Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara County Inc

Hosts free, no-cost community events including Haudenosaunee Social Dances, documentary showings, alcohol- and drug-free gatherings, problem gambling awareness workshops, and cultural competency trainings to promote healthy lifestyles and community resilience.

Offers cultural education, events, storytelling experiences, language learning, and arts and crafts to preserve Haudenosaunee traditions and strengthen cultural identity among Native youth, adults, and elders.

Co-produced the documentary “Unseen Tears” in 2009 to explore the intergenerational impacts of historical trauma on the local Native American population.

Hosts monthly well-balanced nutritional luncheons on the first and third Mondays in Erie County and weekly luncheons every Tuesday in Niagara County at the John A. Duke Senior Center. Organizes social activities such as Native craft groups, movies, field trips, and fundraising events based on elder interests.

Operates a food pantry providing emergency food assistance to individuals and families, with service hours weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, allowing clients to access services twice per calendar month. Serves residents of zip codes 14207 and 14216 in Buffalo, NY, and also offers one-time assistance regardless of zip code.

Provides parenting support, youth engagement programs, advocacy, and connections to essential community resources for families, with a focus on Native American communities in Erie and Niagara Counties.

Provides resources, workshops, and events to support mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health for Native and non-Native individuals, including through the Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Promotion (IHAWP) program.

Operates a peer mentoring program that trains and employs six high school students (ages 14–18) to lead health education workshops, produce public service announcement (PSA) videos on topics like STDs and suicide prevention, and facilitate the MOCA program—a series of discussion sessions and clinic tours to support teen sexual health decision-making.

Provides free transportation and scheduled tours of reproductive health clinics for youth groups to reduce stigma and increase access to care, and distributes condoms and barrier methods to organizations upon request via pick-up or drop-off.

Offers workforce development services, a 6-week work experience program, TASC (formerly GED) classes, and tuition assistance to support eligible Native Americans in achieving meaningful employment and economic self-sufficiency.

Provides recreation and pro-social activities such as movie nights, gaming, and paint nights; educational support including homework assistance, SAT prep, and STEM activities; and skill-building in personal development, cooking, leadership, and goal setting for Native American youth, including those in recovery or at risk of substance use disorder.

Implements evidence-based prevention curricula including Life Skills Training, Too Good for Violence, Too Good for Drugs, and SPORT for youth in grades K–12, and delivers peer-led sexual health education through programs like Making Proud Choices! and Be Proud! Be Responsible! to reduce risks of STIs, HIV, and pregnancy.

Initiated advocacy and support programs for Native American children and families in response to the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act, focusing on culturally appropriate interventions and systemic support.