Families- in whatever form they take- are the fundamental building blocks of any community. The Community Place helps all families, including those that lack the material or educational resources necessary to break the cycle of poverty, crime, and social injustice. Programs and services include:
Family Emergency Services, located at the Parsells Avenue and the Central Park sites, assists individuals and families to meet their basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and health. A variety of services are provided including advocacy, case management, counseling and referrals, home management skill-building, financial workshops and training. Specific assistance includes: food and household items, rent/ mortgage assistance, bus tokens, and prescription fulfillment.
During the holiday season families in need are provided food baskets and toys. Additionally, FSU receives donations from corporations, and organizations on behalf of low-income and poor families, and redistributes the goods as need is established.
Among eligibility requirements are: residents living in the following zip codes- 14605, 14607, 14609, 14610 (partial), and 14621; household income of 185% of poverty or less; and established need and evidence that resources will address the root cause. Persons in need who do not live within the aforementioned service areas, are referred within the Emergency Services Provider Collaborative. Member agencies include Baden Street Settlement House, Catholic Family Center, Charles Street Settlement House, The Salvation Army, and South West Area Network.
Other community-wide services include: income tax preparation assistance for low-income families; community health fairs; and annual opportunities for meeting local political candidates. For additional information contact CPGR’s Family Service Unit at 585-288-0021.
The HOST program focuses on providing low-income families affordable, safe, and suitable housing which reduces incidences of relocation which negatively impacts school performance and neighborhood stability. Housing units are purchased near program facilities allowing families to access comprehensive support services that aid in financial and familial stability.
The secondary goal is to maintain stability within local neighborhoods and reinforce the “Community Value.” Venues for drug sales and unsightly eyesores are minimized by eliminating vacant housing and commercial units. A goal of the program is to create safe pathways from home to schools and neighborhood centers without fear and exposure to social ills that are closely associated with poverty. For additional information contact Evan Green, coordinator, Community and Neighborhood Initiatives, at 585-288-0021 or egreen@communityplace.org.
The Community Wellness Program was developed with the help of a state grant but has evolved to become run solely by volunteers from the community. Trained instructors lead aerobic exercise sessions three days a week at our Parsells Avenue site. Hours are: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-7:15 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30-9:30 a.m.
The program is free and only requires participants be physically able to participate in exercise. For additional information contact Patricia Taylor at 585-327-7200 or ptaylor@communityplace.org.
These free educational workshops help individuals and families increase their financial knowledge base, learn to manage their money, and lower their debt. We also help people learn to "stretch" their dollars and improve budgeting. Individuals of any age are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent— babysitting is provided. For additional information contact Evan Green, coordinator, Community and Neighborhood Initiatives, at 585-288-0021 or egreen @communityplace.org.
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