Empower CEO Jeff Paterson along with Community Prevocational Program participants Mike, Jamarius and Robin receiving $24,719 check from KeyBank Senior Vice President and Regional Corporate Responsibility Officer Cathy Braniecki
EMPOWER RECEIVES $24,719 GRANT FROM THE KEYBANK FOUNDATION
Thanks to a $24,719 grant from the KeyBank Foundation, Empower will expand its Community Prevocational program (operated under New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) to include scanning and shredding services open to local households, small businesses and nonprofits. Similar to Empties to Empower and located in the same building, individuals with disabilities will receive job training in an integrated setting, gaining confidence, social skills and valuable work experience that will prepare them for competitive employment.
Volunteers Needed
Empower is looking for volunteers to help out in the Children’s Academy. Helpers are needed to organize rooms, prepare crafts and read to students. If interested, please complete this form.
Snowflake Basket Auction A Huge Success
-
- Russ and his famous snowflake cookies
-
- Krystle and Robin
-
- Paula and Danelle greeting visitors
-
- Children’s Academy Director, Sherri Kaminski
-
- CEO, Jeff Paterson and his son, Will
-
- Longtime Board member, Dan Vitch
Almost $16,000 was raised at the 8th annual Snowflake Basket Auction, which took place on March 24 and 25 at the Volare Lodge. Hot items this year included a big screen tv, hand-made stained glass art, and, of course, a plethora of themed baskets and gift certificates.
More Big Ticket Raffle prizes were offered including a diamond necklace and Confer Bistro Set.
Proceeds will be used to send individuals to Camp Happiness, which is a summer camp for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Additionally, the Medicaid Service Coordination department will purchase food, back-to-school supplies and holiday gifts for families who receive their services. Finally, Community Housing will use funds to buy and plant a tree at one of the residences.
Empower would like to thank everyone whose support helped to make this year’s event so successful. Special thanks to our event sponsors: Disney, Randy’s Smoke Shop, Smokin Joes, and Wegmans.