Collective Decision-Making for Community Ownership

Operates an annual scholarship application system and awards multiple named scholarships, including the Gregory D. Spring Perseverance Scholarship, Jonathan Teuscher Scholarship, Sondra J. Fox Scholarship, and others, with recipients notified by May 30 and awards distributed through school ceremonies. Awards over $300,000 annually in scholarships to students in the Cattaraugus region.

Supports capital campaigns and maintenance projects for local organizations, including funding for the Olean Food Pantry expansion, SPCA in Cattaraugus County shelter renovations and kennel repairs, and ongoing support for the 5.6-mile Allegheny River Valley Trail through a dedicated fund.

Provides grants to tax-exempt organizations, governmental units, schools, and universities in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, supporting education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human services, and youth development. Also considers grants to religious institutions when programs serve broad community needs, such as food assistance.

Manages approximately 300 funds and scholarships with over $30 million in assets, including donor-designated funds such as the Mildred Milliman Fund that benefits 35 charities annually. Allocates 80% of annual contributions to grantmaking and 20% to the SheElevates Fund's endowment for long-term sustainability.

Organizes and hosts an annual holiday lights display in Lancaster, NY, running from Thanksgiving night through January 1st, which serves as a public fundraising event to collect donations for local child-centric charities in Western New York. The event includes visitor guidance via route maps, parking recommendations, and promotion of walking tours to enhance community engagement and minimize disruption.

Annually selects a recipient organization through a neighborhood-wide or community vote and awards a charitable grant, with past recipients including the Evan Wood Fund (2022), P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative (2023), and the Depew-Lancaster Boys and Girls Club (2024).

Hosts supplementary community events such as a Mini Cooper parade (held December 9, 2023, and December 11, 2022) and a fundraiser at Fattey Beer Co. on October 25, 2024, featuring live music, raffles, and donation opportunities to support the organization’s charitable mission.

Maintains and shares a public archive of photographs and drone videos from annual holiday light displays, including documented collections from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons, to preserve community memories and promote ongoing engagement.

Collects returned cans and bottles throughout the year to generate deposit refunds, which support the organization’s charitable giving initiatives.

Conducts advocacy work focused on reforming civic abuses through inquiry, community engagement, and public awareness campaigns.

Engages artists in a two-year residency program to raise awareness of immigration legal and social services through music, visual arts, filmmaking, workshops, exhibitions, and performances. Includes integration of blues music into citizenship classes and production of minidocumentaries and PSAs.

Offers comprehensive assistance to immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship, including form completion, application screenings, and counseling. The program has helped thousands of individuals obtain citizenship and operates through appointments with trained legal counselors.

Offers free employment services including job search advising, referrals, and job placement support for job seekers and employers. The program has assisted hundreds of individuals in securing employment.

Provides free and confidential assistance to individuals applying for or renewing health insurance through NY State of Health. Services are available on an ongoing basis at Bronx and Queens locations.

Honors individuals for their contributions to improving the quality of life for immigrants through an annual awards event.

Provides free legal consultations and application assistance for immigration matters including naturalization, Temporary Protected Status, green card renewals, family-based petitions, DACA renewals, adjustment of status, removal of conditions, re-entry permits, and visa applications. Services are delivered through attorneys and paralegals at Bronx and Queens offices.

Provides individual counseling, referrals, and drop-in therapy hours for mental health and substance abuse issues. Services are available in the Bronx and Queens, with outreach efforts including video public service announcements.

Organizes and hosts community events for New York City’s Participatory Budgeting initiative, enabling residents to directly decide how to allocate part of the city's public budget.