The Belle Center 104 Maryland Street · Buffalo, NY 14201 · www.thebellecenter.org · 716-845-0485 A Publication of the Erie Regional Housing Development Corporation What’s New At The Belle Center? www.thebellecenter.org This year’s AmeriCorps Week proved to be a successful event as volunteers city wide came out in support of the Buffalo Leader- Shape AmeriCorps throughout the week to make a positive impact on the Buffalo community. The week kicked off by enabling local residents to become empowered through job placement with the AmeriCorps Week Job fair. Health testing/training ses- sions provided by Independent Health and Catholic Health Care Systems helped the community become more informed about health issues such as diabetes, stroke, obesity and more while offering trainings for citizens to become more proactive to maintain good health. In addition, to combat the progressive problem of air pollution in the Buffalo commu- nity 360 trees were planted during Re-tree Buffalo and 50 more, during AmeriCorps Week to assist in alleviating harmful contaminates in the air as well as beautify Buffalo’s neighborhoods. The Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps joined New York state Governor and wife Michelle Paige Paterson along with thousands of other AmeriCorps for the kick-off of AmeriCorps Week 2009 in East-Harlem, NY. AmeriCorps members came from far and wide to serve the New York City community in a collaborative effort to reha- bilitate trees/green space, paint playgrounds, provide literacy initiatives and more. (Continued on pg. 3) SUMMER 2009 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 Inside this issue: Simply Out- standing 2 City Hall At The Belle Center 2 Grad Watch 3 Y.E.P. Unites Parents & Stu- dents 4 The Chairman of the Board Shouts Out 5 Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps-James Morri- son, Zaida Resto & Mi- chael Barnes in NYC. NY State Governor & Wife Michelle Paige Paterson. Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps tree planting-Madilynn Matias & Arwa Mohamad. Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps debris removal-Richard Aizaga & Jose Perez. Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps Go To NYC!
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The Belle Center 104 Maryland Street · Buffalo, NY 14201 · www.thebellecenter.org · 716-845-0485
A Publication of the Erie Regional Housing Development Corporation
What’s New At The Belle Center?
www.thebellecenter.org
This year’s AmeriCorps Week proved to be a successful event as volunteers city wide came out in support of the Buffalo Leader-Shape AmeriCorps throughout the week to make a positive impact on the Buffalo community. The week kicked off by enabling local residents to become empowered through job placement with the AmeriCorps Week Job fair. Health testing/training ses-
sions provided by Independent Health and Catholic Health Care Systems helped the community become more informed about health issues such as diabetes, stroke, obesity and more while offering trainings for citizens to become more proactive to maintain good health. In addition, to combat the progressive problem of air pollution in the Buffalo commu-nity 360 trees were planted during Re-tree Buffalo and 50 more, during AmeriCorps Week to
assist in alleviating harmful contaminates in the air as well as beautify Buffalo’s neighborhoods.
The Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps joined New York state Governor and wife Michelle Paige Paterson along with thousands of other AmeriCorps for the kick-off of AmeriCorps Week 2009 in East-Harlem, NY. AmeriCorps members came from far and wide to serve the New York City community in a collaborative effort to reha-bilitate trees/green space, paint playgrounds,
provide literacy initiatives and more. (Continued on pg. 3)
SUMMER 2009
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3
Inside this issue:
Simply Out-standing
2
City Hall At The Belle Center
2
Grad Watch 3
Y.E.P. Unites Parents & Stu-dents
4
The Chairman of the Board Shouts Out
5
Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps-James Morri-son, Zaida Resto & Mi-chael Barnes in NYC.
NY State Governor & Wife Michelle Paige Paterson.
Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps tree planting-Madilynn Matias & Arwa Mohamad.
Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps debris removal-Richard Aizaga & Jose Perez.
At the 6th Annual Race & Reconciliation Conference Execu-tive Director of The Belle Center-Nestor Hernandez was honored by the City of Buffalo Commission on Citizens’ Rights & Community Relations with the 1st Diversity through Action Award for a not-for-profit. “This award is given in three categories, business, not-for-profit and individual, for work and achievement in the area of diversity and for com-mitment to inclusion in serving the diverse citizenry of the City of Buffalo.” In addition, the keynote speaker for this event was revolutionary civil rights activist Angela Davis. Valuable workshops were offered throughout the day about
uniting communities, financial management, health care and more.
The Belle Centers own James McNeil-coordinator of The Belle After-school program K-8 was acknowledged with the 2009 Outstanding Major of the Year Award which is the first ever granted to an Erie Community College student by the National Association for Sports & Physical Edu-cation. He also recently graduated from E.C.C. with an Associates de-gree in Physical Education.
Simply Outstanding!
From the left Mayor Byron Brown, Nestor Hernandez and John Calvin Davis-Chairperson, Commission on Citizens’ Rights and Community Relations
James McNeil
At the Belle on Monday, April 27th, 2009 Mayor Brown hosted a Bringing City Hall to YOU forum where Buffalo citizens were able to ask the Mayor questions or present their issues concerning their neighborhood. All were welcomed as Buffalo residents not only heard from the Mayor but were able to hear from senior admini-stration officials about important positive initiatives that are impact-ing the community like: anti-crime efforts, neighborhood beautifica-tion, residential and business code enforcement, street and side-walk empowerment and more.
Mayor Brown answering the questions of two Buffalo Leader-Shape AmeriCorps members.
City Hall At The Belle Center!
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Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps Go To NYC!
(Continued from pg. 1) Groups of AmeriCorps members and random volun-teers united on May 9th, 2009 in the name of service to kick off AmeriCorps Week. Volunteers were split up into groups and while marching off to serve, they were led by their own individually colored banner. Buffalo Leader-Shape AmeriCorps were led by the yellow banner as they worked diligently
in a nearby urban area, beautifying the green space and uprooting weeds and adding mulch to trees.
Richard Aizaga received his BA in Education from the Uni-
versity at Buffalo. (Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 08-09)
Gabrielle Brewer received her AS in Human Resources from
Bryant and Stratton College and is attending Buffalo State Col-lege for her BBA. (Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 08-09)
Dominique Davis is attending Bible College at the Dream
Center Masters Commission of Fort Myer, VA. (Buffalo Leader-Shape AmeriCorps 07-08)
Joshua Davis is attending Bible College at the Dream Center
Masters Commission of LA. (Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 07-08)
Emma Dosch will be attending Allegheny College for her BA.
(Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 08-09)
Michael Hernandez is in the ARMY now, stationed in Fort
Lee, VA. (Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 07-08)
Sabrina Hopkins received her GED and attends ECC. (Buffalo
LeaderShape AmeriCorps 07-09)
Veronica Ivey received her BA in Social Work from the Uni-
versity at Buffalo and is attending Graduate school at the Univer-sity at Buffalo. (Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 08-09)
Callie Johnson received her BA in Communication with a
minor in Sociology from the University at Buffalo and is attend-ing Graduate school at Daemen College. (Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 07-09)
Tomaine Jordan is attending Bible College at the Dream
Center Masters Commission of LA. (Buffalo LeaderShape Ameri-Corps 07-08)
LaKendra Joyner received her GED and plans to pursue
Penny Rappa received her MA in Education (ESL) from the
University at Buffalo. (Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 07-08)
Joshua Rivers received his HS diploma and is attending ITT
Tech of Rochester. (Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 07-08)
Daliana Rosada received her BA in Elementary Education
from D’Youville College and is attending Graduate school at D’Youville College. (Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 07-08)
Ashlea Smith received her HS diploma and is attending ECC.
(Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 07-08)
Jessica Smith received her GED and plans to attend ECC.
(Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 08-09)
Haslin Torres received her HS diploma and is attending Buf-
falo State College. (Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 07-08)
Briana White received full tuition to, and will attend Oral
Roberts University. (Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps 08-09)
Melissa Winiarski received her AS in Physical Education
from ECC and is attending Liberty University. (Buffalo Leader-Shape AmeriCorps 07-08)
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ANSWER: The doctor is the mother (female doctor) and the nurse is the father (male nurse).
The youth in the Belle Center after-school program for grades k-8 lent a hand during AmeriCorps Week to help plant trees and enhance green space by cleaning up litter and debris so that children in the area can have a safe place to play. The k-8 program is stead-ily progressing as it combines elements of mentoring/tutoring and fun for its students! To find out how your child(ren) can be a part of The Belle k-8 after school program just call
James McNeil at 845-0485 ext. 23.
Young Belle After-School Students Help Out The Community!
An outside evaluator came in to inspect what they expect as they looked to see if The Belle Centers 21st Century Learning program is meeting up with its man-dated requirements. The 21st Century program has been steadily progressing since October of 2008. The program provides an array of after-school services for its students as they actively participate in homework tutorial, tool time, cooking classes, fun & exciting field trips twice a month and more!
21st Century Learning Receives an Evaluation!
Lakeia Godley-Administrative Intern for Gary Ciurizak & Assoc. & Evelyn Pizarro-21st Century Program Director.
At the Third Annual Family Dinner for the YEP program the theme was "Welcome to Hollywood". The YEP program director Lenny Dowell stated “We wanted the students to know that they are stars and to remember the valuable lessons they learned throughout the three years of the program. We have fourteen 8th graders going on to high school and we wanted to recognize their accomplishments.” In all, the evening was a huge success mainly because of all the hard work of the mentors and the support of the parents. Video presentations created by
the students of the YEP program filled the evening as awards were graciously pre-sented to students, staff and partners. On hand to present speeches were Mrs. Baines, Principal of school #3, former YEP director Mr. Trey Randle and the current YEP director Mr. Lenny Dowell. Sadly, this year will mark the finality of the YEP Pro-gram at The Belle Center. The YEP program and its remarkable staff have brought joy and hope to the lives of many youth on the lower west side of Buffalo and it is the hope of the staff that all the valuable lessons that have been taught have helped to lay a stable foundation for all the students continued success in life. *(We invite all YEP students to join our 21st Century Learning Center Program in the late summer or fall.)
Lenny Dowell-YEP program Director ad-dressing students, staff, parents & guests.
Y.E.P. Unites Parents & Students!
Page 5 Volume 2 Issue 2
“A brilliant move by President Obama to nominate a minority woman to the U.S. Supreme Court. It is an honor to finally have not only one of the most qualified candidates and more important to the Latino community a Latina female. This selection is monumental!!! To have the Honorable Judge Sotomayor a Puerto Rican American from New York state is one of the greatest honors that the President could have bestowed on the Puerto Rican community. Both President Obama and the Honorable Judge Sotomayor need all of our contin-ued support. We at Buffalo are especially proud of all her accomplishments and ties to Buffalo. Lets all cele-brate this appointment and wish her Gods blessings.
In addition, the President of the board recognizes and congratulates Nestor Hernandez for his honor of 1st Diversity through Action Award for a not-for-profit on behalf of the Commission on Citizens’ Rights & Commu-nity Relations.”-Michael A. Rivera-President of the Board of Eire Regional Housing Development Corporation
Ex-Officio AmeriCorps Member Wanted– The Board is looking for an AmeriCorps representative who will serve without a vote but provide a voice for AmeriCorps members on the Erie Regional Housing Development Corporation Board.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County Currently Has Openings at The Belle
Center!
We can provide a volunteer mentor for your child. We meet one day a week from
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
Eligibility Requirements: Children ages 6-14.
Learn More Today!
Call Tom Kirst at 716-844-2029
All applications are confidential.
Chairman of the Board Shouts Out!
The Department of Social Services at The Belle Center is helping citizens in the Buffalo community by offering opportunities to perform constructive workplace tasks to further their advancement. Many of the D.S.S. employees are enrolled in the Adult Education Center at The Belle Center where they are attaining assistance in ELL English Language Learners class and/or taking courses to earn their GED. D.S.S. at The Belle Center is empowering the Buffalo community’s residents through training/workshops and many of its public services that are performed such as community awareness and revitalization through literature distribution, litter and
debris removal, snow removal and more.
Department of Social Services At The Belle Center!
Michael A Rivera-President of the Board of Erie Regional Housing Development Corporation
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At The Belle Center we are working to individually, systematically and collectively utilize economic, educa-tional and personal development strategies to improve lives, create opportunities and foster self-sufficiency. We offer a broad range of programs and services at our facility and for more information about how you can join us call 716-845-0485. Locate the extension you would like to reach below or visit our web site: www.thebellecenter.org.
21st Century Learning Program Ext.-13 or 32 M - F 3pm - 6:15pm/Summer 12:00pm - 4:30pm Adult Learning Center (GED, ESL & Culinary) 716-843-4023 M - F 8:00am - 4:00pm AIDS Testing Service Ext.-10 Every Other Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm Big Brothers Big Sisters Ext.-14 Once a week 3:30pm - 5:00pm Buffalo LeaderShape AmeriCorps & Recovery AmeriCorpsExt.-29 or 28 M - F 8:30am - 8:00pm City of Buffalo Youth Bureau Counseling Ext. -22 M,W,Th,F 12pm - 4pm/Summer July-Aug 8:30am - 4:00pm
Department of Social Services Ext.-15 M - F 8:30am - 3:30pm Facility Usage-weight room, game room, gym, pool, computer lab, rental & etc. Ext.-10 First Hand Science Ext.-27 Fall M - F 4:30pm - 5:30pm Food Pantry Ext.-18 Every Other Friday 9:30am - 11:30am & 1:00pm - 3:00pm Senior Wellness Program Ext.-18 M - F 9:30am - 2:30pm The Belle After-School Program for grades K-8 Ext.-23 M - F 3:00pm - 5:45pm The Belle After-School Program for 14-21 year olds Ext.-23 M - F 6:00pm - 8:00pm The Belle Summer Camp Ext.-10 M - F July 6th, - August 28th, 2009 8:30am - 3:30pm
“DO BETTER!” JUST CALL 843-4023 AND GET ON THE ROAD TO ATTAINING THE
FUNDAMENTALS YOU NEED TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE AT THE BELLE CENTER 104 MARYLAND STREET
BUFFALO, NY 14201
Congratulations To All The Adult Education Graduates! Join Us For Field Trips, Movies, Arts & Crafts, &
Seniors Lunch Program Is Only $2.50 At The Belle Center
For Our Senior Wellness Program! Transportation Is Available! Just Call 845-0485 Ext.18.
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We would like to Thank the following Foundations and Funders for their continued support.
Government Funds–Grants
Erie County Youth Development & Delinquency Prevention
City of Buffalo Community Development Block Grant
Erie County Department of Social Services
Erie County-YES
Primetime
Corporation for National and Community Service
NYS Department of Health-Latino Health Outreach
21st Century Learning Center Grant
City of Buffalo Division of Citizens Services & Department of Com-munity Services
Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority
AmeriCorps Recovery Grant: Hire an additional 44 members ages 17 and up for 1 year of service.
Private Foundations
M&T Charitable Foundation
The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation
William G. McGowan Charitable Trust
Buffalo Bills Youth Foundation
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
The John R. Oishei Foundation: Start up costs for The Belle Cen-ter Daycare.
Announcements
Buffalo Leader-Shape Ameri-Corps & Recov-ery AmeriCorps are HIRING 845-0485 Ext. 29. Get an applica-tion: www.thebellecenter.org
The Belle Summer Camp-July 6th-August 28th, 2009! Sign-Up Today!
FREE Chil-dren's Books! Project Flight at The Belle Center-Stop by & get your books TO-DAY!
FREE CELL PHONE & MINUTES! Call 1800-378-1684 to see if you qualify for a free phone & min-utes. www.safelinkwireless.com
Looking for an Apart-ment or want to become a Home Owner? Belmont Shelter Corp. Central Offices 1195 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14209-2196 (716) 884-7791 • TDD 711 Fax: (716) 884-8026
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The Belle Center
104 Maryland Street
Buffalo, NY 14201
Phone: 716-845-0485
Fax: 716-845-0486
www.thebellecenter.org
Erie Regional Housing Development Corporation - The Belle Center
