a city of 66,000 plus people are indebted to Mike Servello, the founder and CEO of Compassion Coalition.