• Posts

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

    /in , ,

    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.”

    , ,

    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.
    ###

     

    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

    BFNC Continues to Serve Community: Youth/Mother/Senior Programs in 2025

    /in ,

    ABOUT BFNC:
    The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, a community-based agency, has a collaborative history of over 130 years serving the Buffalo community. We provide a safety net of human services to assist Erie and Niagara Counties residents on their path to success.

    2025 ANNOUNCEMENTS

    1. We are proud to announce an expansion of the BFNC Mommy Matters Program.
    2. BFNC INTRODUCES YOUTH MATTERS: Youth Conversations – A VISION COMES FULL CIRCLE

    OFFERING A SAFE SPACE for Youth ages 12 and up  to share their life concerns and share their voices on a list of topics that they face in life.

    A safe space to discuss life
    • Age– 12 and up
    • Bi-weekly Sessions
    • Each session starts at 5pm & ends around 7pm
    • Location:
    Urban Christian Ministries
    967 Jefferson Avenue
    Buffalo, NY 14204

    3. BFNC LIFE CENTER Introduces a new empowering Opportunity for Community Older Adults THE BFNC and AmeriCorps SENIOR COMPANION PROJECT

    WE THANK OUR COMMUNITY COLLABORATORS FOR HELPING US PROVIDE PROGRAMS THAT HELP ASSIST and UPLIFT COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

     

    THE EXHALE PROGRAM: Caregivers, You Deserve the Time to Exhale

    /in ,
    CAREGIVERS, YOU DESERVE TIME TO EXHALE
    Introducing The Gathering Place – Senior Respite Program

    We invite your loved ones to experience “THE GATHERING PLACE” at The BFNC Life Center @ Westminster Community House.

    WHAT IS THE GATHERING PLACE?

    A program designed to provide fun and uplifting activities created for seniors and offers much needed help for their caregivers. If you need a break, or just

    need to run errands during the day, or simply take a moment to yourself on Saturday mornings.

    • FOR SENIORS 55 and Older
    • A FREE PROGRAM – No cost to participate
    • Planned fun activities designed for seniors and Caregivers
    • Seniors enjoy time with others in a safe environment
    • Convenient locations in Buffalo: the BFNC Life Center @ Westminster Community House, the and the Schiller Park Senior Center.
    THE GATHERING PLACE at BFNC is open for services.

    WHERE: The BFNC Life Center @ Westminster Community House
    419 Monroe Street – Buffalo, NY 14212

    *** For more information, please call the BFNC Life Center at 716-852-5065 ext. 132.***

     

    FILL OUT OUR INFORMATION REQUEST FORM HERE

     

    A REGIONAL COLLABORATION created by five community-based organizations: Collaborating partners are BFNC, Seneca Babcock Association @ Schiller Park Senior Center, Erie County Senior Services, Hearts & Hands and Clinical 

        

     

    Watch a short video showing a relaxing Yoga session for seniors:  IMG_1033

    EXHALE PROGRAM OVERVIEW and WAYS TO VOLUNTEER
    https://hnhcares.org/exhale-program/

    Download Flyer ExhaleFlyerFinal_BFNC_RevOct

    The EXHALE Respite Programs:   

    Schiller Park Senior Center Respite
    (Seneca – Babcock  Community Association, Inc. at Schiller Park Senior Center

    BFNC- Life Center

    Call 716-852-5065 ext. 132 for details. 

    Caregivers – How are you?

    /in ,

    This is a question the BFNC Director leading the Age Mastery Series for Care Givers would like to know.  According to the National Council of Aging, approximately 40 million Americans provide unpaid care to older adults and adults with disabilities—the majority of whom also juggle a job or other responsibilities.

    This important responsibility can be overwhelming for many of us.  The April 11, 2022, Zoom Discussion at 6:00 pm is about how to create a plan to take care of you and your loved one.  Care Givers Share is an interactive discussion designed for caregivers.

    During the workshop participants will hear Caregivers and senior resource experts share how to manage your life as a caregiver – Life lessons learned.

    • Panelists will share strategies, tools, and resources for coping with stress and exhaustion.
    • Learn about local resources where you can receive assistance
    • Learn ways you can Take Care of You.
    • Resource Experts and Caregivers can answer your questions.

    YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

    REGISTER FOR THE APRIL 11 DISCUSSION: Enjoy this session in the comforts of your home. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caregivers-share-tickets-312953431137

     

    LISTEN WHEN YOU HAVE TIME TO LISTEN!

    GREAT PODCAST DISCUSSION ABOUT HELPING CAREGIVERS: “BFNC LIVING”
    EPISODE I – HELPING CAREGIVERS https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bfnc-living-ep1/id1599341227?i=1000556455269

     

    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

    QUICK LINKS

    Please enter your email below to join our mailing list!

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    © 2025 Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers. All Rights Reserved. Homepage video produced by 24NY Consulting. Website designed by OtherWisz Creative.