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

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 NeighborsHonorees 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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Community Mental Health Awareness Weekend

Supporting Our Youth: Community Care Weekend

MAY 20 & 21, 2022

Join us for a Mental Health Awareness Weekend – hosted by the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) of Niagara County and Niagara Falls community partners – focused on elevating a Community Discussion and Call to Action to address the increasing Mental Health impact among Adolescents in Niagara Falls, NY.
Download the event flyer here >

ACTIVITIES FOR
Friday, May 20, 2022

Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: The Doris Jones Resource Center Auditorium at the Niagara Falls Housing Authority – 3001 9th St, Niagara Falls, NY 14305

Film Screening
The community is invited to view the awards winning film, “Fight for Good” featuring the Community Health Center of Niagara (CHCN) of Buffalo, Inc. A local documentary project, produced in collaboration with the Community Health Center of Niagara, Inc., presents a 22-minute film exploring the center’s work, during the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 disproportionately affects communities of color, highlighting the inequities of our healthcare system. The CHCN’s overarching mission is to reduce health disparities in our society and city. In “Fight for Good,” a CHCN executive and two physicians – all women of color – are captured in an unguarded style, revealing both their personal motivations and their higher goals. —Jana Eisenberg

  • The film screening will be followed by a youth panel discussion and refreshments.
  • Community service and health vendors will be present to provide attendees with information about mental health wellness and COVID-19

**MASKS ARE REQUIRED. **

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022: A COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS FAIR

Time: 12:00 pm Noon – 5:30 pm

Where: Legend Park
1285 11th St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301

Details:

  • Enjoy sporting activities and relaxing Yoga and Zumba exercises
  • Relax or dance to music
  • Visit the mental health wellness resource area
  • Be inspired and informed by remarks from the main stage
  • Enjoy tasty treats and a complimentary lunch

 

HEAR INSPIRING REMARKS FROM …

Robert Lowery

Motivational Speaker, Leadership Consultant, Author and Podcaster

Robert Lowery, a Niagara Falls Native, is the founder of RL Experience, a consulting service focused on youth development, leadership, and community engagement. As a certified Life and Leadership Coach he is dedicated to empowering and uplifting people  to create a career and life they desire and deserve.

Robert is a graduate of Lasalle Senior High School in the Falls and  he received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Buffalo State College.

 

Karl Shallowhorn

Mental Heath Advocate, Author, Speaker, Newspaper Columnist and Creator of The Podcast Mental Health Verses and TedX Speaker 

In his own words – ” I empower individuals who live with mental health challenges to work towards their potential”

 

 

Mental Health Awareness Weekend
EVENT COMMITTEE

Richard Thomas, LMSW
Chair of the Adolescent Mental Health Awareness Committee
Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers of Niagara County Program Director
Rhonda Bivins-TalleyNiagara University – Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement / IMPACT Office
Rev. Ray AllenNOAH
Leslie NickersonNOAH
Ben BunkerNiagara County Youth Bureau
Karla ThomasCommunity Health Center of Niagara
Charles WalkerCommunity Health Center of Niagara
Brian ArchieNiagara Falls Memorial Medical Center