named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Annual Jamboree
Signature fundraising event in its 38th year, benefiting the Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, combining community engagement with charitable support.
Community Blood Drives
Partners with local blood banks to organize blood donation events, addressing critical community health needs.
VA Benefits Assistance
Provides free guidance and support to veterans navigating VA claims and accessing earned benefits, including disability compensation, health care, education, and burial benefits.
Veterans Recognition Programs
Hosts Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, honor guard services for veteran funerals, and maintains a memorial bench at Hyde Park Monument.
Youth & Americanism Programs
Offers scholarships, educational contests, and patriotic programs to support youth development and promote civic responsibility and national pride.
activities · 8 groups
What they do
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Memorial and Veteran Honor Services 3 activities
- Flag retirement and patriotic ceremoniesConducts dignified flag retirement ceremonies to ensure the respectful disposal of worn American flags, serving as a formal expression of patriotism and respect for national symbols.
- Memorial Day and Veterans Day commemoration eventsHosts annual Memorial Day ceremonies at the Hyde Park Monument to honor fallen service members and organizes Veterans Day recognition events and school programs to celebrate veterans’ service.
- Memorial bench maintenance for veteran remembranceMaintains a memorial bench at the Hyde Park Monument as a permanent tribute to honor the service and sacrifice of local veterans.
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Veterans' Social and Gathering Clubs 2 activities
- Community events and social programming for veteransHosts regular social events including an annual 4th of July cookout, an annual post picnic with food and games, and member-only gatherings designed to foster community connections among veterans and their families.
- Operation of a community and veterans gathering facilityOperates a physical facility at 923 Niagara Ave that serves as a gathering place for veterans and their families, offering a community space for connection, member-only events, and social support. The facility also functions as a venue for community events and support services.
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Community Event Fundraising 1 activity
- Annual fundraising Jamboree for hospital supportHosts an annual Jamboree fundraising event that has supported the Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo for 38 years, combining community engagement with sustained charitable giving.
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Blood and Marrow Donation Drives 1 activity
- Community blood drivesOrganizes and hosts community blood drives in partnership with local blood banks to support regional blood supply needs.
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Event Venue Rental Services 1 activity
- Community facility rental for eventsProvides banquet and event facilities for rent to the community and members, offering an affordable venue for celebrations and local events, with discounted rates available for members.
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Veteran Support Grantmaking 1 activity
- Educational, youth, and family programsOffers scholarships, educational initiatives, sports activities, and youth well-being programs aimed at supporting veterans’ families and strengthening community ties.
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Disaster Relief and Recovery Services 1 activity
- Emergency and community support initiativesOrganizes community events and provides assistance during emergencies and natural disasters, while also supporting local initiatives and first responders as part of broader community service efforts.
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Veteran Benefits and Reintegration Support 1 activity
- Veteran benefits assistance and claims supportProvides free, accredited assistance to veterans in applying for, accessing, and appealing VA benefits. Services include direct guidance and support through the claims process, connecting veterans with resources, and ongoing help with appeals.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$118K
Contributions & grants$3K2%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$116K
expenses
Total expenses$83K
Program expenses100%
Admin / overhead0%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$340K
Cash$214K
Investments$0
Liabilities$10K
Net assets$330K
Liquid reserves30.9 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -16.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 12
- AL HICZEWSKI — Director
- ALEX POULSON — Chairman
- ANDRE MILOT — 2ND VICECOMMAND
- CHARLES SEARCY — Director
- FRANK HICKEY — Director
- JOHN COURNYEA — 1ST VICECOMMAND
- JOHN GABRIELSON — COMMANDER
- LOU GARDINER — Director
- MATTHEW LUCE — Treasurer
- RODNEY HAYNES — Director
- ROY BAILOR — 3RD VICECOMMAND
- THOMAS ROBBINS — Director
relationships · 6
Who they work with
- American Legion Network — John J Welch American Legion Post 381 is a chartered post of The American Legion, a U.S. veterans organization.
- Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Partner — Partners on community health initiatives including blood drives.
- Niagara Falls Public Schools Partner — Collaborates on community initiatives and Veterans Day school programs.
- The American Legion Network — Member post of the national American Legion organization, operating under its charter and structure.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Government — Collaborates with the VA to help veterans access benefits including health care, disability compensation, education, home loans, and burial services.
- Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo Partner — Beneficiary of the annual Jamboree fundraising event.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Collective Advocacy for Veteran Benefitsmethodology: collective-advocacyBy organizing veterans collectively, we amplify advocacy efforts to secure rights and benefits at multiple levels of government, because unified membership increases political influence and systemic responsiveness.
- Veteran and Family Inclusion for Community Continuitymethodology: veteran-and-family-inclusionBy extending membership to honorably discharged veterans and their families, we strengthen intergenerational community bonds and continuity of service, because inclusive eligibility fosters lasting civic and familial engagement rooted in shared values.
- Veteran-Led Peer Support Modelmethodology: veteran_peer_supportBy leveraging shared military experience through veteran-led services and accredited peer support, we increase trust and access to benefits and community resources because veterans are more likely to engage with those who have lived similar experiences.