Funding supports the agency’s permanent supportive housing solutions for underserved people.
Buffalo, NY– March 27, 2024 – The M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB), today announced that it has awarded $30,000 to Community Services for Every1. The grant is part of the 30 & 30 Initiative in which 30 organizations across the bank’s footprint received $30,000 to fight homelessness and develop affordable housing in low- to moderate-income communities. The 30 & 30 Initiative was launched in commemoration of the foundation’s 30th anniversary.
“We are grateful to have been recognized and selected to receive this award from The M&T Charitable Foundation. Over the last three decades, Community Services has developed and provided permanent supportive housing solutions for underserved people and families in Erie and Niagara Counties. This award will directly contribute to our continued growth in this vital area.” said Mindy Cervoni, President and CEO.
Since 1989, Community Services for Every1 has been dedicated to fulfilling its mission to partner with individuals of all abilities to reach their fullest potential, protecting their rights and promoting their independence and inclusion in our community. Annually, the agency supports over 2,200 individuals in Erie and Niagara Counties, specializing in aiding people who contend with acute life challenges—notably (1) people with developmental disabilities, (2) youth and adults with chronic health conditions and complex mental health concerns and (3) survivors of domestic violence. Community Services provides a comprehensive spectrum of trauma-informed, person-centered supports, including an array of care coordination, residential services, skill building, employment services, advocacy, behavioral intervention services, and more.
“Since its beginning, the foundation’s reach and impact for organizations like Community Services for Every1 have been expansive, profound, and lasting,” said Dominique Goss, Executive Director of the M&T Charitable Foundation. “The 30 & 30 Initiative is a sign of what’s to come for the next 30 years and reflects our commitment to tackling critical issues like affordable housing and supporting efforts to provide families the ability to live and thrive in the communities we serve.”
Supporting the development of affordable housing is an important part of the bank’s $43 billion Community Growth Plan which includes $20 billion for community development initiatives and affordable housing.
More than 90 different organizations were nominated by teams in each of the company’s regions.
To finalize the 30 recipient organizations and distribute the funding, the Foundation collaborated with OutcomesX, a first-of-its-kind social outcomes market that leverages Impact Genome Registry’s (IGR) impact standard to bring transparency and equity to the social sector.
To execute the initiative, nominated organizations were asked to register their program with IGR to ensure it met the Foundation’s criteria. Using the standardized information, M&T employees in each region voted for their charity of choice, assisting in the selection of the 30 grant-recipient organizations.
The finalist organizations were then required to verify their impact with the IGR. This process enabled the Foundation to understand the actual social impact that each organization and grant had on the communities they serve. Each $30,000 grant is unrestricted so that resources can be allocated where they are needed most, enabling the organizations to address evolving community needs and challenges.
Founded in 1993, the M&T Charitable Foundation works in partnership with non-profit organizations that focus on improving the quality of life for the bank’s customers, employees, and neighbors. Awarding nearly $40 million in grants each year, the Foundation has given more than $534 million to thousands of nonprofit organizations throughout its 30-year existence.
For more information on the 30 & 30 Initiative, including the full list of grant recipients and their locations, please click here. https://www3.mtb.com/amplifyfund
About Community Services for Every1
Community Services for Every1 is a nonprofit whose mission is to partner with individuals of all abilities to reach their fullest potential, protecting their rights and promoting their independence and inclusion in our community. Community Services provides a comprehensive range of services such as habilitation services, domestic violence support services, family support services, employment and skill-building services, behavioral and mental health services, and much more. For the past 35 years, Community Services for Every1 has been providing high quality, person-centered services to the Western New York community while promoting inclusion, accessibility, and person-centered support. For more information, visit www.csevery1.com.
About M&T Charitable Foundation
The M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization founded in 1993 and funded by M&T Bank. The M&T Charitable Foundation awards nearly $40 million in grants per year to thousands of nonprofit organizations focused on improving the quality of life in the areas the bank serves.
About M&T Bank
M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T’s principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in 12 states across the eastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more information on M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com.
OutcomesX is a social outcomes market whose mission is to transform social impact into a tradable good that impact investors, corporations, and philanthropy can purchase from vetted nonprofits and social enterprises. OutcomesX creates the infrastructure to standardize, price, trade, and report on social impact where outcome buyers benefit from price discovery and verified data to inform social spend, and impact producers get access to liquidity and reduced fundraising and reporting burden. Above all, OutcomesX brings efficiency and equity to the business of social impact, allowing any organization, large, small, or community-led, access to capital based on their results.
The grant funds Community Services’ Buffalo TIES (Togetherness, Inclusion & Empowerment Strategies), which expands the availability and accessibility of community-based employment and volunteer opportunities for young adults with disabilities.
BUFFALO, NY– Community Services for Every1, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has been awarded $123,000 from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for their Buffalo TIES program. The grant enables Community Services to assist 200 individuals with disabilities to acquire employability and socialization skills, help 150 individuals with disabilities achieve personal goals for empowerment and community inclusion, and help 50 individuals with disabilities secure long-term employment/volunteer opportunities in the Buffalo community.
“We are deeply grateful to Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for this grant to our Buffalo TIES program. This grant will greatly amplify our capacity to provide comprehensive and impactful programs that positively transform the lives of those we serve, fostering empowerment, inclusion, and lasting change in our community” said Mindy Cervoni, President and CEO of Community Services for Every1.
“As we look back at the compounding crises of the last few years, the health-related needs of vulnerable communities have only grown. Our grantees have demonstrated tremendous resilience, creativity, and dedication to serving those in need, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have such detrimental impact,” said Alfred F. Kelly, Jr., Executive Chairman of Visa and Chair of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation Board.
The funding provided by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation enables Community Services to continue their impact of helping individuals with disabilities to achieve their highest potential and attain independence and inclusion in the WNY community.
GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $8.8 MILLION AWARDED TO CREATE 35 UNITS OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING IN NIAGARA AND CHENANGO COUNTIES
Projects Awarded Funding Will Create 35 Units and 76 Beds of Permanent Supportive Housing for Formerly Homeless New Yorkers
These Developments Build on the Governor’s Commitment to Increase the Housing Supply Across New York
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $8.8 million has been awarded to two projects in Niagara and Chenango counties that will create 35 units and 76 beds of permanent supportive housing for families and individuals who have experienced homelessness.
“The creation of stable housing with easy access to supportive services is a vital part of our work to help vulnerable families and individuals who have experienced homelessness overcome their circumstances and thrive as part of the community,” Governor Hochul said. “These projects, when completed, hold the promise of changing lives for the better by helping give our fellow New Yorkers the tools they need to succeed.”
The grants were awarded through a competitive process by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, an important component of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion, comprehensive Housing Plan, which was initially adopted as part of the FY 2023 Budget. Governor Hochul’s plan will help create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations.
With these latest awards, HHAP has committed more than $26.8 million of the $128 million in funding provided in the FY 2024 budget. The projects awarded funding include:
Community Services for Every1, Inc., a $4.5 million to develop 18 units and 26 beds of permanent supportive housing in Niagara Falls for families and individuals. This is part of a larger project, The Nest, that will feature the new construction of a six-story mixed use building with a total of 73 units, a community room, on-site rental office, laundry facilities, tenant parking, and greenspace with a playground. The commercial space will be utilized by Community Services for Every1 to provide job readiness and workforce development for local residents.
Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc., $4.3 million to develop 17 units including 50 beds of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals and families in New Berlin. The project includes the preservation of seven existing units and 10 newly constructed units, as well as the moderate rehabilitation of three buildings and the gut rehabilitation of another.
In addition, United Veterans Beacon House, Inc. was awarded $18,285 to renovate a shared bathroom in a 10-bed emergency shelter in Suffolk County.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Acting Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “The state investment in these projects will expand the availability of safe, affordable housing that includes the provision of supportive services to formerly homeless families and individuals in these communities. Governor Hochul has rightly focused efforts on increasing the state’s supply of supportive and affordable housing across the state to make New York more affordable and livable for all.”
Community Services for Every1 CEO Mindy Cervoni said, “This award allows Community Services for Every1 to address significant unmet needs for affordable, quality, and supportive housing in the City of Niagara Falls. The Nestwill offer 18 permanent supportive housing units and will allow Community Services for Every1 to assist residents with any factors that contribute to their housing instability. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and OTDA Homeless Housing and Assistance Program for the recent announcement of awards. This award will provide critical funds to address the issue of homelessness.”
Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango Counties CEO Mark Silvanic said, “We are very happy to hear that we were awarded the HHAP grant this funding round. We have been fortunate to have completed several of these projects in Broome County. Our experience in facilitating these projects will help us to bring quality safe and affordable housing to Chenango County as well. Like many places in this country, Chenango is not immune to the housing crisis. Projects like this help to fight the growing housing insecurity that continues to plague our nation. We are pleased to be trusted with this funding, and we will do our best to continue the eradication of homelessness.”
Thank you Congressman Higgins for sharing the following press release:
Congressman Higgins Announces $450,000 for Program Expanding Domestic Violence Services to People with Disabilities; Resources Come as Nation Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced $450,000 in federal funding, through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women, has been awarded for the Helping Others through Protection and Empowerment (HOPE of WNY) program. The initiative is a joint project of the Family Justice Center and Community Services for Every1 which expands domestic violence support and services to people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
“HOPE of WNY is an initiative designed to ensure people of all abilities, who have been threatened or abused, have a safe place to turn,” said Congressman Higgins. “This funding will further the good work of this collaborative project in providing support and a way forward for those in need.”
“Community Services for Every1, in partnership with the Family Justice Center is grateful for the award from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women. Together, both agencies can continue our collaboration providing assistance and support to the underserved community, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Providing ample supports, resources and a safe place to live, is our number one goal.” said Mindy Cervoni, President and CEO at Community Services for Every1.
The award is provided through the Transitional Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking grant program. These grants support programs across the country, providing 6-24 months of transitional housing and support services to domestic violence victims in need of a secure home situation.
The Family Justice Center in partnership with Community Services for Every1 will use the funding to support more survivors in temporary housing with a focus on meeting the needs of the underserved, disabled, and limited English-speaking populations. In addition, the center will provide safety planning, childcare, transportation, financial counseling, job training, legal assistance, and other support services as needed. The project will also allow for an additional staff member to implement the program and provide follow-up support once permanent housing is secured.
HOPE of WNY helps to ensure that such individuals experiencing domestic violence are identified and linked to resources that provide help and healing. It is the first of its kind in the region.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. If you or someone you know is involved in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, contact the Family Justice Center at 716-585-SAFE (7233). In the case of an emergency dial 9-1-1 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $13 million in grants have been awarded by the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to seven nonprofit service providers statewide to fund career-specific vocational training opportunities for people with developmental disabilities over the next four years.
“Our state’s vibrant economy depends on the hard work and expertise of all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “People with developmental disabilities have the same desire and right to contribute to the workforce and to be self-sufficient. This funding will prepare people for success on the job and help employers fill vital vacancies.”
New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kerri Neifeld said, “With this targeted training initiative, we advance our understanding of what is possible for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. As we empower more people to work, we will demonstrate new, effective ways to support people and show the world the strength and success that results when employers fully embrace diversity and inclusion.
People with developmental disabilities traditionally have been under-represented in the general workforce. These career training programs will help people with developmental disabilities gain the skills and experience needed to secure employment and close the unemployment gap for people with disabilities.
In 2022, Governor Hochul recognized the need for increased vocational training opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and provided funding for OPWDD to develop and deliver career-specific vocational training that will prepare people to enter the workforce and enjoy fulfilling careers.
This action is in line with the Governor’s issuance of Executive Order 31 “Committing New York State to Becoming a Model Employer for People with Disabilities” and the launch of the annual DREAM symposium, and further builds on New York State’s commitment to supporting people with disabilities to pursue employment. The training developed and delivered through these grants will be combined with community vocational experiences funded through OPWDD’s comprehensive Home and Community-Based Services Waiver. The training will help people develop marketable skills that can meet the demands of today’s employers and lead to employment success. More people with developmental disabilities will be able to bring their personal contribution to the workforce, ensuring stronger, more diverse and inclusive communities.
Grants have been awarded to the following service providers:
Access: Supports for Living Inc.
AccessCNY, Inc.
Community Services for Every1, Inc.
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.
Jawonio, Inc.
AHRC NYC
Upstate Caring Partners
Access: Supports for Living Inc. President & CEO Ron Colavitosaid, “Access: Supports for Living Inc. was founded on the belief that people with disabilities had the ability to participate in meaningful, competitive employment and the desire to be part of welcoming workplaces. We have seen, time and again, that representation matters, and it yields immeasurable, positive impact on the person, their workplace, and their community. We applaud Governor Hochul and Commissioner Neifeld for their understanding and action to create more inclusive, diverse communities.”
Executive Director Paul Joslyn said, “AccessCNY is grateful for the opportunity to expand our employment services for people with disabilities in Central New York. In partnership with Upstate Caring Partners and three other providers, AccessCNY will train folks with disabilities for careers in food or janitorial services. We are excited to begin these classes in the coming weeks and working with the program’s graduates to find high quality jobs. The program continues AccessCNY’s mission of innovation to meet the changing needs of Central New York and creating a community where all people belong.”
Community Services for Every1, Inc. President and CEO Mindy Cervoni said, “Community Services for Every1 is honored to participate in this innovative initiative to enhance employment outcomes for people with developmental disabilities. The demand and outlook for hospitality jobs in our region remain strong. This training will equally benefit aspiring employees and local employers looking to strengthen their workforce.”
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. CEO Chris Long said, “We could not be more excited to partner with OPWDD to create innovative vocational training that will help to create sustainable employment opportunities those we support. We are so grateful for the support.”
Jawonio, Inc. CEO Randi Rios-Castro said, “Jawonio is truly honored to have been awarded the funding provided by OPWDD to provide retail training services. People with developmental disabilities are an essential part of our communities here in the Lower Hudson Valley Region and across New York State; and yet they have been underrepresented in the workforce for far too long. With Governor Hochul’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity, Jawonio can now empower individuals to acquire marketable skills that create pathways to success and fulfilling careers.”
AHRC NYC CEO Marco Damani said, “Researchers from Drexel University recently estimated that only 1.1 percent of working-age autistic adults who potentially need employment services are actually receiving them—leaving an estimated 1.98 million autistic people without the employment services that are associated with achievement of well-being. While these numbers may not be representative of the entire developmental disabilities population, there is clearly a need for more aggressive and progressive focus on optimizing employment and internship opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. AHRC NYC is proud to be a recipient of an OPWDD vocational training grant and is committed to partnering with NYS government to achieve full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace.”
Cerebral Palsy Associations of NYS President and CEO Mike Alvaro said, “We thank Governor Hochul for this critical funding, once again demonstrating this administration’s commitment to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. Employment is a fundamental part of who we are and how we connect with our communities, and these grants not only affirm that we indeed are part of the NY community, but they also enable people with developmental disabilities to participate and be productive members of the workforce on a much broader basis than past opportunities allowed.”
Kyle is one of our amazing dishwashers at Butera’s Restaurant. He can put a smile on anyone’s face, even if they are having the worst day. He makes sure he says hello to every employee when he comes in, many followed by a hug or high five. When he leaves, he loves to tell everyone he has been “set free” Kyle has become a huge part of our team and we could not be happier with the employee he is. As his shirt states, “Hugs are free, kisses are extra like me”
Written by Lindsay and Jimmy Butera, owners of Butera’s in Hamburg
The fight for an 8.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to end critical staffing shortages is far from over! These photos are a glance into last week’s rally in Albany. Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of our industry- without them we would not be able to provide programming and supports to those with I/DD.
Every week, our Pre-Voc students drop off our compost from the Culinary Arts Suite to one of the 34 and More compost drop offs in the city of Buffalo. Composting our food waste weekly helps us leave as small of a footprint as possible when it comes to waste, and educates our students about the importance of food waste. This also encourages our students and the community to think about their food beyond buying and cooking. To learn more, visit buffalorecycles.org/.
Buffalo Community Fridge
Students in all of our classes learned the importance of giving back to our community through food distribution and minimizing waste. Any time the kitchen has extra food or ingredients that would not be used otherwise, they are walked over to our local Buffalo Community Fridge. This is a mutual aid network of fridges with a goal of strengthening communities and addressing food insecurity. We discuss the importance of a healthy balanced diet, and making sure those ingredients are available to all. To get involved or learn more about the fridges, visit www.buffalocommunityfridges.com/
Buffalo Niagara Convention Center
During our Restaurant and Banquet training session, our hospitality students had a unique opportunity to put their banquet training skills to the test! Cory Watson, the Convention Center’s Director of Food and Beverage, prepared an area for the students to practice several tasks that are assigned when setting up for an event. From applying chair covers to folding napkins, our students had so much fun learning and creating a beautiful table arrangement!
Buffalo Niagara Partnership
This past summer, our hospitality students were invited to participate in a bus tour (organized by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership) that highlighted several businesses in the Customer Service industry. Visiting locations such as Univera Health Care, Wegman’s and Independent Health, students were able to meet and chat with industry professionals who pride themselves on going above and beyond for their customers.
Hilton Garden Inn
During our Front Desk Representative training, our hospitality students were able to participate in a 2-day on site learning experience with the Hilton Garden Inn. From decorating the lobby for March Madness to riding along on an airport shuttle pick-up, students had an awesome opportunity to really understand what it means to create next level, personalized, guest service experiences.
Thanksgiving Meals
Continuing with our Thanksgiving tradition, the Culinary Arts Suite partnered with our Hospitality Program to host a sit-down Thanksgiving meal for Community Habilitation. We also were able to serve over 120 packaged meals to families under the auspice of our Specialized Services, Victim Services and Advocacy Programs, and to the Community as a whole. All in all, our kitchen was able to prepare and make 200 meals that offered not only learning opportunities in the kitchen but a way to give back during this time of reflection and gratitude.
Meet Samantha! She receives services in our Supported Employment Program. With the help of a Job Coach, she learned how to use Metro rail transportation, communicate with coworkers and management, follow a shifting schedule, and gain mastery of specific job duties. Sam was hired for her very first job, in 2019, as a glass cleaner at the KeyBank Center, until COVID closed the arena. Sam kept up with her skills and hopeful attitude during this time as a member of our Virtual Job Club. She applied for new positions with the support of her Job Coach.
In July of 2021, Sam accepted a job at the Roswell Park Cancer Center in their Environmental Services Department. Her duties include trash removal and disposal, lab cleaning and sanitizing, replenishing of supplies, sweeping and mopping floors, and moving medical waste bins to the correct areas.
Tracy Curtin, Human Resources Manager at Roswell, says “Sam is a joy to be around, I couldn’t imagine our department without her. Sam works with some very well-respected doctors and scientists in their fields. They all speak very highly of her and the work she does.”
Sam makes a difference every day now with a job well done!
After Kasseem graduated from Bennett High School in Buffalo in 2021, he was referred by ACCES-VR to Community Services, where his employment journey began. Kasseem started working with the Supported Employment Team at our Jefferson Career Exploration Center. Kasseem and his Job Coach worked closely on skills, such as time-management, communication, and problem-solving.
Using technology and firsthand opportunities, Kasseem worked diligently to complete assessment tools to narrow down his interests, explore career choices, and research educational requirements, projected job outlooks and future wages. At the Career Center, he met regularly with his Job Coach and tried out opportunities in both the Culinary and Auto Detail Suites to gauge his abilities, stamina, and motivation to work.
Kasseem applied and was accepted into Houghton College. In his sophomore year, Kasseem’s Job Coach assisted him in securing a paid internship in the Corporate Communications Department at Community Services for Every1. Here he works on a variety of projects, including helping create marketing and promotional materials.
Kasseem describes his dream job as working in the film industry. Community Services is proud of his efforts, abilities, and formidable attitude!
