A Message From IPEI's Executive Director

I just completed my second month as IPEI's first Executive Director.  It's been a wonderful two months, and I am energized by the enthusiasm of all who are impacted by our work.

On my first day at IPEI, I had the privilege of attending the opening convocation for all teachers of the Ithaca City School District as they started the new school year.  As I was introduced around, each teacher I met expressed warm gratitude for IPEI's support of their ideas and dreams for their students.  It was so heartwarming. 

At the ribbon cutting for IPEI's first office at the Just Be Cause Center this fall, I heard a story that truly signifies what IPEI is all about.  A former Ithaca City School District student walked into our office to thank IPEI for a grant that allowed him, while in his senior year at IHS, to explore his dream for a career in music, a dream that is now becoming reality. 

I was so impressed by this testimonial. IPEI strives to engage our students in learning that will lead to their future success, to make their dreams come true.  And IPEI's commitment to partnering with teachers and community organizations creates the strong roots from which these successes blossom.

IPEI makes a tremendous difference in the lives of our students, in the classrooms of our teachers, and in the strength of our community. I look forward to continuing IPEI's work with the schools and the community to keep the dreams alive. 

Moving, Moving, Moved!

It's the beginning of August, and in Ithaca that means moving season! This August IPEI, like so many college and graduate students, moved into a new home - our first office!

The office is located at the Just Be Cause center on 1013 W State St. The Just Be Cause center is a not-for-profit development center founded by Jerry Dietz in memory of his late wife Judy. Judy was a pillar of the Ithaca community who devoted her time and passion to improving the little city she loved.

We are so grateful to Jerry for our great new space which will enable us to better serve the Ithaca City School District!

The Just Be Cause Not-For-Profit Development Center!

Jerry Dietz with IPEI Board President Terry Byrnes

IPEI Development Committee Chair Mary Grainger and Board President Terry Byrnes hard at work!

It's PARTY Time!

We at IPEI are preparing excitedly to move into our amazing new space at the Just Be Cause Center in the coming weeks. And now, you can share our excitement!

This coming Sunday, Agava is hosting the party of the summer - the first annual Just Be Cause Party! From 5pm to 9pm, there will be food, drinks, and live music to celebrate this great nonprofit center. And the best part is that the proceeds from this new annual event will be split between the JBCC and another local nonprofit. This year, we will help Loaves and Fishes celebrate 30 years of providing food, hospitality, companionship and advocacy for those in need in our community. 

Tickets are $50 each and include a fabulous dinner, dancing, and music provided by local favorites, Little Joe and the Big Shots. Tickets are available at Agava, Island Health and Fitness, Terra Rosa in the Triphammer Shopping Plaza, Pastimes in the Dewitt Mall, The Cancer Resource Center and CSP Management.

And remember, we're not having a party just because - it's a party for a Just Cause!