The Child & Family Services Reach Out Program
What is Reach Out?
There is help in the community for families and children, but many people don't
know where to turn. The Child & Family Services Reach Out Program helps individuals
and families overcome personal and neighborhood problems.
Human service workers, working Buffalo's East Side, "reach out" by going door to
door, talking to people, listening to their problems and helping people come together
for the common good.
Reach Out helps:
- Families and individuals
- Neighborhoods
- The larger community
How Does Reach Out Help People?
Residents of Buffalo's East Side may experience problems with housing, employment
and insufficient services. Personal and family problems, including parent/child
friction, marriage troubles, education, child care, money matters, elder care and
health problems may occur as well. The Reach Out Program provides:
- Advocacy for individuals, children, and families
- Counseling for individuals and families
- Food pantry and clothing
- Referral to social service agencies, schools, community services and programs
- Group activities for children, youth, parents and the elderly
- Child Health Plus insurance program
- Consultation and coordination with other agencies
How Does Reach Out Help the Community?
The Reach Out Program brings together people who have similar problems or concerns
about their community. Neighbors work together to solve community problems. The
Reach Out Program:
- Encourages groups to organize to improve their neighborhoods
- Advises on group projects
- Conducts surveys to determine community needs.
Reaching Out For Success
The Reach Out Program began in 1965 as a program of Child & Family Services.
It is funded by the Community Action Organization and the United Way of Buffalo
and Erie County.
The Program receives additional community support from individuals, organizations
and businesses through gifts of food, clothing, furniture and small appliances.
A Policy Advisory Council made up of area residents and community group representatives
reflects the concerns of the people served. In addition to advising on policy matters,
the committee reviews programs and recommends new activities.
Working closely with other agencies, the Reach Out Program makes a continuous effort
to close the gap between community needs and available services, while encouraging
people to become involved.
How To Get Help
If you need help with a personal or family problem, or would like to help improve
your neighborhood or take part in a community activity, call or visit the Reach
Out Program at 344 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204, or call us at (716) 852-7396.