James E. Mackin

James E. Mackin is proud of his Central New York heritage. He was born in nearby Sherrill and, after graduating from the University of Notre Dame and spending a year clerking for a U.S. Seventh Circuit Court Judge in Chicago, he joined the Syracuse law firm of Bond, Schoeneck & King where he spent his 40 plus year career practicing trust and estate law. Throughout his career, he was also very active in the management of the firm and was elected as its chairman from 1999 to 2008.  Jim also immersed himself in the community as an attorney and volunteer.  He has served on the boards of many charitable organizations devoted to higher education, human services, medical care and animal welfare.

Jim first learned of InterFaith Works through his activities as a donor and board member of the Central New York Community Foundation. “When I visited the new office of InterFaith Works, I witnessed firsthand the dedication and enthusiasm of its paid staff and volunteers. I was especially impressed with a young Afghan man who told me he had assisted the US Army during the War on Terror in his home country. He described how he came to the U.S. and Syracuse in particular and, to my surprise, introduced me to his wife and two young children who were visiting the office that day. I thought to myself how special it was that InterFaith Works had assisted bringing such a positive, upbeat talented young person to our community. His family was so full of hope and excited to be here.”

In addition to the Center for New Americans, the agency’s Senior Services programs resonate with Jim. These programs not only help elderly refugees adapt to their new community; they also mitigate the problems of loneliness and depression among the elderly.

After learning more about InterFaith Works, Jim facilitated a client’s contribution to the agency, agreed to join a committee of the organization and made a gift to the agency’s Affirm Dignity Endowment Fund.

“InterFaith Works has existed for over 40 years,” he said, “but like many nonprofit organizations, it operates annually on a close margin. It needs an endowment to provide a guaranteed stream of income to ensure its critical programs are sustained into the future and new ones are begun as needs arise. The Affirm Dignity Endowment Fund will ensure that the exceptional activities of InterFaith Works are carried on indefinitely.”

To donate securely online using a credit/debit card, click the “Donate” button here:      Donate  (Preferred)
To donate securely online using PayPal, click the “Donate” button here:        Donate