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(Niagara Falls, NY) Empower, a non-profit human services agency supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in WNY, is announcing three upcoming fundraisers to be held in July and August of 2024.  “As a non-profit, we rely on the generosity of our surrounding community to ensure we can provide the highest possible quality of service at all times to our clients,” Empower CEO Diane Baehre said. “Each donation we receive is split evenly between our education, residential, and vocational departments and helps us purchase new equipment, plan additional events and experiences for our clients, and create better programming that improves the quality of life for the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our care. Every dollar helps Empower continue to provide high quality care, and we are so grateful to many organizations and community members who regularly support our cause.”  Empower has the following fundraisers coming up for community members to support:  July 15th, 2024 - 4:00-8:00 PM - Empower will be hosting the Music Mania Monday 50/50 at the Town of Niagara Veterans Park at 7000 Lockport Rd - Niagara Falls, NY 14305. July 16th, 2024 - All Day - Empower will be participating in Give716, a day long fundraising program. Donors have the opportunity to have their donations matched and multiplied throughout the day! To participate,  use this link starting Monday July 15th at 7:16 PM and all-day Tuesday July 16th : https://bit.ly/empower_give716   August 1st, 2024 - 3:00-7:00 PM - Empower will be hosting a Chiavetta’s Chicken Barbecue Drive-thru at our Administration Building at 9812 Lockport Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Tickets are currently available for presale at https://bit.ly/empower_chiavettas . Tickets will also be available for purchase on location that day, tickets cost $15.00 and include ½ chicken and two sides (macaroni and potato salad).  Empower also has several year-round options for donations. Donations can be submitted through our website under the “donate” tab, Empower also operates two bottle and can redemption centers and a document shredding business - both of which are run by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities participating in Empower vocational programs. These services are located at:  7500 Porter Rd - Niagara Falls, NY 14304 for document shredding and bottle and can redemption. A 24/7 drop-off bin and curbside service are also available at this location.  3571 Niagara Falls Blvd, Suite 12 - North Tonawanda, NY 14120. A 24/7 drop-off bin and curbside service are also available at this location.  For more information about these services, interested parties can call 716-545-0023.

(Niagara Falls, NY) - Paul Accardo, CEO and President of Crown Benefits Group, was awarded Empower’s Humanitarian Award for his commitment to the intellectually and developmentally disabled community. “Paul Accardo has been a friend to the I/DD community and to Empower for decades,” Empower CEO Diane Baehre said. “Paul has worked to save our agency substantial amounts of money by finding us better plans, and he also has donated thousands to our fundraisers throughout the years. He can always be counted on to lend a hand and contribute to our people when we need him, and he has created an incredible team at Crown Benefits Group who share the same values. His contributions have improved the lives of the people we support in countless ways - there is no one more deserving of our humanitarian award than Paul!” Each year, Empower awards a humanitarian award at their annual golf tournament to an individual(s) who have been a true friend to the intellectually and developmentally disabled community. To win this award, one must demonstrate an unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life of I/DD individuals, and they must also demonstrate good moral character. Last year’s recipients of the Empower Humanitarian Award were Bob O’Leary and Gary Kaczor of Parkview Health Services.

(Niagara Falls, NY) - Empower, a non-profit human services organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Western New York, has hired Rebecca Rush as the new Director of Education. In this role, Rebecca will oversee all operations and curriculum at our integrated preschool in Niagara Falls, New York. “I am ecstatic to bring my experience and passion to Empower’s Children’s Academy, a place where I have already witnessed the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff and the vibrant spirit of the students,” Rush said. “Together, we will continue to advocate for and support our students with diverse learning needs, ensuring that they receive the highest quality education and care.” “We are thrilled to add a dynamic and experienced leader to our school,” Empower CEO Diane Baehre said. “Rebecca has a track record of working to improve student outcomes, enhancing student and teacher experiences, and effectively leading school operations. As Empower continues to grow and with new opportunities on the horizon, Rebecca is the right person to lead our school, help our students reach their full potential, and ensure we exceed our strategic goals.” Empower operates an integrated pre-school in Niagara Falls, NY that provides full special education services to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and also provides physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Rebecca Rush joined Empower in May of 2024. She is a native of Buffalo, NY and has dual master’s degree in childhood education and special education, as well as a degree in Education Administration. Rebecca has previously worked as special education teacher and coordinator in Brooklyn, New York and she most recently served as the Director of Special Education at the Buffalo Collegiate Charter School.