Empower announces annual campaign

Submitted by Empower

On Feb. 20, Empower (United Cerebral Palsy Association of Niagara County Inc.) will be launching its annual giving campaign.

Empower is a leading provider of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With 17 locations throughout Niagara County, Empower supports people in the areas of housing, employment, day habilitation services, respite, skill building, family support, and preschool special education.

Empower would like to remind the community that the funds raised during the annual appeal are of direct benefit to the people we support, with programs and services that empower them to live their best lives.

“Approximately 85% of the funding we receive are Medicaid dollars and go directly to the people we support in ensuring we meet their basic needs,” Executive Director Diane Baehre said. “That leaves very little to provide enrichment activities and programs that improve the individual’s overall quality of life. Fundraising dollars make a significant impact in advancing our mission.”

Board Chair Russ Petrozzi has served the agency for over 35 years. “I am so proud of the work that the agency has done in serving some of our community’s most vulnerable,” he said. “Empower has been adept in responding to the ever-changing needs of our individuals by using a person-centered approach.”

Here are some ways in which the community can support Empower:

•Donate via cash, check, or online at https://empower-wny.org/.

•Bring your bottles and cans to one of our two redemption centers. You can either get the full deposit back or donate your amount. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. To set up an online account, click here

√ 4701 Military Road, Niagara Falls; 716-545-0023

√ 3571 Niagara Falls Blvd., Wheatfield; 716-260-1791

•Visit our Grab N Go Cart at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, 1900 Military Road, Niagara Falls (near off 5th Saks Avenue) for coffee, beverages and snacks. A paid job training opportunity for people with disabilities. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. weekdays.

•Document shredding, 4701 Military Road near Route 31, Town of Niagara. Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. weekdays. A paid job training opportunity for people with disabilities. NYS certified document destruction contractor. All state privacy regulations are observed. .55 lb. or $8 banker’s box.

The campaign will run until May 1. For more information about Empower, please visit our website, https://empower-wny.org/.