Join us as we celebrate 50 years of building stronger communities, creating opportunities, and making a lasting impact. The INHS 50th Anniversary Celebration is a free, outdoor, festival-style event honoring five decades of service and the people who have made our work possible.

Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 12-4 pm
Location: INHS Headquarters, 115 W Clinton St, Ithaca

This special gathering will bring together current and former residents and clients, donors and community partners, staff and volunteers, and community members from across the region. Whether you have been part of the INHS journey for years or are discovering our mission for the first time, we invite you to celebrate with us.

Enjoy an afternoon of live music, local food vendors, children’s activities, interactive exhibits, and storytelling that highlights the history, impact, and future of INHS. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share their own memories and experiences, helping preserve the stories that have shaped our organization and community.

At its heart, this celebration is about community—past, present, and future. Come reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and help us honor 50 years of working together to create a more vibrant and inclusive community for all.

Admission is free and all are welcome. Registration is not required, but appreciated. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Registration opening soon!

If you’re interested in partnering with INHS as a sponsor, participating as a vendor or performer, or sharing your INHS story during the event, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities or sign up as a vendor or performer.

For questions, please contact Justina Fetterly at jfetterly@ithacanhs.org.

Our Impact Since 1976 Because of YOU!

• Helped nearly 1,300 homeowers with major repairs to their homes, and has provided over 9,140 free minor repairs to seniors and people with disabilities.
• Assisted nearly 9,000 residents find affordable, safe, and high-quality rental housing throughout four counties.
• Provided nearly $52 million to first-time homebuyers, empowering over 1,350 households to purchase homes with financial assistance of up to $20,000.

Learn more about INHS’s impact and history here: ithacanhs.org/50years

Award Nominations

If you know someone who is a leader and advocate in their community or neighborhood, or someone who has made significant contributions to beautifying their neighborhood or community, consider nominating them for the Lucy J. Brown Leadership Award or the Florence Hoard Community Beautification Award. Awardees will be recognized at the Annual Meeting. Nominations are due August 18. View the nomination questions here.

If you have any questions, contact Justina Fetterly at jfetterly@ithacanhs.org.

Lucy J. Brown Leadership Award

This award is named in honor of Lucy Brown who has made significant and lasting contributions to both INHS and the greater community through her leadership and service, until her passing in 2025. As one of the founders of INHS, Lucy was instrumental in its long-term growth and its commitment to mission. Lucy served continuously on the Board of Directors from 1976 through 2017. She was a strong advocate for neighborhood residents and made sure that resident issues were central in all decision-making. Each Spring, INHS awards the Lucy J. Brown Leadership Award to a member or members of the INHS service area (Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties) who, like Lucy, exemplify a similar commitment to community and neighborhood, as a voice and advocate for those who have typically been under-represented, and whose efforts have made a difference in the lives of many.

Nominate a friend, colleague, or community member here.

Florence Hoard Community Beautification Award

The award is named in honor of a revered member of the Ithaca Garden Club who was a symbol of, and voice for, beautification in her community. Noted for her efforts during the City’s centennial celebration, Florence Hoard organized to get shoots from area gardens into the yards of downtown residents and was a founder of the popular Mother’s Day Plant Exchange. Each Spring, a member of the INHS service area (Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties) is recognized through this award for their notable contributions to community beautification.

Nominate a friend, colleague, or community member for the Florence Hoard Community Beautification Award here.

Past Awardees

David Sprague Exemplary Service Award*
2024: Scott Reynolds
2023 – Michael Cannon
2022 – Patricia Paolangeli
2020/2021 – David Sprague

*Named in honor of former INHS Board Member David Sprague, who served purposefully for 31 years. Recipient chosen by INHS Board of Directors