Improve Norwich Now held a symposium in November to share what the organization has accomplished in the past five years, and how they continue to support the Chenango County community through the Fostering Futures program; One Community, One Book events; their partnership with the Paperback Exchange; and Aunt Mary's House. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — Improve Norwich Now (INN) is celebrating five years of supporting the Chenango County community through literacy initiatives, community partnerships, and addressing local needs.

INN's mission and vision is "to remove barriers and provide supports, so all community members can reach their full potential." For the past five years, the organization has worked to achieve this mission with their Fostering Futures New York Chenango County (FFNYCC) program; the One Community, One Book and All INN for Reading initiatives; their partnership with the Paperback Exchange (PBX); and the newest addition to the INN umbrella, Aunt Mary's House (AMH).

Aunt Mary's House will provide emergency and transitional housing for pregnant and parenting mothers over the age of 18 that are in a crisis situation. The organization, which became its own 501(c)3 nonprofit this year, strives to provide a safe haven for pregnant and parenting mothers to learn life skills, parenting skills, financial fluency, and reach educational and career goals to help them reach independent living and self-sufficiency.