HART receives $25,000 grant from John R. Oishei Foundation to enhance services

The Home Assistance Referral Team has received a $25,000 grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation to expand the services HART has been providing for over 40 years.

A press release noted, “The funding will build upon HART’s mission of enabling the most vulnerable members of our community to maintain a quality of life and remain independent in their own homes by connecting them with qualified and affordable help.

Board Chairperson Patricia E. Berggren said, “For 40 years, HART has existed on a part-time operation serving primarily Niagara County. In the past three years – specifically since the pandemic – we have seen the need for home care double, as well as the length of in-home care needed.”

Executive Director Christine S. O’Hara, MS, said, “HART is extremely grateful to The Oishei Foundation to receive this grant that will allow us to not only move to a much-needed full-time operation – Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – but to expand beyond Niagara County into parts of Erie County, to include Kenmore, Grand Island and Tonawanda. We see and hear firsthand the needs of those in our communities who choose to remain independent in their own homes, and this generous funding allows us to continue to address those needs.

“If you need home care assistance, or are interested in enrolling as an aide, please call our office at 716-754-8313.”

The John R. Oishei Foundation enhances the economic vitality and quality of life for the Buffalo Niagara Region through grantmaking, leadership and network building. For more information, visit www.oishei.org.