Who We Are
Mission:
The mission of the Resource Council of WNY aims to empower and enrich the lives of youth, adults, and families by providing access to vital programs and services that meet the diverse needs and values of the communities we serve.
Vision:
Our overarching vision is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families through programming dedicated to education, health and wellness, sports and recreation, food insecurity, advocacy work, partnerships, and family support services. In doing so, we hope to empower every individual we serve to realize their fullest potential to live their best lives.
Guiding Values:
We have created a community culture like that of a “village,” that adheres to the values of respect, integrity, diversity and inclusion, collaboration, and a pursuit of excellence – encouraging and empowering each other to achieve our very best.
RESPECT: We will treat everyone with dignity and respect.
We firmly commit to respect and honor the diversity of people, ideas and cultures within our organization and the community.
INTEGRITY: We are guided by the highest professional and ethical standards and a shared commitment to excellence.
We foster an environment that embraces the values of accountability, openness, transparency, and authenticity.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: We believe that everyone belongs, and everyone matters.
We provide access to programs and services regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, economic status and/or other diverse backgrounds.
COLLABORATION: We know that collaborations are essential to building high-quality programs and community-based solutions that support those in need.
We love to cultivate partnerships with mission-aligned organizations and individuals who are committed to making a real difference in our community.
EXCELLENCE: We embrace everyone’s potential to be extraordinary.
We always strive for excellence through professional development opportunities and continuous improvement of our programs and services. We will also seek accountability for ourselves and our communities.
The Resource Council of WNY is committed to opening the pathways to opportunity and prosperity so that we can ensure a vibrant, thriving future for the communities we serve.
Our Philosophy
The Resource Council of WNY (RCWNY) was built on the promise that every individual served should have the benefit of a well-rounded experience with robust opportunities for personal growth and success. Whether our client families are experiencing a temporary setback or face continuous challenges to meet their basic needs – far too many struggle to overcome the barriers that stand between them and a better quality of life.
At the RCWNY, we firmly believe that everyone should be able to live in a healthy, thriving environment and have an equal opportunity for success.
Our History And Story
Founded in 2015, the Resource Council of WNY, Inc. (RCWNY) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, located in the historic Cold Spring/Masten District neighborhood on the East Side of Buffalo. The facility, located at 347 East Ferry Street, was built in 1924 and was home to the beloved Humboldt YMCA, until it was purchased by Gateway-Longview Services in 2006 and then acquired by Saving Grace Ministries, Inc., the parent arm of the RCWNY, in May of 2015.
In October of 2016, the Buffalo Sabres Foundation, in conjunction with Saving Grace Ministries, Inc. and True Community Development Corporation, celebrated the grand opening of the Patriot Heights Apartments Project, which provides 16 units of affordable housing for veterans and families from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, on the second and third floor of the RCWNY. The housing is owned and operated by Saving Grace Ministries, Inc.
The project was also funded, in part, by the City of Buffalo’s HOME Investment Partnership Program. The partners, in collaboration with the City of Buffalo, invested a total of $2.7 million into the renovation of the property. The Buffalo Sabres Foundation member companies that contributed to Patriot Heights Apartments included First Niagara, the John W. Danforth Company, National Fuel, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, Health Now, New Era Cap, Kaleida Health, Hodgson Russ and the John R. Oishei Foundation.
In 2019, the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation received naming rights for its generous donation to the community center. The donation was made in support of the completion of a sports complex in the adjacent Perkins Park which now includes an outdoor ball hockey rink with a multi-purpose surface, and youth flag football field, in addition to basketball courts and a playground. The complex, managed by the RCWNY, now features programs for hockey, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, tennis, football.
The Buffalo Renaissance Foundation’s contribution supplemented funding previously provided in part through the Buffalo Sabres Foundation, NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, NFL/LISC Grassroots Program, the Buffalo Bills and the John R. Oishei Foundation. Corporate sponsors included Heine Legal Publishing, Hodgson Russ and Phillips Lytle, along with project development partners Saving Grace Ministries and True Bethel Development.
In early 2021, the Board of Directors conducted a comprehensive search for its first President and CEO of the Resource Council of WNY, after the facility shuttered its doors for nearly 2 years due to the pandemic. On June 1, 2021, Catherine Roberts was appointed to the newly created role to build and advance transformative programs and services at the RCWNY, and breathe new life into this cultural landmark, community anchor and safe-haven to residents of all ages throughout Buffalo and its surrounding areas.
Our story at the Resource Council of WNY continues to evolve and grow and we are so excited to build on its rich history. We welcome you and your organization to be a part of our “village” by becoming a volunteer, program partner or financial supporter.