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East Hill Foundation grant will provide new kitchen at Community Missions' facility

by jmaloni

Press release

Tue, Jun 25th 2013 08:30 am

Since its opening in 2003, Hansen House, located in Niagara Falls and operated by Community Missions, has provided adults with psychiatric disabilities a first step toward realizing their goal of more independent living. Earlier this month, the East Hill Foundation presented CMI with a $15,000 donation for an upgrade in the facility's kitchen, where many of the essential daily living skills necessary for residents to transition into more independent living environments are taught.

Though the facility has held up well in its 10 years of service, its kitchen has particularly endured the daily wear and tear associated with a facility of 10 residents, along with staff.

The project will include replacing the existing commercial-grade oven range, refrigerator, dishwasher, countertops, cookware, dishes and utensils. This follows the recent replacement of the tile floor in the adjacent dining room, a process that will also be a part of the kitchen's update.

"We are so thankful for the support of the East Hill Foundation," said CMI Executive Director Robyn L. Krueger. "We believe wholeheartedly in the work being done at our community residences, including Hansen House, and are excited that a respected organization like the East Hill Foundation has shown support for it as well. These funds will go directly to teach the living skills needed by our residents to transition to a more independent living environment."

Hansen House is one of two community residences operated by CHOICES, the adult housing division of Community Missions. The facility consists of 10 single bedrooms, along with sitting areas, offices, an open-concept dining and kitchen area, along with handicap accessibility throughout the first floor. Twenty-four hour staff supervision is provided, as residents work to gain the skills necessary to live more independently. To date, 84 former Hansen House residents have moved on to less intensive programs or permanent housing.

The East Hill Foundation is a privately funded family foundation, which was founded in 1986. The foundation identifies and funds innovative, charitable projects designed to enhance the quality of life of the residents from the eight counties of Western New York.

This year, the foundation is interested in assisting nonprofit organizations that provide basic human services such as providing food and shelter for the needy.The due date for grant applications is Aug. 1. Additional information is available at www.easthillfdn.org.

In 2012, CMI provided more than 70,000 meals and 9,000 nights of care within its crisis services programs. Additional agency programs serve adults and youth with psychiatric disabilities, parolees, at-risk youth and other underserved populations in both residential and recovery-orientated settings. For more information on the services and programs provided by Community Missions, visit www.communitymissions.org or connect via Facebook or Twitter.

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