December 10th: Presentation of Community Grants

Dec. 10th meeting will be held at 12:15 p.m. in the HARBOUR CLUB, HSBC Arena

Community Grants Chair, Rob Eck and members of the committee will make presentations about the organizations they have studied for the fall cycle.
Members of the committee include: Pat Cunningham, Don Enslin, Chip Ivins, Dave Knauss, Dolores McCarley, Carolyn Murray, Dale Schwenk and Deann Sheppard

Summary of Projects:
Hispanics United of Buffalo (HUB) was founded in 1989, and it's mission is to advance and improve the social, educational, cultural and economic status of members of the Latino community in Western NY through the rendering of advice, assistance and operation of programs. Currently, with the economy worsening, low and moderate income Hispanics are finding it more difficult than ever to secure and keep a job. There is a need for a program to give these people the training and assistance to help them compete in today's economy. HUB has recently established an Employment Center, which will help prepare these clients for employment and education opportunities. They are requesting $6,848 for the purchase of 8 new desktop computers/printers to help expand the capabilities of this new program.
St. Vincent de Paul Society was founded in 1847, and it's mission is to seek out the forgotten, the suffering and the deprived, and treat them with dignity and compassion. Currently, they have seen a surge in demand for services for those in need, especially in the number of meals being provided. St. Vincent de Paul has been offering free meals since 1982 to over 8,000 clients each month. However, to continue this program, they are in need of replacing a 20 year old refrigerator. They are requesting $3,574 to help purchase a commercial refrigerator to store large quantities of food to support their existing free meals program.
The Olmstead Center for the Sight Impaired is 100 years old and was formerly known as The Blind Association. Their mission is to help individuals with visual impairments to achieve the highest level of independence possible. Currently, they provide a program to address the special needs of this growing population. The Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service was established in 1999 to create meaningful job opportunities in the Hotel and Call Center job marketplace for the sight impaired. They are requesting $5,280 for capital improvements to their classroom training facility to help maintain and grow this vital program.