Family Promise of WNY to host 'Celebration of Service' awards reception

Recognizing outstanding community contributions

Family Promise of WNY, a family homeless shelter, will recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals, businesses, partners and leaders in the community at its third annual “Celebration of Service” awards reception scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6, at Tewksbury Lodge, 249 Ohio St., Buffalo.

Awards recipients include:

√ Community Partner Award – Presented to City of Buffalo Ellicott District Councilwoman and Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope for her “unwavering commitment to driving positive change and opportunity for all in the Ellicott District.”

√ Unsung Hero Award – Presented to the community of Saints Columba-Brigid Church for its “commitment to living out the Gospel values through their 27-year partnership with Family Promise.”

√ Corporate Pillar Award – Presented to HDE Electric for its “dedication to supporting the mission of Family Promise to support families as they find their way back home.”

√ Advocate Award – Presented to Lawrence H. Cook II, senior vice president of programs at the John R. Oishei Foundation, for his “instrumental role in helping support Family Promise grow and increase our capacity to serve this community.”

“Our lineup of award winners this year is truly exceptional!” said Luanne Firestone, executive director of Family Promise of WNY. “Each person and each group recognized has forged a significant partnership with Family Promise, and their impact has helped to keep us thriving. As a community-driven organization, we know that we cannot accomplish what we do without many hands and many hearts all working together to help families going through the crisis of homelessness get back on their feet.”

A press release stated, “Family Promise of Western New York (FPWNY) is a 501 (c) (3), New York state-certified emergency homeless shelter in Buffalo that has successfully housed families experiencing homelessness for over 25 years. We are one of just two emergency family shelters in Erie County that keep families together, which is critical, considering over 75% of our guests are children. We are small-scale and family-centered, allowing us to offer intensive support tailored to the unique needs of each family. We create a home-like environment based on compassion, respect and shared goals as our guests work to find their way back home.”

For more information, contact Firestone at 716-536-6879, 716-771-3007 or [email protected].