News Articles

Grant Award from The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation

Mon, 13 May 2024 17:03:32 +0000

Press release: Homespace Corporation Receives Grant Dollars from The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation

Buffalo, NY, May 13, 2024:

Homespace Corporation has received a grant award from The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation in the amount of $50,000 which is intended for support to Homespace’s behavioral health programs. Homespace Corporation offers residential services and support to at-risk youth in the foster care system ages 14-21, as well as their children if they have any, and is one of the only organizations in this area of its kind. Their slogan, “support at-risk youth to achieve independence two generations at a time.”

“With the support of The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, Homespace is able to add a missing link in the structure of our behavioral health team, which can enable better mental health outcomes for children in foster care, the statistics for which are very low and is something we are passionate about improving.” said Executive Director, Lindsey Carter.

Homespace Corporation has been providing services to Children and Families since 1994. More information on Homespace can be found here: www.homespacecorp.org.

This April, Homespace celebrated 30 years of service with a special celebration dinner at The Buffalo History Museum.

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 16:40:31 +0000

On April 13th 2024, Homespace rang in 30 years of service with employees, sponsors, donors, and past Homespace alumni. The theme of the event was "The History of Homespace" and we celebrated being open for business since 1994 by viewing framed historical Homespace artifacts (like meeting minutes and pictures from events in the 90's), hearing from Homespace alumni about how their time in the foster care system was forever impacted by being able to call Homespace home, and dinner with sponsors Hodgson Russ, The Buffalo Bills, M&T Bank, Moog, Stahlka Agency, Ingram Micro, Computer SOS, Lamparelli Construction, Mister Goodbar, West Herr, Freed Maxick, and Jennifer Schulefand Consulting. We were able to raise over $14,000 to support foster care youth with housing and services.

Lindsey Carter Named New Executive Director

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 15:32:34 +0000

Lindsey Carter has been named the new Executive Director of Homespace Corporation. Lindsey started her career with Homespace in 2009 in a part-time direct care role with clients, and worked her way up through the agency over the last 15 years progressing to full-time roles such as administrative assistant, office manager, fiscal manager, and finally, to the administrative director role that she has been in since 2016. The board of directors is thrilled to have Lindsey in the executive leadership position knowing that she has a long history with the organization and an intimate knowledge of the agency. When asked what has been her favorite part of working with Homespace over the last decade and a half, Lindsey said "Knowing how impactful the work that we do here is. Our work and our staff are literally changing lives...that really makes you want to come in to work every day."

Homespace Corporation Receives M&T Bank Grant Funding to Provide Medical Support Services for Youth in Foster Care System

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:32:38 +0000

BUFFALO, N.Y., February 1, 2024 — Homespace Corporation announced today that M&T Bank has provided $10,000 in grant funding to support the organization’s work to improve the health and wellness of the children and young adults it serves. Homespace Corporation offers residential services and support to at-risk youth in the foster care system ages 14-21, as well as their children if they have any. It is one of the only organizations of its kind in Western New York . The M&T grant funding will help Homespace provide a range of medical support services.

“With the support of M&T Bank, Homespace will be able to offer more medical support services to our youth, which can enable better health outcomes for children in foster care. Health and wellness statistics among individuals in the foster care system are eye-opening and troubling. This is something we are passionate about changing,” said Executive Director Michael Hill.

“Homespace does inspiring work daily to make a difference in the lives of young people in foster care,” said M&T Bank Regional President Eric Feldstein. “We’re grateful to have this opportunity to invest in their critical support services. Together, we can help our youth navigate adversity and empower them to achieve their greatest potential.”

Homespace Corporation has been providing services to children and families since 1994. Their mission is to support at-risk youth in achieving independence two generations at a time.” More information on Homespace can be found at www.homespacecorp.org.

More information on M&T Bank and the M&T Charitable Foundation is available at mtb.com.

HOMESPACE CORPORATION RECEIVES GRANT DOLLARS FROM THE PETER AND ELIZABETH C. TOWER FOUNDATION

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 15:44:32 +0000

Homespace Corporation Receives Grant Dollars from the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation

Buffalo, NY, January 3, 2024:

Homespace Corporation has received a grant award from the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation in the amount of $30,000 which is intended for the hiring and sustaining of a one-year program CASAC or Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. Homespace Corporation offers residential services and support to at-risk youth in the foster care system ages 14-21, as well as their children if they have any, and is one of the only organizations in this area of its kind. Their slogan, “support at-risk youth to achieve independence two generations at a time.”

“Some youth in foster care struggle with substance use or abuse issues, being that their backgrounds include extreme trauma and a generational history of substance abuse. This program, funded by The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, will help our clients, their kids, and the community at large.” said Executive Director, Michael Hill.

More information on the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation can be found at the following website link: https://thetowerfoundation.org/

Homespace Corporation has been providing services to Children and Families since 1994. More information on Homespace can be found here: www.homespacecorp.org.

Homespace Receives Security Grant from Goodyear Foundation

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:28:54 +0000

Homespace Corporation Receives Grant Dollars from the Josephine Goodyear Foundation

Buffalo, NY, November 17, 2023:

Homespace Corporation has received a grant award from the Josephine Goodyear Foundation in the amount of $7,000 which is intended for security improvements at Homespace. Homespace Corporation offers residential services and support to at-risk youth in the foster care system ages 14-21, as well as their children if they have any, and is one of the only organization in this area of its kind. Their slogan, “support at-risk youth to achieve independence two generations at a time.”

“Thanks to the generosity of the Josephine Goodyear Foundation, Homespace is now able to upgrade our security systems, meaning that our youth get to live in a safer environment.” said Executive Director, Michael Hill. “Creating a strong sense of safety and security is vitally important for the youth we serve, and this grant will help us in achieving that goal.”

More information on the Josephine Goodyear Foundation can be found at the following website link: https://www.cfgb.org/nonprofits/grants/josephine-goodyear-foundation/

Homespace Corporation has been providing services to Children and Families since 1994. More information on Homespace can be found here: www.homespacecorp.org.

HOMESPACE CORPORATION RECEIVES MAJOR GRANT DOLLARS FROM THE EAST HILL FOUNDATION

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 20:55:39 +0000

Buffalo, NY, November 8, 2023:

Homespace Corporation has received a major grant award from the East Hill Foundation in the amount of $30,000 which is intended for the renovation of one of the outdated apartments in Homespace’s Supervised Independent Living Program. Homespace Corporation offers residential services and support to at-risk youth in the foster care system ages 14-21, as well as their children if they have any, and is one of the only organizations in this area of its kind. Their slogan, “support at-risk youth to achieve independence two generations at a time.”

This is the second time the East Hill Foundation has been gracious enough to lend their support toward an apartment renovation on the Homespace campus.

“With the support of the East Hill Foundation, Homespace is able to house at-risk youth in a safe and comfortable living environment, which is crucial to the development of youth in foster care.” said Executive Director, Michael Hill. The Supervised Independent Living Program is intended for youth who are close to aging out of foster care, ages 18-21. The program offers young adults a chance to live on their own, with lots of guidance, independent living training, skills building, and other supports needed to enter adulthood as a productive member of society.

The East Hill Foundation was established in 1986 and is located in North Tonawanda. It is a privately-funded family foundation, which evolved out of the family’s tradition of stewardship. More information on the East Hill Foundation can be found here: www.easthillfdn.org.

Homespace Corporation has been providing services to Children and Families since 1994. More information on Homespace can be found here: www.homespacecorp.org.

Homespace Receives Grant Dollars from The Children's Guild Foundation

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:42:49 +0000

Homespace Corporation Receives Major Grant from The Children’s Guild Foundation

Buffalo, NY, June 8, 2023:

Homespace Corporation has been awarded $20,000.00 of financial support from The Children’s Guild Foundation for its Health and Wellness 2.0 Project. Homespace Corporation supports youth in the foster care system between the ages of 14-21 to achieve independence, self-sufficiency and a sense of security, many of whom are pregnant or parenting themselves. Homespace works to change two generations at a time.

This financial support from The Children’s Guild Foundation has the intended use of furthering the health and wellness outcomes of youth in foster care, whose general health outcome statistics are quite low and are considered an underserved population. With the use of these funds, Homespace has been able to successfully onboard a new psychiatric nurse practitioner to treat and prescribe medication to youth in-house. This is a brand-new position for the agency. This program is made possible through a grant by The Children’s Guild Foundation.

“These monies will change the future health outcomes of many children in our care. We are very grateful to be partnering with The Children’s Guild Foundation on this program.” Said Michael Hill, Executive Director of Homespace Corporation.

For more information on The Children’s Guild Foundation, please visit https://cg.foundation. For more information on Homespace Corporation, please visit www.homespacecorp.org.

Homespace Corporation offers residential services and support to at-risk youth in foster care in Buffalo, NY. Homespace Corporation has been providing services to Children and Families since 1994.

Homespace Receives Grant Dollars from Children's Foundation of Erie County

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:33:09 +0000

Buffalo, NY, June 8, 2023: Homespace Corporation has been awarded $5,000.00 of financial support from Children’s Foundation of Erie County for its Educational Support for Foster Youth Project. Homespace Corporation supports youth in the foster care system between the ages of 14-21 to achieve independence, self-sufficiency and a sense of security, many of whom are pregnant or parenting themselves. Homespace works to change two generations at a time. This financial support from Children’s Foundation of Erie County has the intended use of furthering the educational and thus the career outcomes of youth in foster care, whose general educational outcome statistics are quite low and are considered an underserved population. With the use of these funds, Homespace has been able to successfully transition an existing staff person into a certified tutor role for any youth that need extra assistance with school work, free of charge to them and in-house. Homespace also plans to establish or join an existing SAT prep course and use funds toward college application fees and application assistance This program is made possible in part by a grant by Children’s Foundation of Erie County. “This program will be so beneficial to the future of our youth, as we work with them to make their education a priority thus setting them up for the best future possible.” Said Michael Hill, Executive Director of Homespace Corporation. For more information on Children’s Foundation of Erie County, please visit www.childrensfoundationerie.corg. For more information on Homespace Corporation, please visit www.homespacecorp.org. Homespace Corporation offers residential services and support to at-risk youth in foster care in Buffalo, NY. Homespace Corporation has been providing services to Children and Families since 1994

Homespace Featured on Daytime Buffalo!

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:18:14 +0000

Michael Hill from Homespace and Leah Angel Daniel from Fostering Greatness were featured on WIVB Channel 4 Daytime Buffalo to talk about foster care awareness month and how the community can support both youth in foster care, and foster care alumni. To watch the full clip, click here.

Spotlight on our Social Workers

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 11:40:16 +0000

March is national social work month, and we at Homespace wanted to take the opportunity to spotlight some of our social workers on staff here: how and why they became social workers, and what they had to say about the field of work which they are so passionate about. We are fortunate enough to have a fantastic group of caring and passionate individuals here who help our young people every day. Read below to see what they had to say, you might learn something.

First, meet the social workers:

AINSLIE EVANS: Behavioral Health Counselor, LMSW. Fun fact: I am a closeted artist. I love painting, when I can.

ADIJA ALMOND: Behavioral Health Counselor LMSW. Fun fact: I am a die-hard Beyonce fan.

ALEXANDRA KRAFT: Y-Prep independent Living Trainer, working toward a BSW. Fun fact: I am planning my wedding for next year.

KATY COOPER: Director of Services, LMHC. Fun fact: I have my own private practice.

BRENDA PRYOR: Clinical Supervisor at SILP, BSW. Fun fact: I was a sergeant in the army

Q: Why did you go into this field?

Alexandra: Growing up, I had always wanted to be a teacher. I really liked science and astronomy, but when I got to college I realized I hated calculus, so that wasn’t going to work out for me. Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I learned so much about Black Lives Matter, and I really wanted to help. I became passionate about black history, and I questioned why I never learned that in school? That’s just not right. I also always loved true crime, I have a bit of a social justice streak, so I wanted to put that energy toward something.

Brenda: I was actually in the army, and I wasn’t feeling very fulfilled by the job I had. One day I was waiting in a line to speak to the military social worker after a deployment, and the wait was so long! Well while in line, the man in front of me started telling me all his problems that he wasn’t going to tell the social worker we were in line for. When I was listening to his story and giving him advice, I thought – wow, this is it. This is what I want to do with my life. When I finally made it through the line and sat in the social worker’s office, I asked her: How can I get your job?

Katy: I really just wanted to help people. I’m a listener, you know, I’m a helper. I enjoy focusing on one on one, individualized help.

Adija: I have always wanted to help people. In high school I took several aptitude tests that always pointed me toward becoming a psychologist. So, I majored in psych with minors criminal justice, sociology and philosophy. I actually talked to a LMHC before I made the decision for social work. I really like to do different things, and develop new skills all the time, and a mentor I had at the time was working at OCFS and told me that based on my interests, I should go into social work.

Ainslie: I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, so I went broad for undergrad. I studied psychology, business, environmental studies, and I had zero plans after graduating. I was able to get a job in special education alternative high school, which I enjoyed, but I wanted to have more of an impact than working one on one with students, and that sent me to social work.

Q: What is your favorite thing about social work?

Katy: Making an impact – any sort of impact, even if it’s something small. Having former clients come back to me, and telling me they learned something, or used a tool that I gave them.

Ainslie: “I genuinely enjoy hearing people’s stories. I like connecting with people from different backgrounds, and to learn and grow from it. Every once in a while, it’s nice to feel like you make an impact. A client recently wrote me a letter of appreciation, and it really touched me. Being able to create that healing space for someone is what drives me.”

Alexandra: I like that it’s so broad. Growing up, I always thought of “social workers” as strictly CPS workers, but that’s not the case. With a social work background you can be a lobbyist and go work with politicians, you can work with kids, whoever – it’s so broad.

Adija: I love to learn people. Learning the “why” and “how” to who a person is, is so intriguing to me. There’s so much to people and how complex we are, if you really think about it. But, that is also the hardest part. Because with teens and trauma, that adds to their layers. I love it when someone says to me, I had so much on my mind before we talked, and now I just feel lighter.

Brenda: The diversity of the field, you can go down so many career paths you have no idea. Like there’s alcohol and substance abuse, therapy, military, government. The training and skills can be so well-rounded.

Q: What advice would you give a young person interested in a career in social work?

Brenda: Do it! It’s important work. I don’t ever feel unfulfilled, it’s so fulfilling. There’s always someone to help.

Katy: Don’t set out to save the world. Sometimes a client makes progress and then there’s backslides, that’s perfectly normal. If you made someone smile…you’re doing something right. It took me 12 years in the field to really grasp that, but it’s just the truth.

Adija: Small impacts make a difference. You’re going to be underpaid, but that’s okay (with a chuckle). You can work but still live normal life, without it being consumed. Remember self-care.

Ainslie: Take care of yourself. You don’t have to be perfect in order to help others. It can be what you make it, and there’s more flexibility than a 9-5 job.

Alexandra: It is very important to keep your work and home life separate. Burnout is real. Get yourself your own counselor.

Q: Why should we celebrate social work month?

Ainslie: We need to bring awareness to how far we’ve come as a field, and how far we still have to go. There is a lot of stigma behind social work and what we do (which is historically warranted!), but the field has made progress in recent years. Demand is high for this position, we need more people in this field.

Brenda: This is a job people don’t realize is a necessity, and mental health is just as important as physical health. Maybe when you think of a social worker you picture someone sitting behind a desk, but actually there are so many people with boots on the ground. Policies in government are so important! You want to change the world? Be a social worker in politics. If a social worker went into politics, they would absolutely have the best understanding of what the community actually needs, and how exactly to get it.

Adija: There is a lack of diversity in the social work field. We need more men as well as people of color within the field. People do not know the depth of social work and the various career paths that can be taken with this degree

Alexandra: To bring more people into the field, there’s a huge shortage and at the same time, a growing field.

Katy: In order to bring awareness to mental health, and all the providers that are out there that are dedicated to help people that are struggling…and they don’t have to do it alone.

Q: What brought you to Homespace?

Ainslie: I was working with a consultant for the company and would do presentations here, and what I liked about Homespace is that it is small, family oriented, and that I could work with adolescents. The (CFTSS) program was new and I liked thinking that I could be a part of its development. Working at Homespace gives me the chance to work with people more in depth, rather than just seeing a client here and there. There are so many activities and celebrations that bring staff and residents together and the fact they have the mother-baby group home is very unique, nobody else has that around here.

Adija: I actually had a family member who lived at Homespace. I learned and did research about Homespace after hearing about it and thought, wow, who would have known! I loved that it was a smaller program, really tight-knit, with flexibility. I can have a life! Working in traditional foster care is 9-5 job, I really prefer the flexibility in my schedule that Homespace can offer me. I also felt like seeing kids once a month just wasn’t enough for me. Here I get to have more one-on-one time with them to make more of an impact.

Alexandra: I was looking for a new job when a classmate of mine suggested Homespace and when I saw how they help youth, it was really interesting to me. I thought it would be a unique experience to have.

Brenda: I was presented this opportunity through my schooling at Daemen. I started as the Y-prep coordinator and was recently promoted to clinical supervisor at SILP.

Homespace Featured on AM Buffalo!

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 12:52:55 +0000

Mercedes Wilson and Emily Lampa from AM Buffalo were gracious enough to come out to Homespace and do a live news segment with us, on site at our SILP unit. They were able to bring awareness to our cause by taking a tour of the units, and speaking about our services we offer. This segment featured interviews with our director of services, Katy Cooper, our executive director, Michael Hill, our SILP clinical supervisor, Brenda Pryor, and Homespace client Donte. Click here to watch the video.

Foundations Support Important Facilities Improvements at Homespace

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 17:52:33 +0000

Homespace Corporation announced grant funding received to enhance its Second Chance Home and Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP) facilities, both of which are located in the East Side district of Buffalo. “As an organization that provides residential living as a part of its service offerings, Homespace is always thrilled to receive grant funds to improve our buildings on campus,” said Michael Hill, executive director of the nonprofit agency. “Our youth deserve an environment that promotes safety, security, and comfort. We want our spaces to feel pleasant and home-like for them.” Local foundations have provided awards that will facilitate the installation of new front doors at our SILP townhomes and upgrades to our existing security systems at Second Chance Home. Last month, the East Hill Foundation contributed $23,911. Also, the Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation contributed $6,500. Based in Buffalo, NY, Homespace Corporation is a human services agency that provides shelter, programs, and trauma-informed care for children displaced from the foster care system. The agency offers goal-oriented support services and solution-focused interventions to address many behavioral health challenges. Homespace works to promote the concepts of family, selfsufficiency, responsibility, security and resiliency. Homespace is committed to changing the lives of foster youth ages 14-21 (and the child or children that they are parenting) two generations at a time

Homespace Corporation Achieves National Accreditation

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 17:35:58 +0000

HOMESPACE CORPORATION ACHIEVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION from coa

Buffalo, NY, March 7, 2023:

Homespace Corporation has achieved national accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA). Homespace Corporation supports at-risk youth to achieve independence two generations at a time. It took Homespace Corporation three years to achieve accreditation. Organizations pursue accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA evaluated all aspects of Homespace’s programs, services, management, and administration.

COA accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance. The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of an organization’s administration, management, and service delivery functions against international standards of best practice. The standards driving accreditation ensure that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce. COA accreditation demonstrates accountability in the management of resources, sets standardized best practice thresholds for service and administration, and increases organizational capacity and accountability by creating a framework for ongoing quality improvement.

To achieve COA accreditation, Homespace Corporation first provided written evidence of compliance with the COA standards. Thereafter, a group of specially trained volunteer Peer Reviewers confirmed adherence to these standards during a series of on-site interviews with trustees, staff and clients.

Based on their findings, COA’s volunteer-based Accreditation Commission voted that Homespace Corporation had successfully met the criteria for accreditation.

An endorsement of COA and the value of its accreditation process is reflected in it being named by the US State Department as the sole national independent accrediting body under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption to accredit intercountry adoption service providers. In addition, COA is the only national accreditor designated by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop accreditation standards and processes for human service programs provided to military personnel and their families.

Founded in 1977, COA is an independent, not-for-profit accreditor of the full continuum of community-based behavioral health care and social service organizations in the United States and Canada. Over 2,000 organizations — voluntary, public, and proprietary; local and statewide; large and small — have either successfully achieved COA accreditation or are currently engaged in the process. Presently, COA has a total of 47 service standards that are applicable to over 125 different types of programs. To learn more about COA, please visit www.coanet.org.

Homespace Corporation offers residential services and support to at-risk youth in foster care in Buffalo, NY. Homespace Corporation has been providing services to Children and Families since 1994.

Local foundations support behavioral health care for foster youth

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 14:53:52 +0000

LOCAL FOUNDATIONS SUPPORT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE FOR FOSTER YOUTH

Homespace Corporation announced grant funding received to support its in-house health and wellness services, including vital mental health assessments and counseling. "One-hundred percent of our young people have a history of trauma," said Michael Hill, executive director of the nonprofit agency. "The pandemic was barely in our rearview when the horrific events of May 14th impacted our community. Many of our youth are anxious about their future."

Local Foundations support the agency's capacity to deliver limited health care services on-campus at Homespace. Recently, the Garman Family Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, contributed $50,000. Also, the Children's Foundation of Erie County contributed $5,000.

Based in Buffalo, NY, Homespace Corporation is a human services agency that provides shelter, programs, and trauma-informed care for children displaced from the foster care system. The agency offers goal-oriented support services and solution-focused interventions to address many behavioral health challenges. Programs are administered by a clinical team of qualified, licensed professionals.

For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation's mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation's care. Learn more at cfgb.org

A survivor in an unkind world

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 15:01:20 +0000

Meet Leslie... A survivor in a world that's been unkind

By Ashley Biviano

It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows during Leslie’s childhood, but just ahead of her eighteenth birthday, she has a positive mindset, is ready to embark on new adventures, and after an incredibly difficult upbringing, she said she’s learned tools necessary to succeed.

A native of Monroe County, Leslie came to be a resident at Homespace about five months ago. Prior to coming to our program, she said she’d been in the foster care system for the past four years. “I was in other programs, they weren’t good at all,” she said. “Homespace has treated me better in that regard.”

Leslie has endured more than many people could imagine, all before even becoming an adult. The trauma she experienced as a young child continued into her pre-teen and teen years, outlining abhorrent incidents.

These experiences, Leslie admitted, led her down a dark, self-destructive path at a young age, involving self-medicating to numb the pain, and other methods that she thought would help her cope but later learned were not in her best interests and were not safe.

It’s imperative to understand, though, that Leslie is not her trauma. She is not her past. She is not defined by what she has gone through – what she has endured.

She is not confined to the label of “victim.” Next to her name, you will not find the words “broken,” “irreparable,” or “lost.”

Instead, you’ll see she’s a survivor. A fighter in a world that has been unfair to her.

Leslie is not defined by how many times she can metaphorically take a hit in life – no matter how hard – and get back up. It’s grace and acceptance that help her to thrive.

She learned about Homespace from a friend, she said. “It had to be better than where I had been, and that’s true.”

While her time spent in our program hasn’t been easy, she said it has been worth it.

Leslie said because of the bonds she made with some of the staff members, she can cope with certain triggers and has developed a safety plan that she knows how to implement now and will carry on with her into the future.

Homespace life was hard to adjust to, Leslie admitted. “Some of the rules just didn’t make sense to me,” she said, adding maybe in the future it’d be something she would understand better. Forming relationships with other youth was also a challenge Leslie stumbled across. While she said she did have friends, there were difficult moments, which is to be expected when living with people you don’t know.

She loves cooking – fried chicken is her favorite thing to make. That, or shrimp, she said. With macaroni and cheese or potatoes. A fan of the arts, she fashions homemade stress balls using balloons, glue and glitter. She enjoys makeup, movies, and relaxing. Like many teenagers, she enjoys scrolling Tik Tok for entertainment.

Leslie said her holiday at Homespace was memorable. Thanks to sponsors of the organization, she was gifted items from her wish list, and was able to open gifts from her extended Homespace family. She was grateful for everything she received.

And as for ringing in 2022? She, laughingly, said she likes to sleep too much and didn’t make it to midnight to watch the ball drop.

Once she leaves our program, she said she will be returning to Monroe County and has been in contact with a Drill Instructor. She plans to finish her schooling and continue a path that will lead her to self-sufficiency, independence and success.

“I will absolutely stay in contact with a couple of the staff here,” she said. “They really saved me, they were there for me, they helped me in ways other people couldn’t. I’ll never forget them, or my time here.”

Leslie’s story is unique. Her past is hers to own and work through as she navigates into adulthood and through the rest of her life. It has been our pleasure to be a part of her journey and a portion of her life story.

However, there are so many other young people with pasts that parallel to Leslie’s in one way or another, and Homespace will be ready to help that next person – or people – ready to tackle their past, learn coping mechanisms to deal with prior trauma, absorb life skills including cooking, budgeting, shopping, laundry, cleaning, and – of course – enjoy being a teenager and having fun.

Next Step COA Accreditation

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:07:03 +0000

Homespace has acheived accrediation through the Council on Accreditation (COA)! We are so proud of our team for this amazing achievement. COA accreditation means that our agency's Next Step program, services, administration and management have been rigorously evaluated and meet best pratice standards. To learn more about COA accrediation, please visit www.coanet.org.

Homespacecorp.org more accessible with new User Way widget

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:07:52 +0000

HOMESPACE ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Updated: June 2021

General

Homespace strives to ensure that its services are accessible to people with disabilities. Homespace has invested a significant amount of resources to help ensure that its website is made easier to use and more accessible for people with disabilities, with the strong belief that website accessibility efforts assist all users and that every person has the right to live with dignity, equality, comfort and independence.

Accessibility on www.homespacecorp.org

www.homespacecorp.org makes available the UserWay's Web Accessibility Widget is powered by a dedicated accessibility server. The software allows www.homespacecorp.org to improve its compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1).

Enabling the Accessibility Menu

The www.homespacecorp.org accessibility menu can be enabled by clicking the accessibility menu icon that appears on the corner of the page. After triggering the accessibility menu, please wait a moment for the accessibility menu to load in its entirety.

Disclaimer

Homespace continues its efforts to constantly improve the accessibility of its site and services in the belief that it is our collective moral obligation to allow seamless, accessible and unhindered use also for those of us with disabilities.

In an ongoing effort to continually improve and remediate accessibility issues, we also regularly scan www.homespacecorp.org with UserWay's Accessibility Scanner to identify and fix every possible accessibility barrier on our site. Despite our efforts to make all pages and content on www.homespacecorp.org fully accessible, some content may not have yet been fully adapted to the strictest accessibility standards. This may be a result of not having found or identified the most appropriate technological solution.

Here For You

If you are experiencing difficulty with any content on www.homespacecorp.org or require assistance with any part of our site, please contact us during normal business hours as detailed below and we will be happy to assist.

Contact Us

If you wish to report an accessibility issue, have any questions or need assistance, please contact Homespace Customer Support as follows:

Call 716-881-4600.

Khadijah's Story

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:08:25 +0000

My name is Khadijah, I came to Homespace when I was just 15 years old, and this is my story.

I have 5 other siblings and most of our lives we have been in and out of the foster care system. Most people would say that they can understand what we went through, or even what we are still going through, but in my opinion no one can understand my struggle.

I was 15 years old, just starting out, the most important time of my life as I was going from a child into young adulthood. During my Sophomore year of high school I was having to juggle a lot already! It was on September 3rd, 2018 that I realized my life was about to get a lot more hectic.

I became a mother at the age of 15. Yes, still a child in most people’s eyes. Not only was I young, I was totally unaware. 9 months out of my life that I just couldn’t understand, my mind and my body were changing. I sat in my hospital bed just staring off, in a daze… A baby? A human being that I would have to feed and clothe, nurture and care for for the rest of my life… Am I ready for this?

That’s when I found Homespace. Homespace is truly about Second Chances. We are a community, always here for each other. In a way, we are all a family.

Without Homespace, I don’t think that I would be where I am today. Their undeniable support has helped me work towards my goals, and my progress has skyrocketed through the roof! Three years l later and I am now 18 years old.

I am a high school graduate and a healthcare worker. I am just starting classes now to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and I am on track to move on to the final step of Homespace’s programs - living in the community.

I want to thank Homespace for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to make sure that my daughter and I have the best life possible!

Homespace Website Features Language Translator

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 21:20:43 +0000

Homespace Website Features Language Translator

Homespace Corporation is pleased to announce that our website is now available in 58 different languages, including languages in high demand such as Spanish and Arabic. Providing better access to our programs and services is important to our mission and vision. Please check it out in the top right menu on our website, www.homespacecorp.org!

A Mother's Day Fundraiser: Celebrating the Mothers of Homespace

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:12:00 +0000

Homespace Corporation seeks local businesses to feature their favorite item(s) for Mom in our specially curated gift basket or as a donation to our silent auction. Our pre-order gift baskets will include a number of handmade & local items to honor and pamper that special Mama in your life! All proceeds from this fundraiser support the programming Homespace provides to at-risk youth and their children in the foster care system.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF OUR SPONSORSHIP PACKET

Why Homespace?

For over 25 years Homespace has been providing holisitic, individualized services for youth in foster care between the ages of 14-21. Homespace has developed our programs to support new mothers on their journey to achieving success and independence, two generations at a time.

Homespace is “Home” to over 25 Mothers and their children annually, and we support over 15 additional Mothers and their families living in the community. Your gift to Homespace impacts over 40 at-risk Mothers each year.

Homespace welcomes donated items, but we are also seeking locally hand-made, artisan and self-care items at a cost point of $1 - $8 per item which will allow us to work a donation to Homespace into the cost of our Mother's Day Baskets. Items for consideration must be available in quanities of 50, non-perishable, and available for pick-up by April 30th.

What are we looking for? Items we are looking to include in our Gift Baskets are: Soaps, lotions, bath bombs, body soaks, candles, ceramics, journals, flower bulbs, jewelry, accessories, chocolates, houseplants, tote bags, fragrances, and More!

Each Mother we serve will receive a Mother's Day Basket at no cost, and community members can pre-order a basket which will incorporate a $50 donation to Homespace, personalized in honor of the Mother who they purchased it for.

Your business and items will be featured heavily on our website and social media, crowdfunding and peer-to-peer fundraising pages, and will be shared in our E-Newsletter - reaching hundreds of local folks! You are invited to include a business card or small promotional flyer in the baskets.

Would you like to donate one AWESOME item or gift certificate? We'd love it for our silent auction!
Items we are seeking to feature in our auction are: original art work, art prints, gift certificates, ceramics, home décor, spa treatments, pottery, plants, hand made gifts, jewelry, & collectibles.

CONTACT:
Sarah Hoepfinger, Development Associate
716.220.7564 | sarah.hoepfinger@homespacecorp.org

Homespace SILP Unit #10 to be named The M&T Bank Townhome

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 13:09:10 +0000

Last year, Homespace celebrated 25 years of serving at-risk children, youth and families in the foster care system. During this time we reflected on the many years of housing foster care youth in our Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP). Through reflection, it became obvious that these townhomes were in desperate need of repairs. After being called “home” to more than 500 families, these units experienced an irreversible level of wear and tear which required complete renovation.

M&T Bank granted Homespace $25,000 in 2020 to fund the cost of a complete renovation for Unit #10 at the Homespace SILP. Renovations have been completed and Homespace is excited and eager to name this unit the M&T Bank Townhome. This funding allowed us to completely renovate the kitchen and bathroom, install extra-durable luxury vinyl flooring throughout the first floor, add new carpeting to bedrooms, update and replace the lighting, furnishings, and appliances throughout.

Providing a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment for our clients to heal is our top priority. By housing at-risk youth in clean, homey, and updated spaces, we reinforce their self-worth and confidence. Living in a comfortable space without the worry of homelessness or lack of resources such as utilities or internet brings our youth one step closer to a successful future.

There are still many townhomes at Homespace waiting for their makeover. If you’re interested in sponsoring the renovation of one of these units, please contact Kim Morris, Executive Director. Kim.morris@homespacecorp.org.

Homespace Corporation is Seeking Volunteer Gardeners

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 13:11:28 +0000

Homespace Corporation is seeking volunteer gardeners for the 2021 growing season. Homespace currently operates a Therapeutic Garden at our Supervised Independent Living Program located at 1030 Ellicott Street in Buffalo, NY. We are a member garden with Grassroots Gardens of WNY and a pilot site for GGWNY’s Therapeutic Gardening Task Force.

Download our Volunteer Gardening Flyer HERE

Requirements
Due to the population of vulnerable children and youth we serve, volunteer candidates must:
-be over the age of 18
-have their own transportation
-commit to a minimum of 15 hours of service
-complete a volunteer application
-consent to fingerprinting
-consent to a background check

If you are interested in a social distanced volunteer opportunity for the 2021 growing season, please contact us to begin the process.

Contact: Ashley Biviano, Development Associate
ashley.biviano@homespacecorp.org - 716.220.7564

Tower Foundation extends funding – Doubling Down Efforts to Improve Health and Wellness Outcomes

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 20:38:26 +0000

In 2020 Homespace Corporation was awarded $30,000 through the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation to develop the infrastructure necessary for improving access to health care and mental/behavioral health services. This generous grant has funded an on-site licensed nurse, medical case management and discharge planning, access to on-site psychiatric supports & treatment, psycho-social rehabilitation, and counseling services.

Incoming youth exhibit high rates of mental and emotional problems attributed to many different factors: the insidious effects of abuse, neglect, the stress of out-of-home placement and interruptions in routine health care. Our data on Homespace youth aged 14 to 21 reveals that in calendar year 2018: 81% were diagnosed with a mental health condition, 54% with substance abuse disorder, 52% with learning disabilities, and 25% with intellectual disabilities. Quality of routine healthcare and on-site access to comprehensive mental/behavioral health services are a key component in ensuring the health and success of youth and children in the foster care system.

In addition to providing these critically important Child and Family Treatment and Support Services, we provided pregnancy-related education and holistic services to the young mothers in our programs. All pregnant youth participated in an eight-week group workshop on female anatomy, starting at rudimentary level anatomy. Several new mothers chose to join in Doula services. Several mothers-to-be participated in tours of the hospital, and educational classes/sessions on how to care for an infant. Homespace welcomed four new medically high-risk babies; all received Nurse care services, and continuous follow-up with staff.

At the end of January 2021, we were notified that the Tower Foundation granted Homespace an additional payment equal to the grant we received in 2020. The Tower Foundation also released all restrictions on these funds to allow our Administration the flexibility to prioritize funding internally to best meet our clients’ needs during this uncertain time. Our Board of Directors, staff, and clients of Homespace Corporation are all deeply grateful for this unexpected gift which will surely continue to support positive, healthy outcomes for our clients, despite the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Homespace Seeks Community Support for Clean Green Initiative

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 23:46:23 +0000

February 1, 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the globe, with new strains appearing, a stressed health care system, and a long wait for vaccinations… Homespace is committed to decreasing the risk of spreading COVID-19 and other serious illnesses by ensuring that all of our clients have access to safe and effective cleaning supplies and directing our Independent Living Trainers to work with clients on reinforcing healthy cleaning habits.

Homespace frequently receives in-kind donations from the community of both new and used clothing, toys, kitchen, and home items. While these items have always been welcomed and appreciated by our clients, concerns with sanitizing and storing items have put many in-kind donations on hold indefinitely. During this time, we are still seeking support from the community to keep a steady supply of cleaning supplies coming in and going straight into the hands of the young adults and parents whose health and wellbeing is our responsibility.

Homespace issues this list of needed items to the community, and a link to our Amazon Wishlist. Purchases from this wishlist support Homespace's Clean Green Initiative. Keeping our homes clean is more important now than ever and is a crucial component of reducing the transmission of viruses. Help us support the children, youth and families of Homespace by providing green cleaning supplies which are safe for use around babies and children while also better for the environment. All supplies purchased from this wishlist will be provided to our clients at no cost on an ongoing basis. Thank you for helping us keep Homespace healthy! The Wishlist can be found here: https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/18HJ7Z6JAP5P5/ref=smi_et_lnk_lcl_cl

Those who wish to provide supplies directly to our youth can also put together “Clean Green Kits” to be distributed to our youth. Suggested items include:

-Dish detergent -Bucket and mop -Toilet bowl cleaner

-Sponges and dish brushes -Floor cleaning liquid -Microfiber cleaning Cloths

-All purpose surface cleaner -Bottle brushes and detergent -Disinfecting Wipes

-Bathroom cleaner -Paper towels -Hand Sanitizer

*Please contact Sarah Hoepfinger, Development Associate, for more information.
sarah.hoepfinger@homespacecorp.org
716-220-7564