Our Mission

We partner with individuals of all abilities to reach their fullest potential, protecting their rights and promoting their independence and inclusion in our community.

Mindy Cervoni

Mindy Cervoni

President & CEO

Community Services was founded by Mark Foley and began offering services in Western New York in 1989. At that time, there were 50 employees, many of whom were part-time, working out of a rented storefront on Hertel Avenue.

Today, Community Services provides supports to over 2,200 people in 8 counties across WNY and employs over 950 staff members. The Agency’s administrative offices are strategically located throughout Erie County with offices in Buffalo, Lackawanna, Kenmore and North Tonawanda.

While the Agency has grown significantly over the years, its commitment to providing person-centered, customized services remains the same. The Agency is recognized by many throughout the field for its ability to support those who need it, despite whatever challenges or circumstances they might face. We empower individuals to reach their fullest potential by providing one-on-one support and a wide range of services to promote dignity, independence, and community inclusion. While we primarily serve those living with an intellectual or developmental disability, our services are also available to individuals who may have life circumstances requiring a little extra support. We offer a variety of housing options, employment services, care management, victim services and more – all designed to fulfill the individual’s needs and goals.

In recent years…

In 2015

Mark R. Foley, our Founder, President & CEO retired and was succeeded by Mindy Cervoni.  Mindy, as is the case with most of our Senior Management Team, has had a dedicated career at Community Services.  She joined the agency in 2001 and moved up through a variety of positions.

In 2017

We received our first federal grant from the Department of Justice, Office on Violence against Women, to partner with the Family Justice Center in improving access to domestic violence supports for people with disabilities. We also opened our innovative Jefferson Career Exploration Center, with the help of many community partners, to support people with disabilities learning pre-vocational and work skills.

In 2018

The agency evolved from its original name and mission statement. Community Services for Every1 eliminated the labeling of people who receive supports from the agency and also recognized our expanding mission to support people with various life needs in community integrated settings. In 2018, we also opened our newest 32-unit independent living apartment complex at Ridgeway Commons in Lackawanna, NY. Community Services now provides supports to 1,600 people in 7 counties across WNY and employs 900 staff members.

In 2019

We celebrated our 30th anniversary!