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Who We Are
Mission | Vision | Philosophy | History | Volunteer Opportunities Mission
Our mission is to provide or obtain services for people with developmental
disabilities and their families in Western New York, which will assist in achieving their highest level of independent living, enable their fullest participation in society, ensure that their
civil and human rights are protected, and promote their ability to be productive, contributing members of the community. Vision
Striving for Excellence
Supporting Partnerships
Creating Solutions
Fulfilling Dreams
Philosophy
Community Services promotes and protects the right of every person we serve to make their own decisions and to
express their preferences in each area of their life. We also take a "consumer centered" approach to service delivery, emphasizing the consumers' personal goals and wishes when providing
linkage to services. Community Services supports its active self-advocacy group, L.E.A.D.E.R.S.
History
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President Mark R. Foley plants a tree in celebration of the 452 Delaware Opening. |
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Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled began offering services in Western New York in 1989. At that time, there were 82 employees, many of whom were part-time,
working out of a rented storefront on Hertel Avenue.Over a decade later, Community Services now has a staff of over 500 and offers more than 40 programs. The Agency's administrative offices are strategically located throughout Erie County with offices in Buffalo, Lackawanna, and Kenmore. In
addition, Community Services provides residential housing in neighborhoods throughout Western New York.While the Agency has grown significantly over the years, its
commitment to providing community-based services has remained the same. "Community Services seeks to assist individuals with developmental disabilities who desire greater
independence within their community," explains Mark R. Foley, President and CEO. "Many of the people we serve are already living independently within the community, but need
additional support to maximize their potential. Others are not at the point where they can live independently, but our staff are assisting them in taking steps towards that direction."
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Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1179 Kenmore Avenue grand opening in 1998. |
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After years of providing consistent, comprehensive services in Western New York, Community Services for the Developmentally
Disabled has earned a reputation of successfully serving individuals who present unique challenges. "This Agency is known for creating an entire program around
one specific person who presents a unique need," explains Mark. "We have also been successful in identifying trends and responding to those trends with
practical solutions that benefit both individuals with developmental disabilities and the communities in which they live."
Volunteer Opportunities
Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled welcomes youth, adult, and senior volunteer
support. The mission of our volunteer program is to increase community interaction among individuals
with developmental disabilities by offering them an opportunity to build relationships with a volunteer supporter.
Community Services values its volunteers and provides on-going training and support to enhance their volunteer experience with the Agency.
For more information, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 877-1111.
Click here to download and print our volunteer application form
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Please view the positions below
Positions
Project C.O.A.C.H. (Community Outreach and Crisis Hotline)
Not every crisis happens between 9 am and 5 pm. Volunteers are needed to provide telephone reassurance and crisis counseling to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Project C.O.A.C.H. (Community Outreach and Crisis Hotline) was created as a resource for people with developmental disabilities 'after hours'. Volunteers will learn valuable communication skills and crisis counseling techniques that will last a lifetime. This is an excellent internship opportunity. Requirements: Training provided. Volunteers must pass a criminal background check.
Volunteer description: Adult. Long-term
Habilitation Services Recreational Assistants
Volunteers needed to assist staff and consumers in developing, planning and facilitating group recreational and leisure activities as well as social events calendar planning. Requirements: Training provided through the Volunteer Program. All applicants are subject to appropriate background screenings and clearances.
Volunteer description: long-term (25 hours +) as well as short term assignments (10 to 20 hrs.)
Mentors and Companions
Adult and Senior volunteers needed as mentors to support Senior Citizens with developmental disabilities. This includes assisting with scheduling and transportation for medical appointments as well as recreational programming.
Requirements: Training provided through the Volunteer Program. All applicants are subject to appropriate background screenings and clearances. Candidates should be dedicated, reliable and sincere.
Volunteer description: Adults and seniors. Long-term commitment preferred
Parenting Program Peer Mentors
Adult and Senior Volunteers needed to serve as peer mentors for individuals with developmental disabilities raising children. Volunteers provide support and give advice and encouragement regarding parenting issues as well as assisting with parent/teacher communication and advocacy.
Requirements: Training provided through the Volunteer and Parenting Programs. All applicants are subject to appropriate background screenings and clearances. Volunteers are encouraged to commit to a minimum of 1 hour per week. Volunteer description: Adults. Long–term.
Parenting Program Youth Mentors
Youth, Adult and Senior volunteers needed to serve as mentors to children (both non-disabled and disabled) living with a parent with a developmental disability. Volunteers participate in recreational outings and everyday activities as well as provide general encouragement and support to at-need youth ages 4-16. Family Volunteer Teams are also encouraged. Requirements: Training provided through the Volunteer Program. All applicants subject to appropriate background screenings and clearances. Volunteers are asked to spend a minimum of 3 hours a week. Volunteer description: Long-term assignment.
Residential Nursing Assistants/Interns
Our Nursing staff assists individuals with developmental disabilities who are living in group home environments throughout Western New York and are eager to work with the next generation of Nursing Professionals. If you are currently a student in the medical or nursing field and would like to learn more about medicine in Human Services consider this as an internship opportunity. Requirements: Students in the medical field with basic background knowledge preferred. All Agency mandatory Trainings Provided. Knowledge of Developmental Disabilities although recommended, is not required. All applicants subject to appropriate background screenings and clearances.
Volunteer description: Student interns and professionals.
Individual Community Support
Provide personal support to individuals with developmental disabilities who have recently been separated from a companion placed in an adult nursing facility. Support is offered by assisting with and facilitating occasional meetings between the individual and their companion.
Requirements: Experience with/knowledge of developmental disabilities preferred. Agency training provided when applicable. All applicants subject to appropriate background screenings and clearances. Volunteers must be available at least once a month, be dependable and responsible as well as have a NYS Driver's License.
Volunteer description: Dependable adults. Long-term.
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