• CARE GIVERS YOU ARE NOT ALONE! INTRODUCING THE "CARING TOGETHER" PROGRAM

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    BFNC Receives $1.4M to Build an Expanded
    Caregiver Support Network in Buffalo

    (Buffalo, NY) GREAT NEWS FOR BUFFALO area caregivers and the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC). BFNC has received a $1.4 million​, 3-year grant to build the “Caring Together” collaborative respite program for caregivers, which includes the local faith-based community.

    The new 3-year grant will enable BFNC to build on its previous caregivers’ respite programs and expand its collaboration with the faith-based community, encouraging local churches to establish support initiatives for caregivers.

    “The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is at the forefront of providing support for Caregivers. Caregivers deserve to feel heard and seen. BFNC is thrilled to help fill an important gap in the Buffalo and Western New York communities through the Caring Together program. We look forward to expanding our work with area Caregivers,” stated Chandra Redfern, CEO of the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers.

    Redfern adds that “the 3-year grant provides our agency with the opportunity to develop the Caring Together Program as a network to uplift and support caregivers in several communities.”

    In 2022, BFNC, in partnership with 4 community agencies, launched the Gathering Place program, which provided a two-pronged approach to supporting caregivers and their loved ones. This program continues as a FREE initiative providing support to family caregivers of older adults (aged 55 and older) in Western New York.

    The current Care Givers House services are offered at the BFNC Life Center at the Westminster Community on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 12 pm-3 pm.

    The Care Givers program at the BFNC Life Center demonstrated clearly the importance of the initiative to caregivers and their loved ones.
    Redfern adds, “Unpaid caregivers are the backbone of community health and deserve an opportunity to release stressors.”

    The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC), a community-based agency, has a collaborative history of over 130 years of service to the Buffalo community. We provide a safety net of human services to assist residents of Erie and Niagara Counties on their path to success. Learn more at www.bfnc.org. Follow our stories on Facebook: buffalobfnc, on Instagram, and on LinkedIn. Listen to podcast conversations on the “BFNC Living podcast.”

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    About the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
    The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills NFL team. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation began with a $1.2 billion grantmaking capacity over a 20-year period, which expires on January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information, visit www.rcwjrf.org.
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    Media Contact: Jennifer Parker(JPC)- 716-866-4916                             Jparker@jparkerpr.com

    TELL US MORE!  SIGN UP BELOW FOR THE “CARING TOGETHER” PROGRAM 

    https://bfnc.jotform.com/scarter/bfnc-caregiver-support-program-inta

    Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers to Provide Community Engagement to East Buffalo Residents

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    Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers to Provide Community Engagement to East Buffalo Residents

    ASSISTANCE TO RESIDENTS LIVING IN ZIP CODES 14204,14208, 14209, 14211,14212 and 14215. .

    New York State Listened and Now has established a project that is focused on providing timely targeted assistance to the residents of East Buffalo, a community that has been greatly impacted by a racially motivated mass shooting on May 14, 2022.  Staff from New York State, the City of Buffalo, Erie County, and numerous nonprofit community providers are working together to fill a community need.

    The goal of the program is to increase community members’ awareness of available benefits and resources and provide coordinated assistance to direct residents in need to community services.

    The community identified a need to increase the engagement of residents to help them access available benefits and services that can help them heal and improve their economic well-being.  Prior outreach identified spiritual support, food assistance and basic needs assistance as common needs among residents.

    How We Will Make IMPACT
    The participating organizations and municipalities will coordinate crisis assistance by providing door-to-door outreach to identify and address resident needs.

    FILLING A NEED WITH A FOCUS ON LIFTING OTHERS OUT OF POVERTY
    Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers Inc., (BFNC) will provide ‘door to door’ canvassing of households in East Buffalo, with a focus on the 14204,14208, 14209, 14211,14212 and 14215 zip codes to provide information about available benefits and services.

    “This is a perfect project for our community-based agency, and we are proud and energized by the opportunity to make an impact. We continue to reimagine services to a changing community.  This Project allows us to meet residents who may need assistance where they are, stated Chandra Redfern. CEO of Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers.

    Redfern adds,” The customer service focused and helping hand are empowering.”

    SERVICES OFFERED:
    Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers Inc., (BFNC) will provide ‘door to door’ canvassing of households in East Buffalo, with a focus on the 14204,14208, 14209, 14211,14212 and 14215 zip codes to provide information about available benefits and services.

    Where appropriate, BFNC will work with the adults and families, so they are aware of the following services:

      *   Mental health and behavioral health services

    *   Referrals for care management

    *   Access to socialization activities

    *   Public Assistance

    *   Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    *   Utility assistance including the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) signing up for ongoing Energy Affordability Program benefits.

    *   Health insurance coverage, including assistance through Medicaid, Child Health Plus and other programs.

    *   Rental arrears assistance and/or mortgage assistance

    *   Property tax relief through STAR

    *   Assistance with housing code compliance

    BFNC will coordinate with other identified community-based providers and faith based community to offer follow-up services based on identified needs.

    CALL: (716) 852-5065 & ASK FOR OUTREACH.

     

    Our Youth are Suffering: Call to Action on September 24, 2022

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    Resiliency is part of Americans’ DNA, but life events are impacting African American males and teens greatly. The Congressional Black Caucus in response to the rising rate of suicide among teens of color wrote a report entitled Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America – Read Report https://theactionalliance.org/sites/default/files/ring_the_alarm-_the_crisis_of_black_youth_suicide_in_america_copy.pdf

    What is Going On?
    There is an emergency that requires all to help. This is a time where a hello, a listening ear, and a hand up could help.  According to a Forbes.com article, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of Minority Health found that although Whites continue to have higher rates of suicide, in 2019, suicide was the leading cause of death among Blacks between 15 and 24 years of age. [1]

    Mental Health
    Having a mental illness significantly increases suicide risk among Black teens and adults. Although depression must be addressed, the strongest mental health predictor of attempted suicide in this population is anxiety.

    HOW TO HELP
    Prevention efforts should help enhance the existing psychological resources that help to buffer Black people against suicide risk and help protect them from sources of vulnerability. For example, Blacks who are socially connected through organized religious affiliation have a lower suicide risk.[2]

    A GATHERING TO CREATE AN ACTION PLAN TO HELP
    On September 24, 2022, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) and the Erie County Coalition will host Soul Shop™ for Black Churches.

    Soul Shop™ for Black Churches is a one-day workshop designed for clergy, staff, lay pastors, and faith-based clinicians in the Black Church. Soul Shop provides training to help clergy leaders work with community members impacted by trauma and struggling with mental illness that may place them at risk for suicide.

    DETAILS AND REGISTRATION:

    Date: Saturday, September 24, 2022
    Time: 9:00am – 4:30pm
    Location: Ephesus Ministries Fellowship Hall
    80 Durham Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215

    Breakfast and lunch will be provided.  If you have any dietary restrictions, please contact trollek@afsp.org.

    To Register: Contact Tiffany Rollek
    Email: trollek@afsp.org
    Phone: 585-202-2783

    TO REGISTER and Learn MORE: https://wnysoulshop.attendease.com/

    INTERESTED IN READING MORE?

    State of Mental Health for Youth of Color 2022
    Presented by The AAKOMO Project
    https://aakomaproject.org/SOMHYOC2022/

    Why Are More Black Americans Committing Suicide?
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/maiahoskin/2022/05/27/why-are-more-black-americans-committing-suicide/?sh=208244e01224

    Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America
    https://theactionalliance.org/sites/default/files/ring_the_alarm-_the_crisis_of_black_youth_suicide_in_america_copy.pdf

    African American Youth Suicide: Report to Congress
    https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/…Sep 30, 2021 · (CBC) Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health, “Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Suicide in America.” Consistent with the CBC report, the present report uses the term Black to include not only “African Americans but also individuals from the continent of Africa, the Caribbean, and
    https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health/topics/suicide-prevention/african_american_youth_suicide-report_to_congress.pdf

    Suicide rate rising fast for black youth, report finds
    https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/suicide-rate…
    Dec 19, 2019 · The 38-page report, Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America, was conducted by a task force of the Congressional Black Caucus and found a sharp rise in the rate of suicides and …
    https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/suicide-rate-rising-fast-black-youth-report-finds-n1103956

    ——————————————————————————————–

    [1] Why Are More Black Americans Committing Suicide?
    Hoskin, Maia Niguel (2022) Why Are More Black Americans Committing Suicide?

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/maiahoskin/2022/05/27/why-are-more-black-americans-committing-suicide/?sh=208244e01224

    [2] Chatters, L. C., Taylor, R., Lincoln, K., Nguyen, A., & Joe, S. (2011). Church-based social support and suicidality among African Americans and Black Caribbeans. Archives of Suicide Research, 15(4), 337–353.

     

    BFNC & Hodgson Russ to Host a Celebration To Uplift and Honor Community Members

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    After eight years the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) is once again hosting a Solstice Event to celebrate the beginning of summer and the collaborative community work that have made an impact. The Summer Solstice 2022 is Thursday, June 16, 2022, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Marcy Casino Pan Am Room and Patio in Delaware Park.


    “The summer season symbolizes optimism and hope for the future, while representing opportunities that await.  We hope that with everything that the community has endured over the last few weeks that this event, which celebrates the start of the summer season, will assist in fostering hope for a brighter future,” stated Chandra Redfern, BFNC CEO.

    The agency invites the community to the fundraiser celebrating the beginning of the summer season, and six Community Partners who embrace the BFNC’s mission of Unlocking Potential and Enriching Lives. Funds from this event will be directed to help the BFNC implement programming to uplift and assist community youth with developing the skills and knowledge needed to reach their desired success and seniors with healthy food and transportation needs.

    Attendees will enjoy a summer evening overlooking the beautiful Hoyt Lake and Delaware Park, dancing to the sounds of a live band and DJ, tasty hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

    BFNC ask that the community help celebrate the six Community Service Impact Honorees for exhibiting the generosity and care of Good Neighbors.  Honorees Include:

    1. Neighborhood Health Impact Award – Dr. Lavonne Ansari, Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc.
    2. Neighborhood Care Award – Pastor Art Hall, The Journey Church
    3. Neighborhood Community Investment (Group) Award – Evans Bank
    4. Community Reinvestment Award – Karla Gadley, Five Star Bank
    5. Neighborhood Youth Impact Award – Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Omega Mentoring Program
    6. Neighborhood Community Impact Award – Rod Watson, Buffalo News Urban Affairs Editor

    Neighborhood Legacy Recognition – Ricardo Herrera, MSW

    Redfern adds, “We thank Hodgson Russ as the presenting sponsor and all event sponsors for embracing the mission of the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers. “

    About the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC): BFNC assists community members with overcoming life obstacles. BFNC has over 125 years of serving the Buffalo community and providing a safety-net of services to individuals including services to those living with mental illness and substance abuse, affordable housing, financial education, tax assistance and quality youth programming that provides guidance to youth as they create their paths to success. Learn more at www.bfnc.org. Follow our stories on Facebook: @ buffalobfnc on Instagram, TIK TOK and LinkedIn.

    About Hodgson Russ LLP: Hodgson Russ attorneys facilitate the U.S. legal aspects of transactions around the world. The firm practices in every significant area of law and uses multidisciplinary work teams to serve the specific, often complex, needs of clients, which include public and privately held businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit institutions, and individuals. Hodgson Russ has offices in Albany, Buffalo, Greenville, Hackensack, New York City, Palm Beach, Rochester, Saratoga Springs, and Toronto. As the oldest law firm in Buffalo, Hodgson Russ is proud to support the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers and their 125 year commitment to strengthening our community. To learn more, visit www.hodgsonruss.com.

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    BFNC '“You Matter” Fund: Update

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    BUFFALO FEDERATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS
    “YOU MATTER” FUND TO HELP PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO ACCESS GROCERY SHOPPING, MEDICAL and MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES For RESIDENTS LIVING IN THE FRUITBELT and OTHER EASTSIDE COMMUNITIES

    Daysi Ball, BFNC  Hope Center and Senior Services Director talks to WGRZ reporter about the grocery trip to TOPS on Maple Road.

    Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) has established a fund to help the Fruit Belt and other east side residents who shop at the Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue. Recognizing the importance of serving community members living in the Fruit Belt and surrounding East Side neighborhoods, the BFNC CEO, Chandra Redfern saw a need for the agency to fill an important service gap.

    “BFNC observed the impact to the community from the tragic mass shooting on May 14th.
    As a result, the local Tops Supermarket that served as the only viable food source for many East Side residents is currently closed. This has not only affected the residents in the zip codes 14208 and 14209 that borders the supermarket, but the impact is also being felt by residents residing in the Fruitbelt and several neighborhoods on the East Side such as the 14204 and 14212 neighborhoods,” stated Chandra Redfern, BFNC CEO.

    Redfern adds, “We see the growing needs as the number of BFNC Pantry shoppers increase weekly and the increase in calls for youth support services, care management and residential services.”

    DETAILS ABOUT THE BFNC TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE

    • The Transportation assistance is for grocery shopping, physical and mental health appointments for residents living in 14204 and 14212.
    • For more information or to schedule a ride contact Letrice at 716-856-0363
    • There is a limit of 8 rides per month per customer.
    • Participants will have access to rides from BFNC volunteers or a taxi service that the agency has retained to provide transportation.

    Donations to the fund can be made on the BFNC website at:  https://bfnc.org/how-to-help/ways-to-donate/ or call 716-856-0363.

    About Buffalo Federation of Community Centers (BFNC): BFNC assists community members with overcoming life obstacles. BFNC has over 125 years of serving the Buffalo community and providing a safety-net of human services to assist residents with mental illness, substance abuse, affordable housing, financial training, and tax assistance. We also provide quality youth programming and services that assist and provide guidance as they create their paths to success. Learn more at www.bfnc.org.  Follow our stories on Facebook: buffalobfnc, LinkedIn and Tik Tok @BFNC716

    Media Contact: Jennifer J Parker – jparker@jparkerpr.com
    716-866-4916

    THANK YOU TO WGRZ NEWS CHANNEL 2

    https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/special-reports/buffalo-mass-shooting/free-rides-to-grocery-store-medical-appointments-buffalo-residents-after-tops-mass-shooting/71-efc3ad7a-df1e-43db-ade6-5852cc0ea65f

    BFNC '“You Matter” Fund: To Help Provide Community Transportation Service

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    BUFFALO FEDERATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS
    HAS DEVELOPED A “YOU MATTER” FUND TO ADDRESS TRANSPORTATION NEEDS OF RESIDENTS LIVING IN THE FRUITBELT and OTHER EASTSIDE COMMUNITIES

    BFNC FUND TO HELP PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO ACCESS GROCERY SHOPPING and HEALTH CARE SERVICES

    Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) has established a fund to help the Fruit Belt and other east side residents who shop at the Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue. Recognizing the importance of serving community members living in the Fruit Belt and surrounding East Side neighborhoods, the BFNC CEO, Chandra Redfern saw a need for the agency to fill a much-needed service gap.

    “BFNC has observed the impact to the community from the tragic mass shooting on Saturday.
    As a result, the local Tops Supermarket that served as the only viable food source for many East Side residents is currently closed. This has not only affected the residents in the zip codes 14208 and 14209, but the impact is also being felt by residents residing in the Fruitbelt and several neighborhoods on the East Side such as the 14204 and 14212 neighborhoods,” stated Chandra Redfern, BFNC CEO.

    Redfern adds, “We see the growing needs as the number of BFNC Pantry shoppers increase weekly and the increase in calls for youth support services, care management and residential services.”

    The BFNC “You Matter” Fund will address transportation needs to access other community grocery stores and transportation for those in need of mental health services to address the trauma caused by the Mass Shooting.

    DETAILS ABOUT THE BFNC TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE

    • The Transportation assistance is for grocery shopping, physical and mental health appointments for residents living in 14204 and 14212.
    • For more information or to schedule a ride contact Letrice at 716-856-0363
    • There is a limit of 8 rides per month per customer.
    • Participants will have access to rides from BFNC volunteers or a taxi service that the agency has retained to provide transportation.

    Donations to the fund can be made on the BFNC website at:  https://bfnc.org/how-to-help/ways-to-donate/ or call 716-856-0363.

    About Buffalo Federation of Community Centers (BFNC): BFNC assists community members with overcoming life obstacles. BFNC has over 125 years of serving the Buffalo community and providing a safety-net of human services to assist residents with mental illness, substance abuse, affordable housing, financial training, and tax assistance. We also provide quality youth programming and services that assist and provide guidance as they create their paths to success. Learn more at www.bfnc.org.  Follow our stories on Facebook: buffalobfnc, LinkedIn and Tik Tok @BFNC716

    Media Contact: Jennifer J Parker – jparker@jparkerpr.com
    716-866-4916

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    Westminster Commons New Senior Housing Development is a Collaborative Project

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    Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers Reimagines An Eastside Community with New Affordable Senior Housing and A Renovated Community House

    (Buffalo, New York) The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) vision of a modern and thriving senior community is now a reality. On August 12, 2021, BFNC Staff, government leaders and supporters help celebrate the completion of a $23.2 million housing and healthcare development for seniors in the city of Buffalo. Westminster Commons, located in a quiet community, is near essential services and a public transit bus route. The new housing community located on the city’s East Side includes a newly constructed apartment building with 84 affordable and supportive apartment and a renovated historic Westminster Settlement House which will house a federally qualified healthcare center, physical therapy suite, adult day programming, bank, and offices for staff providing supportive services to the residents.

    Chandra Redfern, Chief Executive Officer, Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Inc., said, “We are thankful for the assistance and funding we have received in helping a long-time vision come full circle. We want residents to feel that they are part of a thriving community; a community that provides affordable and quality housing options, is walkable, and where senior residents have access to medical care and other services that allow them to live a quality life.”

    Westminster Commons has 84 energy-efficient one- and two-bedroom apartments for adults aged 55 and older in a single, four-story elevator building. All apartments are affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Forty apartments are reserved for seniors with a history of mental illness. As an “Aging in Place” apartment community, residents will have access to on-site supportive services provided at the nearby Westminster House. Services include case management, benefits advocacy, financial management, job skills training and assistance with medical care. The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Inc. is the supportive service provider and co-developer with Rochester’s Cornerstone Group. The Westminster Settlement House, originally constructed in 1893 and part of the Westminster Commons Community, has been transformed into a community service facility with health-oriented services for both residents
    and the community. Services include a certified senior adult day care program, a federally qualified healthcare center, an Evans Bank branch, a commercial kitchen and beauty salon. The renovated settlement house also includes offices for staff providing supportive services to the residents and community outreach space.

    Westminster Commons is part of the Governor’s commitment to providing all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing, which is reflected in the state's $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan. The plan makes housing accessible and combats homelessness by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing. Since 2011, TK New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested more than $112 million on Buffalo’s East Side to build or preserve 1,200 affordable housing units that are creating homes for more than 2,700 people.  State financing for Westminster Commons includes federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generate about $14 million in equity and an additional $3 million in subsidy from HCR through its Supportive Housing Opportunity Program and Urban Community Investment Fund. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provides $3.4 million through the Homeless Housing Assistance Program. Additional financing is provided by The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Office of The Honorable Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, the New York
    State Energy Research and Development Authority and Federal and State Historic Tax Credit equity.
    The New York State Office of Mental Health provided project based rental subsidies and services funding for 26 units through the Governor’s Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and 14 more through its Scattered Site Supportive Housing Program. The city of Buffalo provided $350,000 in HOME funds.

    “Westminster Commons is another great project for our seniors who are now able to enjoy a vibrant and supportive living space, with all the amenities and important on-site services, right within their community,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown, noting that since 2006, his Administration has strategically committed $58 million for affordable housing projects that have leveraged $470 million in development and created over 2,266 new housing units for city residents, senior citizens, and veterans. “In a city where 27 percent of our population is age 55 and over – a demographic that is continuing to rise — it is imperative that we continue to address the current and future affordable
    housing needs of our older residents. Westminster Commons represents the importance of having safe and affordable homes for our seniors to age in place, in the communities they know and love.”

    “We are proud to partner with the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers and Rochester’s Cornerstone Group on this $23.2 million senior and supportive housing development for 84 households,” said HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “It is our strong vote of confidence in the future of the East Side where revitalization efforts already are making a positive impact on the community. Governor Cuomo’s strategic investment in Buffalo’s East Side is transforming the area with new commercial activity, access to health services, and affordable housing that allows seniors to live independently in the neighborhood they call home.”

    ABOUT BUFFALO FEDERATION OF COMMUNITY CENTERS (BFNC): We assist community members with overcoming life obstacles. BFNC has over 125 years of serving the Buffalo community and providing a safety-net of human services to assist residents with mental illness, substance abuse, affordable housing, financial training, and tax assistance. We also provide quality youth programming and services that assist and provide guidance as they create their paths to success. Learn more at www.bfnc.org. Follow our stories on Facebook: @buffalobfnc

    BFNC HOPE CENTER Selected to Assist with COVID Relief

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    LIFE HAS BEEN CHALLENGING! ASSISTANCE WITH UTILITIES and ACCESS TO FOOD IS AVAILABLE TO QUALIFYING INDIVIDUALS. PLEASE CALL 2-1-1.

    Embrace the Spirit of Neighborhood: “Be a Good Neighbor” Campaign to Assist & Uplift

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    “We continue to remember the tradition of being a good neighbor and providing services to the Buffalo and Niagara County communities that show the care that neighbors share. Although our service neighborhoods have expanded to now include Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Lockport, NY, we remain committed to the belief that a city’s strength can be attributed to its residents and the neighborhoods they live,” stated Richard I. Herrera, MSW, CEO of the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC).

    During the month of November and December 2020 the BFNC has planned a few community activities to encourage the spirit of caring and assisting our neighbors.

    Herrera added, “Our clients and neighbors are struggling during this pandemic.  We continue to serve by providing those in most need of care residential services, medical guidance, food and health and wellness activities to uplift and empower.”

    “During the Covid – 19 shut down, BFNC immediately began planning for a new way to continue services and develop new programs that would fill emerging needs. We were energized by how the staff embraced the challenges and saw it as an opportunity to create a transformational agency,” stated Richard I. Herrera.

    The Youth Services department made a quick pivot to adjust their outreach to a digital platform.  “The programming has been successful.  Our staff brainstormed and included input from our teen participants to develop new programming that they believed would make an impact in their lives, among their families and the Buffalo and Niagara Falls communities, stated Dan Bolden, Program Director of Youth Services-Erie, Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Inc.

    “BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR” PLANNED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

    1. The Introduction of a new digital community cooking series: BFNC Cooking with Soul with Chef Stephen Forman. The cooking segments are shown on Facebook and the BFNC You Tube Channel every Thursday evening from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

    Youth Director Dan Bolden shared the importance of developing a cooking show. “During the pandemic I feel it is important that we try to reach our youth where they are. We are attempting to nurture their interests and give them something positive to watch on our social media outlets. My hope is that it brings youth and their families together and help with options when it comes to healthy food choices and meal planning. I think that Chef Stephen Forman did a good job creating meals that interest everyone.” 

    2. Thanksgiving Grocery Give Away (November 19, 2020)

    Annually during the month of November, BFNC has hosted a community Thanksgiving Dinner.  This year the dinner is cancelled to protect the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the agency will continue the tradition of giving by hosting a Thanksgiving Grocery Give Away.  The community is invited on Thursday, November 19, 2020 to participate. Community members are invited to Walk up beginning at 11 am and receive a bag of Thanksgiving grocery items or residents can Drive up beginning at noon to receive a Thanksgiving grocery bag.  Covid-19 Safety rules apply.  All participants must wear masks and follow socially distancing requirements.

    III.  BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR RECOGNITION

    The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers is committed to building stronger neighborhoods and communities.  The agency believes it begins with each person and each resident.  BFNC has asked the staff and the Buffalo community to share stories about a neighbor who should be recognized on the BFNC Facebook page.  On December 14, 2020, BFNC will raffle a few prizes to GOOD NEIGHBOR nominees.  Profiles of Good Neighbors can be viewed on Facebook @bfncbuffalo. https://www.facebook.com/buffalobfnc

     About Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers:Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC), a community agency with over 125 years of serving the Buffalo community, provides a safety-net of human services to assist residents living in low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods throughout Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Lockport, New York. BFNC provides coordinated and customized programs focused on individuals, families, youth, and seniors, by helping with housing, rehabilitation, financial management, vocational assistance, social development, and other supportive services. Learn more at www.bfnc.org.  

    # # #

    BFNC NIAGARA: Community Collaboration "Take Care of You Day"

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    Buffalo FEDERATION of NEIGHBORHOOD Centers NIAGARA COUNTY WAS THE CO-HOST OF “TAKE CARE OF YOU DAY”
    A COVID-19 Testing and COVID-19 SAFETY BAG GIVEAWAY

    What:  BFNC Niagara County, the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) &  Bethany Baptist Church Invite the Niagara Falls Community to “Take Care of You Day”

    • Covid – 19 Testing – Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC)
    • Covid – 19 Safety Bag Give Away – BFNC Niagara

    Who: Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Staff
    BFNC Niagara County Staff

    When: Wednesday, September 16,2020
    Time: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

    Where: Bethany Missionary Baptist Church
    2002 Forest Avenue, Niagara Falls NY, 14301

    Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers logo, Buffalo NY

    BFNC’s doors are open to all people and communities – helping them navigate a path from where they are to where they want to be.

    CONTACT BFNC

    716.852.5065

    2365 Main Street
    Buffalo, NY 14214

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