Buffalo Fruit Belt Archives

BFNC FALL FEST 2026! THE COMMUNITY FUN and THE OPPORTUNTIES FOR COMMUNITY VENDORS

June 25, 2026/in Announcements, Event, Info To Know

The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) is excited to host our annual Fall Fest on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5:30–8:00 PM at 76 Orange Street, Buffalo, NY.

This free community celebration brings families together for an evening of fun and wellness. Activities will include pony rides, face painting, health and wellness vendors, DJ music, great food, and more. The event provides a meaningful opportunity for organizations like yours to connect with families, share resources, and strengthen community partnerships.

COMMUNITY VENORS, PLEASE BE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY EVENT

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM https://forms.gle/wiFAPFKgkdMTe8ZE6

We would be delighted to have your organization join us as a participating partner. Your involvement helps ensure that our community members receive valuable support and information. Participating partners are asked to host a table or tent to share materials and engage with attendees about the services you provide.

Please confirm your participation by August 14, 2026, so we can include your organization in our planning and promotional materials.
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM https://forms.gle/wiFAPFKgkdMTe8ZE6
To confirm or request additional details, please contact LaShawn Brown at 716-856-0363 ext. 246 or lbrown@bfnc.org.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our community. We look forward to celebrating with you this fall.

Warm regards,
LaShawn Brown

Director of Youth Services
76 Orange Street
Buffalo, NY 14204
Ph: (716) 856-0363 x246
Fax: (716) 856-1432

FallFestFlyer26

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

June 18, 2022/in Announcements, Event, Press Releases

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:

Neighborhood Health Impact Award – Dr. Lavonne Ansari, Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc.
Neighborhood Care Award – Pastor Art Hall, The Journey Church
Neighborhood Community Investment (Group) Award – Evans Bank
Community Reinvestment Award – Karla Gadley, Five Star Bank
Neighborhood Youth Impact Award – Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Omega Mentoring Program
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: To Help Provide Community Transportation Service

May 25, 2022/in Announcements, News, Press Releases

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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Reimagining Community: Enjoy our New Magazine!

February 7, 2022/in Announcements, News

Enjoy our New Magazine: BFNC LIVING

Click the link below to read or download your own copy. It’s a quick read.

BFNC Newsletter_JanFeb_2022_LowRes

Breakfast with Santa Hosted at the Moot Center

December 23, 2021/in Announcements, Event

Our First Breakfast with Santa in the Fruit Belt Community
The BFNC CEO, Chandra Redfern, expressed that she wanted to host a single parent family Holiday event to provide a morning of uplifting parents and their children. The BFNC staff, community sponsors, and several volunteers that included members of Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, Buffalo Chapter and numerous gift donors worked to make the breakfast an enjoyable experience. Our guests selected their hot breakfast choices and were served by volunteers. After their breakfast, there was the Big Raffle! Raffle items included a large flat screen TV, an Air fryer, Visa Gift cards, movie theme baskets, and more. After the raffle, storyteller Karima Amin shared two engaging stories with the families. Story time was followed by a visit from Santa and his little helpers. To the families surprise each family received a bag of gifts for their children and a special comfort bag filled with relaxing gift items for the parents. We look forward to creating “Breakfast with Santa” 2022! The photos help tell the story. More Photos can be seen on Facebook @buffalobfnc.

The Holiday Smiles Were Uplifting

Santa was a Standout

Great Things Happen with Great People and Caring Hearts

A THANK YOU TO SPONORS, GIFT DONORS and COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS

West Herr Chevy of Williamsville *(GOLD SPONSOR)

Colby Development, LLC
Doing The Will of God Church
Ephesus Ministries
Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, Buffalo Chapter
BFNC Board of Directors

GIFT DONORS

Elmwood Kiwanis Club
Evans Bank Tonawanda and Amherst Branches
Home Beneath Our Feet, Inc.

COMMUNITY HELPERS who saw a need and helped in so many ways.

Debbie of Interior Furniture
Mike of Southwest Spirits
Thaddeus Dunn, the Founder and CEO of Right Fit Recruiting, LLC
Photos by Nancy Parisi www.nancyjparisi.com

BFNC FALL 2021 Community Events

November 10, 2021/in Announcements, Event, News

Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers Community Events for Fall 2021

I. Tuesday, November 9, 2021, A Fruit Belt Neighborhood Conversation

The BFNC New CEO, Chandra Redfern is inviting the community to a Conversation about the Fruit Belt neighborhood. BFNC, an agency founded and located in the Fruit belt, would like to hear the thoughts and visions of neighbors about community and share information about BFNC services that can help community residents.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021 – 6:00 pm @ the Moot Center 292 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 Conversations and Refreshments. Please let us know if you can attend.
Call: (716)856-0363 or Email: lharwell@bfnc.org

II. Thursday, November 18, 2021, The Annual Seniors Thanksgiving Luncheon is Back!
*** SEATING FOR THIS EVENT IS CLOSED. NO ADDITIONAL SEATINGS AVAILABLE. ****

This year we have added an additional gift of care. A LIMITED NUMBER OF COMMUNITY SENIORS will receive a FREE Gift Grocery Gift Card to purchase a Turkey during the BFNC #BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR – THANKSGIVING TURKEY GIVE AWAY. ** LIMITED SUPPLY FOR GIVEAWAY** More Details to Come.

Seniors Thanksgiving Luncheon
*** EVENT IS NOW CLOSED!
*** We have reached capacity for this event. ***

COVID-19 SAFETY has reduced the number of seating for the luncheon.

III. Breakfast with Santa – A Holiday Event for Single Parents and their children
****REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. SPACE WAS LIMITED. *****
* We have reached capacity for this event. COVID-19 SAFETY has reduced the number of seating for the luncheon.
Saturday, December 18, 2021– Breakfast with Santa Holiday Event – We are celebrating single parents and their children on this day.

***COVID SAFETY: Facial Masks are required for parents and children.***

IV. A Workshop Series for SENIORS, CAREGIVERS and COMMUNITY RESIDENTS based upon The Age Mastery Programs (AMP) created by the National Council on Aging. The workshop series review pathways that help you create a manageable plan for living your best life.
When: November through January 2022 (Zoom and in person events)

To Register and for information Call: (716) 853-0600 ext. 132
REGISTER BY PHONE: Call (716)853-0600 ext. 132
REGISTER BY EMAIL: Email dball@bfnc.org

To learn more about BFNC Events and our community stories follow us on social media. Facebook: buffalobfnc, Instagram: buffalobfnc, Linkedin: Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers

BFNC FALL Community Events

November 7, 2021/in Announcements, Event

Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers Community Events for Fall 2021

I. Tuesday, November 9, 2021, A Fruit Belt Neighborhood Conversation

The BFNC New CEO, Chandra Redfern is inviting the community to a Conversation about the Fruit Belt neighborhood. BFNC, an agency founded and located in the Fruit belt, would like to hear the thoughts and visions of neighbors about community and share information about BFNC services that can help community residents.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021 – 6:00 pm @ the Moot Center 292 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 Conversations and Refreshments. Please let us know if you can attend.
Call: (716)856-0363 or Email: lharwell@bfnc.org

II. Thursday, November 18, 2021, The Annual Seniors Thanksgiving Luncheon is Back!
*** SEATING FOR THIS EVENT IS CLOSED. NO ADDITIONAL SEATINGS AVAILABLE. ****

This year we have added an additional gift of care. A LIMITED NUMBER OF COMMUNITY SENIORS will receive a FREE Grocery Gift Card during the BFNC #BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR – THANKSGIVING GIVE AWAY. ** LIMITED SUPPLY FOR GIVAWAY** More Details to Come.

Event Details: Seniors Thanksgiving Luncheon
Thursday, November 18,2021
*** EVENT IS CLOSED!
*** We have reached capacity for this event. ***

COVID-19 SAFETY has reduced the number of seating for the luncheon.

III. Breakfast with Santa – A Holiday Event for Single Parents and their children

****REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.***
* We have reached capacity for this event. COVID-19 SAFETY has reduced the number of seating for the luncheon.
Saturday, December 18, 2021– Breakfast with Santa Holiday Event – We are celebrating single parents and their children on this day.

***COVID SAFETY: Facial Masks are required for parents and children.***

IV. A Workshop Series for SENIORS, CAREGIVERS and COMMUNITY RESIDENTS based upon The Age Mastery Programs (AMP) created by the National Council on Aging. The workshop series review pathways that help you create a manageable plan for living your best life.
When: November through January 2022 (Zoom and in person events)

To Register and for information Call: (716) 853-0600 ext. 132
REGISTER BY PHONE: Call (716)853-0600 ext. 132
REGISTER BY EMAIL: Email dball@bfnc.org

To learn more about BFNC Events and our community stories follow us on social media. Facebook: buffalobfnc, Instagram: buffalobfnc, Linkedin: Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers

BFNC is Building a Foundation of Community Service: “We Are Reimagining Community”

October 21, 2021/in Announcements, News

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

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