Community Services/Non-Profits near Orchard Park, NY

“If you have a special needs child you must learn about this place. They are ACTUALLY inclusive, unlike a lot of places that say they are but then ask you to not come back =D.Seriously- they understand what it's like to be turned away form places, or be told your child is too difficult. They made this space for us. They know how it is, and they never, ever turn a child away. They just make sure they have the right resources in place to accommodate them.They host free play sessions, and have very reasonable rates for paid activities. They have a drop-off social skills class every Saturday, and they run week long events during school breaks. My kid did SO well at this last one!Everyone there is so loving to all the kids, and so understanding. They work with them and make sure everyone feels special and loved. I can't say enough great things about this organization! We even had our sons last birthday party there!!!”

“I have been going to the American Legion since my dad used to take me there for dinner and just bring something then hangout by the water and look for the turtle that was also hanging out there! Watch out for the American Legions dinners and cookouts advertisements then stop by to pickup one or a few for dinner that night, I have enjoyed many of those really good meals over the years! My dad has been gone now for a while but stopping by for a dinner or cookout always reminds me of the great times we always had going there! Semper-Fi dad and everyone else stop by and have a really nice meal with making your own memories!”

“Great venue!! I was there for a Buffalo Improv House show, and the space was very cool. They have an awesome gallery on3 the main floor, and the theatre space in the basement was comfortable and the perfect size for the event.”

“I attended a NACA Workshop on May 20, 2023 - and it was very informative and positive, so much so that I decided it was time for me to purchase my first home, instead of continuing to pay high rent. Mr. Gompah is my counselor, and he keeps me informed on acquiring/updating the necessary documents for my case. I hope to have a positive outcome in 2024 in achieving my first home.”

“I love this place! BSRA is a fun, welcoming club that has rowing for all ages and experience levels. You can take learn-to-row courses, then row for fitness a couple times a month, or train intensely for summer and fall races. Buffalo River Rowing Club has close to 100 masters age 23 up to 82. Junior boys and girls from Western New York can get out on the river alongside high school programs at Buffalo SEM and Canisius. We Can Row Buffalo is a program for women who are cancer survivors or current patients. The Row Buffalo team brings together the best high school and college men to race, and win, at elite summer regattas. There are programs for 7th and 8th graders as well as young people with different developmental abilities.”

“I love love love cooperative extension. In east Aurora . The 4-h program is so great for the kiddos. They have an amazing IT person there with whom I feel like I am in love. She is the most beautiful woman. The staff here are friendly and always very helpful.”

“An Enchanting Evening at OLV – A Symphony of Culture and ComfortFrom the moment I stepped into the elegantly renovated space at OLV, I knew I was in for a night that would gently pluck at the heartstrings of my memory for years to come. As a participant in a private show for the cherished donors contributing to the basilica's latest campaign, my perspective may carry the warm bias of personal connection and gratitude, especially since the performance included my father and his fellow talented musicians. Their heartfelt melodies were not just sounds floating through the air; they were a harmonious thank you note to everyone who supported the basilica's transformation.The room that hosted us was nothing short of impeccable. Adorned with tasteful decor and infused with a welcoming ambiance, it was complemented by a cozy little bar that served as the perfect gathering spot for conversations over fine drinks. The highlight for many, undoubtedly, was the incredible charcuterie table, a culinary masterpiece that mirrored the artisanal skill displayed by the musicians. Each selection was curated with a connoisseur’s touch, elevating the evening from merely delightful to truly exquisite.The chairs, ah, the OLV chairs – they deserve a standing ovation of their own. Comfort nestled into every curve and contour, offering a warm embrace as we settled in to enjoy the performances. They were the silent supporters of the evening, unassuming yet essential to the comfortable and intimate experience.Accompanying this review, I've included a couple of photos of the room where the magic happened. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but even these images can barely capture the essence of being there, amidst the beauty and camaraderie of the evening.In all, the renovated OLV space, coupled with the soulful thank you concert, was a testament to the power of community, art, and heritage. It was a reminder that in every note played and every silent moment of appreciation, there lies the potential for profound connection and rejuvenation. For that experience, and for the tangible comforts that enhanced it, I am thoroughly grateful.As I reflect on the evening, it’s clear that OLV isn’t just a physical location; it’s a place where culture, history, and community converge in a beautiful display of human creativity and fellowship. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved in the renovation and to those whose generosity has allowed such a space to flourish for artists, families, and the wider community alike. Cheers to many more years of gatherings, performances, and shared experiences in this stunning basilica's embrace.”

“We adopted our cat from Ten Lives Club over 8 years ago. It was a wonderful experience and I continue to follow and support their efforts to care for every cat they possibly can.”

“This Edwardian building has some fabulous architecture, and now houses the Ukrainian Cultural Center. We stopped in for some food (the proceeds going to the Ukrainian support the Ukrainian people during the war), and got to see the bar area with it's vaulted ceilings. The bar is staffed entirely by volunteers, and has a neat selection of Ukrainian beers. The food was also made by volunteers, and we needed a translator to order! Everything was great, and the people were all welcoming.While the area isn't the greatest, they do have a parking lot on the east side of the building which can get packed, but offers fenced off-street parking.”

“They are so nice. We adopted one of our cats from them 7 years ago. We felt welcome. There were a lot of people there. The first time we went by, there was no parking. The second time we went by on the way back, a man all dressed up who was wearing cat ears waved us into our parking space. Mewvelous!”

“Need a banquet hall for any gathering? This is it. Outside or inside they provide a clean family or group evironment in a moment that "groups" are scarce. Great bartenders and hosts that'll give you the most. When ya need to keep it simple and fun.. Go here”

“This is a great space for teachers to be able to get things for their rooms they are in need of. This space is organized, and your checklist helps you move around the store. Very impressed.”

“The staff is nice., I had just been there on Oct 23, 2023 to see my Dr./Dentist. He was a very kind, well educated gentleman. When I called the office to schedule an appt. to see him the first week of Feb. 2024 I was informed he had suddenly passed away. I was shocked, because he seemed healthy & fine in Oct. 2023. They told me it was sudden & that he had passed away the end of Jan. 2024. I had asked how, but I was told it was confidential. So I went to meet with a different Dentist on Feb., 8, 2024. I was very concerned about what had happened to my Dr./Dentist. Especially, because I really liked him & he wasn't very old. I'd guess maybe in his 60's. I went to my appt on Feb. 08, 2024 & met with a new lady Dentist. While waiting for the lady Dentist to come into the room, the Dental Assistant, who I was familiar with came in to the room. I asked her what had happened to my original Dr./Dentist, because I was very concerned & sort of in shock that he had just passed away less than two weeks prior to me being there. The Assistant who was also a very friendly kind person informed me that my original Dr./Dentist had had brain cancer for approx. the last year & had kept it to himself, yet still was working. I felt what a strong individual my old Dr./Dentist had been to come to work with such a positive attitude & help his patients with their dental issues & concerns & not tell his co-workers what he was going through for the last year at least. I was sad to find out that he had passed away, but was so inspired by knowing that he had been such a positive person to continue to help his patients for the past year, all while living with such a terrible problem of hisown & knowing he didn't have much time left here on earth. I am in awe at my past Dr./Dentist's strength & courage. What a wonderful man he was. He will definitely be missed & forever remembered by me for being so kind, compassionate, & strong willed. Although, he is now gone, he inspired me beyond such great depths, because from May of 2023, until currently I have gone from 120 lbs. down to 93.4 lbs. & my Dr./Dr.'s haven't been able to determine what is wrong with me, which has caused me to be quite depressed. By learning the news of my past Dr./Dentist & what a courageous person he was, although no longer here, he has stilled helped me greatly. He will forever be remembered by me. I hope someday we will meet again & I can thank him for helping me beyond my dental issues & inspiring me beyond words.”

“Went there before all this mess started and was a wonderful morning shopping and having a light lunch at the farmers market. Really worth going to see what treasures you can find.”

“Volunteering at that facility is truly amazing. The people Volunteers are always so nice amd the people who come in for meals, clothes, shower ect are also amazing. All around a wonderful facility that does truly incredible work. If you ever looking to volunteer I'd suggest doing it here. They are always in need if volunteer and if you need help they are here to help you. Also if you want to donate clothes, hygiene products ect they are always in need.”

“A lot of the pieces were dated or had small imperfections. I didn't find much I would personally like but maybe in a few months I will return and find something special.”

“We are so appreciative of all the help the Red Cross has provided to me and my family after experiencing a natural disaster. Staff from the American Red Cross responded quickly and professionally. Very kind.”

“Grassroots Gardens helped host the Urban Outdoor Adventure this year, and it was my first real interaction with the organization. The community garden that they have on-site was pretty impressive for the amount of vegetable beds as well as how decorative it is. They have a huge number of projects both in Buffalo and Niagara Falls that go well past community gardens to things like school gardens that really get kids involved. The people who I interacted with at the event were really nice, and their space is a lot more updated than the building exterior would lead you to expect.”

“I THANK GOD FOR THIS PLACE they helped keepe feeling safe , with a situation I had going on I highly recommend if you have a family problem such as abuse , needing a order of protection, they are there 100 % to assist you confidently”

“Harvest House provided a platform of educational and vocational opportunities to better myself. I began with an English and Math class, I recently received an A.A.S., B.S., M.S. as a result of the push and support that I received from there. Thank you.”

“The facilities are quite excellent. The sauna has just recently been completely refurbished and is quite nice.I'd give it 5 stars if only some of the patrons there could realize that the sauna/hot tub/steam room are often a place where a person wants to experience a bit of relaxing solitude instead of hearing folks discuss the minutiae of their daily experiences AT THE LOUDEST POSSIBLE SPEAKING LEVEL.I took to the swimming pool to escape someone's conversation about accounting and, no word of exaggeration, I could still hear them droning on from the far end of the pool with my ears under water.I am not supposing that people not be allowed to speak to one another whatsoever, but it's fairly rude and oblivious to have to endure people as much as shouting to someone two feet away from them in what might otherwise be a placid aquatic environment.Still, it's not implicitly the YMCA's responsibility for thee LOUD TALKERS WITH NO SELF-AWARENESS, but it doesn't make the experience bthe Haven of quietude that some of us seek.”