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The Valley Community Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the residents of the Buffalo River Community by meeting individual and family needs and promoting environmental beautification. Advocating a strong sense of empowerment and ownership, the Valley Community Association’s committed staff and volunteers serve infants through older Americans with health related, educational, economic, social, and recreational assistance and opportunities.

Description:
The Valley Community Association (VCA), now in its 39th year, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit United Way Agency that is a neighborhood based, multi-faceted community center offering programs and services for all ages - from infants through senior citizens for people throughout Erie County.
•The Valley Community Association (VCA) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit United Way Agency that seeks to improve the quality of life for residents of southeast Buffalo, particularly the Buffalo River Community, through services and programs. Since its inception in 1968, all ages have been served by the VCA, from infants to senior citizens.

•The VCA operates programs from the Father Carmichael Community Center, the Valley Senior Center, and the Valley Child Care Center, all located at South Park Avenue and Elk Street, in an area of southeast Buffalo, known as the “Valley”. In addition there is a second day care – Valley Child Care at LCo – at 726 Exchange Street.

•Clientele of the VCA consists of mainly low-to-mid-income families from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, including Caucasian, Hispanic, African-American, and Native American.

•A New York State licensed, state-of-the-art day care center – “Puppy Dog Tales”- was opened in 1998 to serve both area residents and those working at businesses located in Buffalo’s central business district.

•In cooperation with CityView Properties, a second day care – Valley Child Care at LCo – was opened in July of 2004 to serve the residents of the LCo Building and those in the surrounding area.

•Socialization, congregate dining, transportation, and recreational activities are among the services provided for senior citizens.

•The youth program “Striving For Excellence” offers a comprehensive array of youth services including homework assistance, tutoring, counseling, prevention trainings and workshops, mentoring, positive recreational activities, community service projects, and computer training.

•For families, the VCA offers Family Support Services such as a food and clothing pantry, resume services, job referrals and postings, computer trainings, and referrals to other agencies, services, and programs.

•Various events throughout the year aim to promote community togetherness, neighborhood spirit, and ethnic pride. These include the “Old Neighborhood” St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Buffalo River Fest, a Halloween Haunted Hay Ride, a community Easter Egg Hunt, and a Holiday Party.

•Programs are funded through multiple sources including New York State, Erie County, the City of Buffalo, corporations, foundations, program fees, fundraising, and the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County.

Contact people:

Lori Overdorf, PR & Marketing Coordinator, (phone), (email) Marie Hernandez, Contract Manager, (phone), (email) Margaret Overdorf, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

93 Leddy Street Buffalo, NY 14210 (See a map)

Directions:

The VCA is easily accessible from both the 190 and Route 5 and is just 1 mile south of HSBC Arena. *From the 190 South, take the Smith Fillmore Exit. Make a left onto Smith Street and take. . . (more)