Old First Ward Community Center

The Old First Ward Community Center is now assisting the South Buffalo, Old First Ward, Valley, Kaisertown, and Seneca Babcock communities with home repair programs through the City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency.

If you have a leaking roof, a break in your water or sewer line, have a faulty furnace or hot water tank, or have hazards at you main electrical panel you may be eligible for assistance through the City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency Emergency Repair Program. Call Alissa or Kirsten at the Old First Ward Community Center at 856-8613 to see if you are eligible.

RENTAL & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE is now available. Please call 211 to apply or visit WWW.ERIE.GOV/SOCIALSERVICES to learn more about the program.

We have some AMAZING news!!! Are you ready for this? No, we weren't hacked. This is all true! ... October is PAY WHAT YOU CAN MONTH!! You can pay $3, $5, $8 or $11. Whatever suits your budget! With so much spooky fun to be had at a price you choose, what are you waiting for? Pay what you can lasts all month long thanks to a grand from New Car Dealers of WNY! You can buy your tickets and read more about our safety protocols, hours and the latest happenings at the museum - by visiting exploreandmore.org. #paywhatyoucan #neverstopexploring #funatthemuseum #playtolearn #wny #OneBuffalo

We still have some produce boxes left, so we are doing it again this afternoon! The OFW Food Pantry will be handing out boxes from 3pm - 5pm TODAY, Friday the 18th.

Thanks to a generous donation from Rehoboth House Of Prayer, our food pantry will be distributing produce boxes tomorrow, September 17, between the hours of 9am - 12pm. Plenty available, so please stop by!

Just like schools, we've had to adapt our programming because of COVID-19. On Monday September 14th, we welcome neighborhood youth back to the Community Center to participate in a program designed to keep everyone healthy and safe. - Homework assistance - Art classes - Approved recreational activities - Meal service... - Limited daytime work spaces for distance learning REGISTRATION AND SIGN-UPS REQUIRED. Please email [email protected] or call (716) 856-8613 to enroll your child in our free program.

As kids begin to return to school, the OFW Center is taking steps to make sure our school age youth can find academic assistance during these extraordinary times. Help us grow our team. https://www.indeed.com//after-school-tutor-a683262a732ebb05

Volunteers wanted :)

Some changes to the OFW Community Center’s Board of Directors took place this week. After 7 years of dedicated and selfless service, Sara Heidinger has decided to step down from her role as president. The Center was fortunate to have Sara lead the organization for the better part of a decade and she has graciously agreed to remain as an active board member going forward. We are also excited to announce the nomination and acceptance of Michael Mooch Cullen as the OFW Board President. Mooch is a resident of the First Ward and has been a committed board member for 20 years. We have been blessed to have devoted service from these two community members and look forward to continuing the hard work.

Old First Ward Mural Ribbon Cutting