We continue to celebrate the opening of the Westminster Commons affordable senior apartments by hosting a Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) community outreach tour – a series of community events to introduce current services to the communities we serve.
Great things happen when dedicated people and innovation come together.
Sept. 30, 2021 – We hosted the Grand Opening of the BFNC of Niagara County new office located at 3005 9th Street Niagara Falls, NY 14305 (in the Doris Jones Center). The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) would like the Niagara Falls community to know that their mission of unlocking potential and enriching lives extends to Niagara Falls, NY. The Niagara County agency has been focused on uplifting area youth by providing supportive services. This commitment remains. However, BFNC of Niagara County is now expanding its services to assist individuals and families with Emergency Rental Assistance and other services to help individuals and families overcome life obstacles.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program assists households behind on their rent that have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability. In addition, the program can provide temporary rental assistance and help with unpaid utility bills. NIAGARA COUNTY Call (716) 282-2217.
October 15 , 2021The Community Grand Opening of the Historic and Renovated Westminster Community House. on Friday, October 15, 2021, the Agency, and attendees celebrated the Grand Opening of the renovated Settlement House that offers onsite residents and the surrounding community supportive services. The Westminster Settlement House, originally constructed in 1893 has been transformed into a community service facility offering programs and services to assist individuals with overcoming life obstacles. Services include on site assistance provided by BFNC staff, a certified senior adult day care program, a federally qualified healthcare center, an Evans Bank branch, a commercial kitchen, and beauty salon. In addition, there is a community outreach space.
The original settlement house model offered an inhouse family type of service structure. East side immigrants and Buffalo residents impacted by the 1893 economic recession lived at the settlement house and received services and training to help uplift them out of poverty.
“Today the Settlement House model has been reimagined to meet residents where they are. The Westminster Community House is a “neighborhood house” that is open to provide an array of services to help individuals and families in need navigate a path from where they are to where they want to be,” stated Chandra Redfern, Chief Executive Officer, Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Redfern adds, “Although the community needs are great, we embrace the opportunities to reimagine service delivery with the assistance of community partners.”
October 30, 2021 – BFNC FALL FEST
A Celebration of Community – Our guests include residents of the historic Fruit Belt Community.
The BFNC Youth Services of Erie County is the host.
Recognizing that the Covid-19 pandemic has been extremely stressful on our youth and families, our staff wanted to gift a day of family fun and relaxation, stated Daniel Bolden, Program Director of Youth Services-Erie County, Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Inc.
Event Details.
- FREE Community Event!
- Children can enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, refreshments, carnival games and art workshops.
- Access to Medical Assistance: There will be a mini health fair which includes healthcare information and screenings provided by the Health Department of Erie County.
We invite the Community to take time to enjoy a little family fun.
***We want you safe: Masks are required. ****
November 9, 2021: A Community Talk with the Fruit Belt Community
Share Your Vision of Community. Learn about BFNC Services
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 – 6:00 pm @ the Moot Center 292
High Street, Buffalo, NY 14204
Thursday, November 18, 2021, The Annual Senior Thanksgiving Dinner is Back!
This year we have added an additional gift of care – Community Seniors will receive a Turkey on the next day during the BFNC #BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR – TURKEY GIVE AWAY.
“We are thrilled to be able to host our senior community members once again at the BFNC Moot Center”, states Chandra Redfern, BFNC CEO.
Redfern adds, “The Covid-19 pandemic has definitely created life issues affecting our seniors in many ways. We hope that the dinner and turkey giveaway will provide a gift of joy. “
Event Details: Senior Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 18,2021
Time: 12 Noon
Where: BFNC Moot Center
292 High Street
Buffalo, NY 14204
Please help us make this community event a wonderful senior memory. If you are interested in donating or volunteering, please contact us at svardhan@bfnc.org.
Helping individuals and families navigate a path from where they are to where they want to be is a major part of our mission.
Saturday, December 18, 2021- Breakfast with Santa Holiday Event – We are celebrating single mothers and their children on this day.
****REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.***
* We have reached capacity for this event. COVID-19 SAFETY has reduced the number of seating for the luncheon.*
To learn more about BFNC and our community stories follow us on social media. Facebook: @buffalobfnc, Instagram: buffalobfnc, Linkedin: Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers