Roswell Park CARES Program Enables New Programs in Seneca-Babcock and Fruit Belt Communities

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Two local organizations dedicated to serving others — the Seneca-Babcock Community Association and Buffalo Adult & Teen Challenge — have expanded their programming and culinary offerings following two major projects supported by a grant from the CARES Program at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The CARES (Community Alliance to Reach, Empower and Sustain) Program works to strengthen the bond between the City of Good Neighbors and the cancer center. Each year, CARES assists with several capital improvements at nonprofits across the region. Completed projects include a 2,000-square-foot computer center, exterior landscaping and a stage renovation. Additional initiatives include neighborhood cleanups, blood drives, cancer screenings and resume-writing workshops.

Here are some details about the latest projects:

Seneca-Babcock Community Association — After shifting its youth programming to the Arlene Mychajiliw Community Center on Harrison Street, the Association was able to flip an empty computer lab and playroom at the Seneca Street location into an entirely new space. A fresh coat of paint plus a new ceiling, lights and tile flooring allows the Association to offer childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds. Staff at Seneca-Babcock aim to make this available by 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,” says 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.”

Buffalo Adult & Teen Challenge — The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and at the Locust Street-based residential care facility, these words ring true daily. When the house is full, Adult & Teen Challenge serves 24 students and 8 staff members three meals a day. To better help accommodate this need, CARES helped to upgrade the pantry, moved walls, and installed not only a vegetable sink and hand-washing station, but also a utility closet. All these components are expected to increase the efficacy and fluidity in the function of the kitchen.

“Roswell Park understands our vision and continues to have our back with this latest project,” says Dave Bengyak, Program Director of Adult & Teen Challenge. “Our updated kitchen is an absolute blessing and allows us serve in a greater capacity.”

To alert the Roswell Park CARES program about a need within your community, please contact Bernarda Arias at diversity@roswellpark.org.

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About Seneca-Babcock Community Association:
The Seneca-Babcock Community Association, Inc. is committed to developing and enhancing the quality of life for residents of the Lovejoy district, including at-risk youth, adults, families and seniors. Our goal is to deliver a strong sense of empowerment through participation in education, economic, social and health related programs.

About Adult & Teen Challenge:
New York Adult & Teen Challenge exists for individuals to experience freedom by helping them to know Christ, grow in Christ, serve Christ, and share what Christ has done for them.

About Roswell Park:
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@RoswellPark.org.