I’m a journalist who works in upstate New York, a region that has experienced a loss of industry and stagnation over a number of decades. While it’s an economically depressed area, many of the people who live and work here continue their quest to make a difference in their local communities.

I’m encouraged and inspired by those volunteers who work diligently to make a difference. Like them, I want to be part of the solution to our area’s long-standing problems.

With input from others who have overcome similar hardships, I think we can make it.