by Jillian Johnson | Mar 27, 2024 | News, Press Releases
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.
Equal Housing Lender. © 2024 M&T Bank. Member FDIC. All rights reserved.
Media Contacts:
New England
Christopher Loh
cloh@mtb.com
Metro NY
David Samberg
dsamberg@mtb.com
Upstate and Western New York
Thea Pecht
tpecht@mtb.com
National Media and Mid-Atlantic:
Frank Lentini
flentini@mtb.com
About OutcomesX
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.
by Jillian Johnson | Feb 6, 2024 | News, Press Releases
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.
by Maria Pericozzi | Jan 15, 2024 | Press Releases
BUFFALO – Assemblymember Karen McMahon (D-Amherst) teamed up with several Western New York state legislators and the Developmental Disability Alliance of WNY (DDAWNY) on Thursday to call for funding in Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Budget for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
DSPs work with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD), providing a wide range of highly specialized services, as well as everyday needs. DSPs are trained in first aid, CPR, and medication administration. Their work also includes meal preparation, transportation, and understanding of and care for the emotional and psychological needs of those they serve.
For the past several years, the workforce industry that supports those with I/DD has been in crisis. Budget cuts and inaction have left DSPs underpaid, undersupported, and understaffed. For example, compensation for this highly technical and important work has hovered around $16.45/hour in New York City, and $16.02/hour in WNY and the rest of NYS. These wages, barely above the minimum wage, have been a key contributor to the industry’s difficulty in hiring and retaining workers.
In December, McMahon and her legislative colleagues sent a letter to Hochul calling for this crisis to be addressed by including funding for DSPs in her 2024 Executive Budget. They also urged the Governor to include a 3.2 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). I/DD providers are solely funded by Medicaid and therefore are unable to increase reimbursement rates to offset operating costs. A COLA would ensure that not-for-profit agencies can continue to operate.
McMahon, leaders from DDAWNY, and members of the WNY delegation gathered at People Inc.’s Center for Excellence in Human Services and Training in Buffalo to acknowledge and highlight the negative impact this crisis is having on the I/DD community.
Assemblymember Karen McMahon (D-Amherst) said: “As a member of the Assembly Committee on People with Disabilities, I have heard and seen the terrible impacts of wage stagnation and a lack of urgency in the support of DSPs. DSPs are vital figures in the lives of those with I/DD, their families, and the agencies that support them. The need for the services they provide does not wane, so our support should not either. In our community, we are fortunate to have groups like DDAWNY to advocate for DSPs and those with I/DD, as well as a committed group of leaders in the WNY legislative delegation focused on highlighting this need and seeing this crisis rectified. I thank DDAWNY and my colleagues for joining me today in this important effort.”
Mindy Cervoni, President of The Developmental Disability Alliance of WNY (DDAWNY) and CEO at Community Services for Every1 said on behalf of the 40 agencies in DDAWNY: “We are greatly concerned that there was no mention in the State of the State of our workforce crisis nor plans to address the significant needs of people with developmental disabilities. While we are grateful to the Governor for the investment in the field of developmental disabilities the last two years, after a decade of financial neglect, we find ourselves still in crisis. It’s imperative that the State place this vulnerable population at the forefront. There are 33,000 people in WNY who need support. We cannot let them down, not now, not ever. We trust the State will prioritize investing in our workforce in the soon to be released Budget and provide adequate reimbursement to the agencies and who do this work. Failure to invest will only result in a catastrophe.”
Anne McCaffrey, President and CEO of People Inc. said: “We need Governor Hochul to put a 3.2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) and a $4,000 direct support wage enhancement in her Executive Budget. We need her to continue her commitment to our states most vulnerable and the direct support professionals that care for them 24/7. We thank our WNY state delegation for standing with us today and for calling on Governor Hochul to put these funds in her budget. The care we provide is essential. It’s incumbent on our leaders to address this crisis.”
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said: “We’re living in inflationary times and life continues to become more expensive. We must continue to take care of those that lovingly and selflessly take care of our most vulnerable residents, while their income levels make them vulnerable as well. I applaud DDAWNY for continuing to advocate on their behalf.”
Senator Sean Ryan (D-Buffalo) said: “Direct support professionals are lifelines for some of New York’s most vulnerable citizens. New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on these highly trained and qualified workers to provide essential care every day. As non-profit organizations struggle to hire and retain workers, an increase in wages for DSPs would help reverse our state’s caregiver shortage and ensure more New Yorkers have reliable access to the support they need.”
Assemblymember William Conrad (D-Tonawanda) said: “The disappointing reality is this: Our DSPs have been waiting too long for New York State to reflect the value of their work with the appropriate investment. And our families and individuals with I/DD are having to endure the true costs of that neglect, and forgoing timely support in their day-to-day lives, or going without it altogether. I join my colleagues in standing with the dedicated advocates of DDAWNY and the indispensable professionals of agencies like People Inc. in calling on the Governor to include in her budget the well-overdue and desperately needed wage enhancement and COLA for DSPs. It is our fiscal responsibility to ensure the viability of this essential field, as it is our moral duty to uphold the independence, dignity, and wellness of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Assemblymember Monica Wallace (D-Lancaster) said: “Direct support professionals are vital to the well-being of individuals with disabilities, but for too long, their pay has not reflected their critical role in the special needs community. With starting wages for DSPs only just above minimum wage, these essential workers are struggling to make ends meet, and non-profits are facing high vacancies and turnovers that negatively impact care for people with disabilities. While we made progress in last year’s budget, now is the time to go further and raise DSPs’ wages to the competitive levels they were decades ago.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera (D-Buffalo) said: “Our direct support professionals are an integral, indispensable component of our healthcare system. Yet despite their tireless work within the intellectual and developmental disability community, chronic underfunding poses a grave threat to the sector’s ability to meet the needs of those who need it most, as the low wages are forcing these essential workers to look for other jobs in other fields. I fully support the creation of a new Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DSWE) to be included in this year’s Executive Budget so that direct support professionals are given the reinforcement they both need and deserve.”
by Jeff Surdej | Nov 17, 2023 | Press Releases
Community Services for Every1 is excited to launch its annual holiday fundraiser- Adopt a Family! The yearly drive brings together local businesses and community members to help support families who receive services from our agency. This winter there are more than 90 families up for “holiday adoption”, a 20% increase from just last year. Anyone interested in shopping and supporting our families can visit https://adoptafamily23.givesmart.com. The site is set up to view family’s needs and provide a quick and easy experience for donors to select a family to adopt.
Additionally, Community Services for Every1 is also accepting individual item donations, including but not limited to kitchen wares, towels, bedding, and winter gear. These items will directly benefit people we support. The Agency is also accepting monetary donations through the platform. Anyone looking to donate individual items can drop them off at our agency headquarters at 180 Oak Street, Buffalo on or before Friday, December 15, 2023, between the hours of 7:30am-4:30pm, Monday – Friday.
Community Services for Every1 would like to thank Bellreng Towing and Automotive for sponsoring the program and providing totes for gift delivery as well as collecting donated goods throughout our community. The agency is grateful to every person and business who come together, each winter for Adopt a Family – be it through volunteering their time, adopting a family, or donating, Buffalo truly is the city of good neighbors.
by Nicole DuBois | Oct 17, 2023 | News, Press Releases
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.”
by Jeff Surdej | Oct 10, 2023 | Press Releases
Community Services for Every1, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is grateful to announce a grant of $150,000 from the Golisano Foundation to help towards construction and buildout of the Lyceum Community Empowerment Center. The Center will annually enable over 200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to accomplish personal goals for employment, independence, wellness, and inclusion. The Golisano Foundation is one of the nation’s largest foundations dedicated to supporting programs for people with intellectual disabilities.
“We are so grateful to the Golisano Foundation for this generous grant, which will help us expand into the East Buffalo Broadway-Bailey community and address unmet needs for programming, supports, and services within that area,” said Mindy Cervoni, Community Services for Every1 President & CEO.
The Lyceum Community Empowerment Center is a new East Buffalo community learning space, a hub within Apartments at the Lyceum, a 42-unit affordable housing complex. The building is currently undergoing renovation involving the historic adaptive reuse of the former Catholic school and community center, commonly known as the St. John Kanty Lyceum. Constructed in the early 1930s, the Lyceum has essentially fallen in disuse since the Parish school closed in 1990. The Lyceum Community Empowerment Center will provide accommodating, adaptable, and accessible learning spaces; that will create flexible culinary/wellness education environments that will cater to the interests and needs of people of all abilities. The project will also create a multi-purpose classroom for small group instruction; an activity room for larger recreational events; a teaching kitchen for culinary instruction; and a community garden for therapeutic and recreational gardening. The center is due to open in early 2024.
Community Services has operated since 1989, working to support and empower Western New Yorkers of all abilities. Anyone wishing to donate to the Lyceum Community Empowerment Center can visit lyceumspace.givesmart.com. For media inquiries please contact Kelly Kinderman at kkinderman@csevery1.com or 716-883-8888 x 143.
Our Mission at Community Services 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.
The Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. dedicated to making the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation is devoted to opening doors to opportunity, changing negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forging unprecedented partnerships to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have pathways to personal dignity, independence, and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes. Founded in 1985 by Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, civic leader, and founder of Paychex, Inc. —the Foundation “imagines the possibilities,” advocating for families, fighting for their dignity, and giving people with IDD the opportunity to thrive in their communities. With more than $60 million in gross assets, it awards about $3 million annually to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.
by Nicole DuBois | Oct 9, 2023 | News, Press Releases
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.
by Nicole DuBois | Sep 28, 2023 | News, Press Releases
From Governor Kathy Hochul’s office:
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 Colavito said, “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.”
View the original release here.
by Jeff Surdej | Sep 10, 2023 | Press Releases
Community Services for Every1 is grateful to The John R. Oishei Foundation for its recent award of $99,706 towards construction and buildout of the Lyceum Community Empowerment Center. The Lyceum Community Empowerment Center is a new East Buffalo community learning space, a hub within Apartments at the Lyceum, a 42-unit affordable housing complex. The building is currently undergoing renovation involving the historic adaptive reuse of the former Catholic school and community center, commonly known as the St. John Kanty Lyceum. Constructed in the early 1930s, the Lyceum has essentially fallen in disuse since the Parish school closed in 1990.
The Lyceum Community Empowerment Center will provide accommodating, adaptable, and accessible learning spaces; that will create flexible culinary/wellness education environments that will cater to the interests and needs of people of all abilities. The project will also create a multi-purpose classroom for small group instruction; an activity room for larger recreational events; a teaching kitchen for culinary instruction; and a community garden for therapeutic and recreational gardening. The center will annually empower both tenants of the Lyceum and over 200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to accomplish personal goals for employment, independence, wellness, and inclusion. The center is due to open in early 2024.
“We established the Lyceum Community Empowerment Center to expand our sought-after services for people of all abilities. The innovative supports provided at this center will help people develop their personal goals. This funding is critical in allowing us to meet the needs and help as many of our neighbors as possible,” said Mindy Cervoni, Community Services for Every1 President & CEO.
The John R. Oishei Foundation enhances the economic vitality and quality of life for the Buffalo Niagara region through grantmaking, leadership and network building. For more information about The John R. Oishei Foundation, visit www.oishei.org.
Community Services has operated since 1989, working to support and empower Western New Yorkers of all abilities. Anyone wishing to donate to the Lyceum Community Empowerment Center can visit lyceumspace.givesmart.com. For media inquiries please contact Kelly Kinderman at kkinderman@csevery1.com or 716-883-8888 x 143.
Our Mission at Community Services 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.
by Jeff Surdej | Jul 6, 2023 | Press Releases
Community Services for Every1 extends its deepest thanks to National Grid for extending our Easy Eats for Every1 Culinary Camps into 2024. Our culinary camps help teens discover healthy eating, healthy cooking, and healthy living skills that fit their current and future lives. Thanks to the generosity of National Grid, these camps are free and open to anyone teen or pre-teen ages 10-18, regardless of their ability.
Specifically, National Grid’s generous donation of $10,000 will fund 16 camps in 2024. Their previous donation of $8,500 will continue to fund 13 camps in 2023. To date these camps have hosted 170 participants from all over Western New York, including 14 local high schools and homeschooled youth.
“National Grid appreciates the opportunity to work in our communities and knows the importance of investing in area children to help them achieve their goals,” said National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa. “This kind of investment provides support that Community Services for Every1 needed to continue their program, as together, we look to make a difference for kids who are learning skills that can last a lifetime.”
“We are so grateful for National Grid’s contribution to continue this amazing program. Attending campers will be able to continue to not only grow their culinary abilities, but also develop life skills and strong friendships that will benefit them for years to come while bringing home healthy food and recipes to their families. Thank you, National Grid, and thank you to our Community Services team for working tirelessly to grow the culinary camps over the past few years,” said Community Services for Every1 President and CEO Mindy Cervoni.
“Cooking is a fundamental life skill that these young people are walking away with. Our camps also inspire students to explore their creativity through cooking. It has been incredible to see the student’s growth throughout each camp, and I am so thankful to be able to continue them,” said Community Services for Every1 Culinary Arts Manager Stephanie DiCarlo.
Camps often run during school breaks and periodically over the summer. Anyone interested in registering their child for camp can visit csevery1.com/easy-eats-for-every1 or can contact info@csevery1.com. For media inquiries please contact Amanda Berg at aberg@csevery1.com or 716-883-8888.
Our Mission at Community Services 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.
