Funding bridges critical gaps in services
Buffalo, NY – Community Services for Every1 is proud to announce that, in collaboration with the Family Justice Center of Erie County (FJC), the organizations received a $600,000 grant through the Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations (Underserved Program) through the Office of Violence Against Women. This transformative funding will strengthen Community Services and FJC’s ability to provide comprehensive support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who experience domestic violence.
The funding allows Community Services for Every1, in partnership with FJC, to enhance their HOPE of WNY (Helping Others through Protection and Empowerment of Western New York) initiative. The grant funds will be used to strengthen advocacy and services by establishing a dedicated advocacy team to provide direct support for survivors with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting safety and healing.
Additionally, the initiative will implement preventative education and outreach efforts, offering a continuum of services, including education, self-advocacy, and peer support, to empower individuals with I/DD to escape and recover from domestic abuse. To further bolster these efforts, HOPE of WNY will continue offering training and technical assistance to community-based service providers, equipping them to effectively identify, support, and accommodate survivors with I/DD.
“The safety and empowerment of all individuals, regardless of ability, is at the core of our mission,” said Mindy Cervoni, President and CEO of Community Services for Every1. “With this grant, we will expand our capacity to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community, ensuring they have access to vital resources and the safety and dignity they deserve.”
By expanding the scope of HOPE of WNY, Community Services and FJC aim to bridge critical gaps in services and ensure that survivors from underserved populations, particularly those with I/DD, have the resources and support to rebuild their lives.
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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. The agency notably serves (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 range of services such as housing services, domestic violence support, care coordination, family support, employment and skill-building services, behavioral and mental health services, and much more. For more information, visit www.csevery1.com.