NT Common Council gives proclamation to NICAP

By David Yarger

Tribune Editor

Tuesday night, North Tonawanda Alderman Robert Pecoraro and Mayor Arthur Pappas issued a proclamation to the Niagara Community Action Program Inc.

According the group’s website, “Niagara Community Action Program Inc. is a countywide agency dedicated to reducing poverty in a collaborative effort by initiating and conducting programs of self-sufficiency. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals and families to reach their fullest potential.”

In the proclamation, Pecoraro said North Tonawanda residents benefitted greatly from NICAP in 2018, as “14 low-income households received weatherization assistance; one household received emergency home repairs; over 1,000 low-income households received emergency food; almost 1,500 households received clothing; 14 houses received budget counseling; holiday baskets were distributed to 100 low-income households; and almost 500 low-income households received fresh fruit and vegetables.”

The group houses a neighborhood center in the city at 265 Falconer St.

NICAP CEO Suzanne Shears, who accepted the proclamation alongside Linda Harrington from the NT NICAP office, said, “On behalf of my board of directors … I am deeply, deeply gratified to the mayor and the council members here for your support over the years, because that money is money that leverages federal and state grant monies to the tune of $2.6 million yearly into our agency, so we can provide theses services to the residents of North Tonawanda.”

Pappas added, “I know that this organization really follows through, because I’ve worked with Suzanne now for a few years in this organization and now Bob is involved and the council. Everybody has worked with you people, and we’re very, very pleased with what you’ve done for our community and for our residents.” 

For more information on the group, or to get involved, visit the NICAP website at http://niagaracap.blogspot.com/, or call 716-285-9681.