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Buffalo Community Groups, Boys & Girls Clubs Receive Government Money

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Buffalo Community Groups, Boys & Girls Clubs Receive Government Money

Expanding after-school programs has been a common goal of school and community leaders throughout Western New York, especially in Buffalo’s high-need areas.

Their efforts are now receiving an infusion of resources after Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Administration for Children and Families announced last week that 27 properties in Western New York received a total of $8.45 million in grant funding through the LEAPS initiative.

“After school programs give our children the opportunity to explore their creativity and develop skills. And thrive in a supportive environment,” Hochul said in a press release.

Locally, Boys and Girls Clubs have benefited the most, especially in Niagara Falls and in Northtownswhich have a variety of programs – covering academic assistance, sports and creative skills – in several schools.

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Afterschool programs like this one at the Belle Center on Buffalo’s Lower West Side have received government funding.


Buffalo News file photo


Thanks to grant applications from the Tonawanda, North Tonawanda and Lockport school districts, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northtown received $1.56 million, and the Boys & Girls Club of Niagara Falls was awarded a total of $1.3 million.


Positive Pathways: Five Nonprofits Support Buffalo Public Schools Strategy

Buffalo Schools’ Community Schools strategy reaches students and families across the city through a variety of efforts, from after-school activities to Saturday academies. Say Yes, BestSelf, Matt Urban, Northwest and the Belle Center are the bridge to an important mission.

The grants were distributed throughout Buffalo communities. Several major Buffalo Schools partners received smaller amounts.

• BestSelf Behavioral Health: $900,000.

• Northwest Buffalo Community Center: $550,000.

• Belle Center – Erie Regional Housing Development Corporation: $550,000.

• University District Community Development Organization: $450,000.

• Westside Community Services: $220,000.

• Friends, Inc.: $160,000.


Council Member's New Buffalo Guide Offers Connections for Youth and Families

“I understand there is a lack of programs, but there are programs for our youth,” Zeneta Everhart said. “The problem is that they are scattered. We need to make sure we get things organized – they need to be accessible and easy to find.”

Buffalo Common Council member Zeneta Everhart, through her Education Committee, is one of the area leaders who has focused her efforts on bringing attention to Buffalo’s after-school opportunities. She believes quality options exist, but they just lack attention. Several sections of her community resource Thriving Together: A Comprehensive Guide for Youth and Families released last month, focused on after-school programs.

Ben Tsujimoto can be reached at [email protected], (716) 849-6927 or on Twitter at @Tsuj10.