Tammy Baker Named the September Community Hero of the Month
Tompkins Trust Company, in partnership with the Tompkins Chamber, has named Tammy Baker the September Community Hero of the Month, for her work with the Community Outreach Worker Program. This award recognizes individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community.
The Community Outreach Worker Program connects those in need with appropriate services and is a collaboration of the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, Downtown Ithaca Alliance, and Family & Children’s Services. The program aims to support an inclusive and welcoming downtown community by engaging people with a kind attitude, which is often needed to de-escalate potential conflicts. The program also serves as a model for reimagining public safety in the Ithaca and Tompkins County community, helping individuals who are facing housing insecurity, substance abuse problems, and mental health issues, rather than pushing them into the criminal justice system. Working directly with the Ithaca Police Department and area social service agencies, the Community Outreach Worker Program reduces the burden on law enforcement and provides critical support to Tompkins County’s many social service organizations.
Along with her dedicated team, Baker has provided on the street emergency assistance and support in and around the greater downtown area, keeping hundreds of individuals out of the criminal justice system, leading to the de-escalation of potentially dangerous situations, and resulting in hundreds of critical referrals to community agencies.
Tompkins Trust Company President and CEO Greg Hartz stated, “We are pleased to acknowledge Tammy Baker’s efforts which have made Ithaca and Tompkins County a healthier and safer place to live and work by connecting members of our community with the care and services they need.”
“For over six years, Tammy Baker has been a fixture in downtown Ithaca, helping connect those in need to appropriate services as an alternative to more punitive measures,” said Jennifer Tavares, Chamber President. “Each year Tammy and her program serve hundreds of individuals, helping manage thousands of interactions and responses – improving outcomes for our community and its residents.”
To show the community’s appreciation for her work, Baker will be awarded a Community Hero of the Month plaque as well as a gift card for Downtown Ithaca from Tompkins Trust Company.
Listen to the interview here.
About Tompkins Trust Company
Founded in 1836, Tompkins Trust Company has 13 locations in Tompkins County, Cortland, Auburn, and Syracuse. Bank services include complete lines of consumer deposit accounts and loans, business accounts and loans, as well as trust and investment services and leasing. Insurance services are offered through Tompkins Insurance Agencies, and wealth management services are offered through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information about the bank is available at www.tompkinstrust.com.
About Tompkins Chamber
With over 650 active members, the Tompkins Chamber is dedicated to making our community a great place to live and work. The Chamber is a progressive, forward-thinking organization dedicated to promoting business in our region by being the community’s nexus. The mission of the Tompkins Chamber is to foster sustainable economic growth through service to our members, strategic advocacy, workforce development, destination marketing, and quality-of-life investments.
About Community Hero of the Month
The Tompkins Trust Company, in partnership with the Tompkins Chamber, is pleased to announce the launch of the Community Hero of the Month Awards, which will give deserving recognition to individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community. The program will begin March 2021 and will announce community heroes each month.
Tompkins Trust Company President and CEO Greg Hartz shared his excitement for the new program, “We are looking forward to honoring these incredible community heroes who have done so much for Tompkins County and are pleased to collaborate with the Tompkins Chamber on this important and meaningful initiative” Hartzadded, “It is especially important to recognize the accomplishments of community members who have stepped up this past year, as COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on the entire community.”
“This is a wonderful way for us partner with Tompkins Trust Company and show gratitude to these deserving community members who have demonstrated exemplary service to our community,” said Jennifer Tavares, President & CEO of the Tompkins Chamber. “We’re excited to highlight how much the Trust Company and Tompkins Chamber alike value strong leadership and commitment to our community with the establishment of this new recognition program.”
The monthly winners will receive a Community Hero of the Month plaque and a few additional surprises from Tompkins Trust Company.
