BUFFALO, N.Y. — On Friday, to Buffalo organizations celebrated funding that allowed the expansion of services in two of the city's neighborhoods.
Seneca-Babcock Community Association and Buffalo Adult & Teen Challenge were able to expanding programing an culinary offerings with grants from CARES (Community Alliance to Reach Empower and Sustain) Program at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Each year CARES works with a few area nonprofits to help complete projects.
Projects this year included the Seneca-Babcock Community Association flipping a computer room and play area at its Seneca Street location into a new space for childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds.
The childcare center is scheduled to open in September.
“By offering early-childhood programming, we can make this location — which already houses workforce development — a one-stop-shop for families looking to get back to work,” said Brian Pilarski, Seneca-Babcock Community Association executive director. “Roswell Park’s willingness to help out brings us one step closer to that goal, and for that we are truly grateful.”
The other project with Buffalo Adult & Teen Challenge to upgrade and expand their kitchen to better serve the 24 students and 8 staff that are served three meals a day there. The upgrade includes a vegetable sink, hand-washing station, utility closet, and updated pantry.
“Roswell Park understands our vision and continues to have our back with this latest project,” said Dave Bengyak, program director of the Adult & Teen Challenge. “Our updated kitchen is an absolute blessing and allows us serve in a greater capacity.”
Organizations in need can alert Roswell Parks CARES through Bernard Arias at diversity@roswellpark.org.