Current Fellows
Larry Bratton, Ithaca, NY
Larry Bratton is the founder and current member of Second Chance Ithaca, an organization dedicated to the advocacy and mentorship for ex-offenders that includes employment and housing assistance. Bratton in the past has worked as the office manager for Minority Contractor's Technical Assistance Program in Schenectady NY. While in Schenectady, he started Minorities for Fair Employment Practices (MFEP), a grass roots organization advocating affirmative action enforcement and equal employment opportunities for women and minorities.
Tom Watts, Lansing, NY
Tom Watts’ proposal is to develop a University-based program for 18-21 year-old students with developmental disabilities from regional public schools. The project will organize funding, scheduling, credentialing and evaluation for the proposed program. The ultimate vision is for local school district staff to work alongside the Public Service Center to offer University students’ opportunities for service and connection to this diverse population. Tom Watts is currently Director of Exceptional Education for the Tompkins Seneca Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (TST BOCES). He is responsible for leadership of regional cooperative services for students with special needs.
Phoebe Brown’s proposal seeks to strengthen women’s ties to one another, learn different ways to handle life stresses, appreciate differences, and improve upon healthy eating habits. Brown has done this through her program, Women’s Healing: Mind, Body and Spirit, a series of gatherings where women of all ages from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds meet in a supportive environment. Brown’s past experience includes working with women to overcome drug addiction and educating communities about drug abuse and social justice. While helping to organize the Black Women’s Empowerment Group through the Southside Community Center, she learned that her passion is inspiring women to help one another through life challenges.