Program🧩Autism Support
Tailored programs and family resources for individuals on the autism spectrum — including sensory-friendly learning and family coaching.
Nonprofit • Syracuse, NY • Est. 2010
Where determination
Where determination
meets opportunity.
We empower at-risk youth and families in Syracuse to overcome barriers, build resilience, and unlock their full potential — one life at a time.
📞
Need support or want to help?
(315) 396-0148
(315) 396-0148
Trusted Community Partners
🏫 Syracuse City School District
🎓 Syracuse University
🏛️ Department of Social Services
🌾 Berkshire Farm Center
👨👩👧 Office of Children & Family Services
💻 TechSoup
📦 Good360
🎁 NAEIR
🏫 Syracuse City School District
🎓 Syracuse University
🏛️ Department of Social Services
🌾 Berkshire Farm Center
👨👩👧 Office of Children & Family Services
💻 TechSoup
📦 Good360
🎁 NAEIR
0
Lives Impacted
0
Program Efficiency
0
Volunteer Hours / Year
0
Years Serving Syracuse
2010Founded
Who We Are
A safe space filled with love, guidance, and hope
The Determination Center provides innovative services to at-risk youth in Syracuse, NY. We support and collaborate with our kids, enabling them to be more self-directed and self-motivated — helping them construct healthy, independent, productive, stable lives.
"Sometimes the best place to find out who you are is to go to a place where you don't have to be anyone else…"
Learn More About Us
— Mrs. Bettie Graham, Founder & Director
Our Story
See the determination in action
Watch how we're transforming lives and strengthening our Syracuse community.
Our Programs
Six initiatives driving real change
Each program is designed to meet our community where it is — and lift it higher.
Program🧩
Program👴Elder Care
Compassionate support and companionship for seniors — visits, activities, and connection that bring joy back to daily life.
Program👶Children's Development
Education, creativity, and life skills for kids and youth — after-school tutoring, arts, and mentorship that build confidence.
Program🏠Homelessness Assistance
Stability, resources, and pathways to independence — housing support, meals, and life skills for neighbors in need.
Program🌍Environment
Protecting and restoring our shared world — community gardens, cleanups, and hands-on environmental education.
Program🐾Pets
Caring for animals and promoting responsible pet ownership — because compassion extends to every member of the family.
Impact Stories
Real stories, real lives changed
🧩 Autism Support
"The autism support program gave my family hope and practical tools. Sarah is now thriving in school and making friends."
Maria — Parent
🌍 Environment
"Our environmental initiative created a community garden that feeds 50 families and teaches sustainable practices."
Local Community — Garden Project
👴 Elder Care
"The companionship program brought joy back to my life. I have new friends and activities to look forward to."
Robert — Age 78
Support Our Mission
Your gift becomes someone's turning point
Every dollar goes to work in our Syracuse community — transparently.
💝
One-Time Gift
Make an immediate impact with a single donation.
🔄
Monthly Support
Sustained impact with recurring monthly giving.
- Tax deductible
- Cancel anytime
- Quarterly impact reports
🎯
Project Specific
Direct 100% of your gift to the cause closest to your heart — autism support, elder care, children's development, homelessness, environment, or pets.
Volunteer With Us
Give time. Change everything.
Join our community of dedicated volunteers — don't see a role that fits? We'd love to hear your ideas.
👥
Mentor
Guide youth in our children's development programs.
🏠
Shelter Support
Help with daily operations at our homeless assistance center.
🌱
Environmental Steward
Maintain community gardens and lead environmental workshops.
📱
Virtual Support
Provide remote assistance and social media support.
News & Events
Stay connected with our community
15Dec
New Autism Support Center Opens
Our expanded facility will serve 50% more families in the coming year.
08Dec
Holiday Food Drive Success
Community collected 2,000+ meals for families in need this holiday season.
01Dec
Volunteer Recognition Event
Celebrating our amazing volunteers who contributed 5,000+ hours this year.
Financial Transparency
Complete openness about every dollar
📊
How We Use Funds
Programs & Services78%
Administrative12%
Fundraising10%
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Annual Reports
Download our detailed financial reports and impact assessments.
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Impact Metrics
Questions about our finances? We're happy to answer.
2,500+
Lives Impacted
95%
Efficiency
$0.78
Per $1 Impact
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Our programs serve at-risk youth and families in the Syracuse, NY area. Each program has its own focus — from autism support to elder care — and we'll help you find the right fit. Call (315) 396-0148 and we'll walk you through it.
Yes — The Determination Center is a nonprofit organization, and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. You'll receive a receipt for every gift.
Head to our contact page and tell us which role interests you — mentoring, shelter support, environmental stewardship, or virtual help. We'll follow up within 1–2 business days.
78% of funds go directly to programs and services, 12% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. We publish annual reports and are always happy to answer questions about our finances.
Absolutely. We partner with schools, universities, agencies, and businesses across Central New York. Reach out through our contact page and let's talk about how we can work together.
Be the reason someone
doesn't give up
Volunteer, donate, or partner with us — every contribution transforms a life in Syracuse.