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.
by Maria Pericozzi | Jul 26, 2022 | News, Press Releases
BUFFALO, NY- 7/22/2022- Community Services for Every1 is grateful to Empire State Development (ESD) for an award from the Better Buffalo Fund Transit Orientated Development Program. The grant of $500,000 will directly impact the agencies project, ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’. This funding will carry out the adaptive reuse and historic preservation of the former St. John Kanty Lyceum at 97 Swinburne Street, Buffalo by converting it into a 42-unit affordable housing community, of which 12 units are set aside for survivors of domestic violenceand includes 7,600 square feet of commercial space. The commercial space will primarily be utilized by Community Services to provide vocational, afterschool, and healthy cooking/food literacy education services to more than 200 people with developmental disabilities and their families each year. Additionally, The St. John Kanty Parish will sublease the space to prepare baked goods/meals related to cultural/religious events and fundraisers.
Community Services for Every1 partnered with consulting developer Edgemere Development, Inc. on this project. Edgemere Development is a real estate firm focused on affordable and mixed-income housing development. Community Services for Every1 is the owner, developer, property manager and support service agency for Apartments at the Lyceum.
Community Services for Every1, CEO, Mindy Cervoni said, “Empire State Development’s support of ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’ helps address significant unmet needs for affordable and accessible housing in the City of Buffalo. ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’ will create Erie County’s first permanent supportive housing program explicitly developed for survivors of domestic violence. Community Services is appreciative of the funding provided by Empire State Development.”
Community Services for Every1, Vice President of Program Support and Development, Kelly Kinderman said, “We are grateful for the Empire State Development Better Buffalo Fund Transit Orientated Development Program Funding. The funding is a crucial piece to our project development. The award supports our expansion and enhances the services we’ll be able to offer at ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’, ultimately benefiting the Buffalo community.”
Edgemere Development, Project Leader, Brad Mack said, “Empire State Development’s support of the ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’ is a critical step towards seeing this project come to life. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and look forward to bringing this vital project to the Buffalo community.”
More information about the Better Buffalo Fund and its other awardees can be read at buffalobillion.ny.gov/better-buffalo-fund.
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 Better Buffalo Fund aims to create vibrant, mixed-use, high-density neighborhoods. It is focused on supporting projects that encourage density and growth along transportation corridors and revitalize neighborhood commercial districts. It offers grants and loan funds through two initiatives – Transit Oriented Development and the Buffalo Main Streets Initiative, administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal.
by Maria Pericozzi | Jul 26, 2022 | Events, News, Press Releases
BUFFALO, NY- Grow your career with Community Services for Every1! Community Services is hosting Open Interviews on Wednesday July 27th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Open Interviews will be held at 180 Oak Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. Free, On-Site Parking available.
At Community Services we offer an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. We are hosting Open Interviews for Residential Management Team positions. Assistant Managers start at $17.25 per hour, Residential Site Managers start at $51,480.00/annually and Residential Program Coordinators start at $54,080/annually
Anyone interested in coming should bring their resume and photo I.D. There will be giveaways and hiring managers are prepared to make potential job offers on the spot! More information about open positions can be found at csevery1.com/careers. You can also contact recruiter@csevery1.com or by calling 716-883-8888, ext. 106.
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 Maria Pericozzi | Jun 29, 2022 | Events, News, Press Releases
Kickstart your career with Community Services for Every1! Community Services is hosting a two-day job fair on Friday July 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday July 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The job fair will be held at 1485 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, N.Y. 14208.
Community Services for Every1 offers an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. We have per diem, part-time and full-time openings in our Group Homes, Supervised Apartments, Day Programs, Respite Programs, Behavioral Health, and Community Programs. Direct Care positions start between $16.00 – $16.75 per hour with paid training and no experience required. Our Job Coach, Behavioral Health and management positions start at $17.00 per hour.
Anyone interested in coming should bring their resume and photo I.D. There will be giveaways and hiring managers are prepared to make potential job offers on the spot! More information about open positions can be found at csevery1.com/careers. You can also contact recruiter@csevery1.com or by calling 716-883-8888, ext. 106.
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 Maria Pericozzi | Jan 6, 2022 | Events, News, Press Releases
Community Services for Every1 is excited to share that we received two recent awards from New York State to further our work developing affordable housing opportunities in our community. The vacant, former Catholic school known as St. John Kanty will become Apartments at the Lyceum: a 42 unit apartment building, including 12 units specifically designated for survivors of domestic violence ready to move into permanent housing. This project will address significant unmet needs for affordable and accessible housing in City of Buffalo, specifically in the Fillmore district.
Apartments at the Lyceum was awarded $2.5 Million in capital funding from the Homeless Housing Assistance Program (HHAP) and a conditional award from the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) to support tenants and provide on-site services at this location.
In Governor Hochul’s HHAP award announcement, Mindy Cervoni, our President and CEO said, “This award will address significant unmet needs for affordable and accessible housing in the City of Buffalo. Apartments at the historic St. John Kanty Lyceum will create Erie County’s first permanent supportive housing program explicitly developed for survivors of domestic violence, and will allow Community Services to assist them with any factors that contribute to their housing instability.
This need is especially prevalent for survivors of domestic violence as incidence rates have drastically risen since the onset of the pandemic. Governor Hochul’s continued support for these projects is addressing the issues of homelessness and domestic violence, while affecting positive and meaningful change in our communities.”
Kelly Kinderman, our Vice President of Program Support and Development said, “We are excited to bring this project to fruition with our talented development team. Community Services for Every1 is extremely grateful for the funding from the State of New York. Community Services has a successful and long-standing commitment to increase the availability of safe, decent and affordable housing. With Governor Hochul’s continued support we are able to continue our efforts in some of our most underserved neighborhoods.”
