Around the Mission Blog

Mental Illness Awareness Week 2024

Every year, the first full week of October is Mental Illness Awareness Week, this year recognized from October 6-12. With an estimated over 1 in 5 American adults living with mental illness, taking the time to acknowledge resources and to understand the diversity of mental health is crucial.

Gratitude Campaign Letter to the Editor Follow-Up

Compassion In Action is more than Community Missions’ slogan -- it is a guiding principle for all our services. We believe acts of compassion don’t have to be grand; small acts of kindness can change the world around us.

Gratitude Campaign Letter to the Editor

On April 26, the Niagara Gazette ran a Letter to the Editor from Sister Beth Brosmer, OSF. Following 11 years as Director of Heart, Love and Soul Food Pantry in Niagara Falls, Brosmer joined the Community Missions' Board of Directors. Her idea of launching a "Gratitude Campaign" is one the Mission fully supports, and is another way of living out our tagline of showing Compassion In Action.

May is Mental Health Month

Since the start of the pandemic, more and more people are talking about mental health. An increasing number of folks are starting to see it for what it is: one important component of your overall health and well-being, just like your physical health. But mental health conditions, resources, and conversations can still feel complicated and out of reach.

McDermid Financial Group Supports Community Missions' Aurora House

BUFFALO, N.Y. – For the fourth consecutive year, McDermid Financial Group has stepped in to meet a holiday need at Community Missions’ Aurora House. This year, they have provided a donation to purchase a new propane grill for the program.

Aurora House Announces Open Interviews

Aurora House, Community Missions' Youth Community Residence treatment program for children and adolescents with mental health diagnoses, has announced it will hold open hiring interviews for a variety of positions.

Allyson's Story

Community Missions' Food Pantry is supported by FeedMore WNY (formerly the Food Bank of WNY). In a recent newsletter, they profiled Allyson, a recipient of services at our Pantry, who spoke about Community Missions' services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tidings of Joy Brings Hope & Cheer to Local Youth

The REACH (Restorative Environments Allowing Children Hope) Division of Community Missions, Inc. provides a safe haven for neglected, abused and troubled youth, ages 7-17. This year marks the 30th year that the Niagara County Community Libraries and other community supporters have graciously sponsored the “Tidings of Joy” Campaign benefiting the needy youth in our Programs.

Holiday Appeal 2019

Dear Friend of the Mission,

The lobby of our main site is typically a busy place. Stopping in, you may see people dropping off donations, or a guest heading to look at a new apartment. More recently, you may see a mother filling out a Christmas list for her children for the Adopt a Family program.

Many afternoons, however, this activity is broken up by the pitter-patter of little ones fresh off the school bus. These tykes are thrilled to share what happened during the school day with their moms and dads. The joy on these young faces is contagious, and often brings a smile to all those that pass by.

George's Story

George grew up in Niagara Falls, unfortunately in a broken household. When George was young, his parents’ divorce was blamed on him. On top of that, George was born with a learning disability, and he was placed into special classes at school.

“I would sneak into school after the bell rang because I didn’t want anyone to see me going in special classes,” George said.

Art for Mental Health Show

Community Missions is partnering with Wine on Third to present a showing of artwork from its Niagara Visions PROS program over the next month. The works of art, produced in the Mental Health program, will be featured from May 20-June 17 at the restaurant, with an opening reception scheduled from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, May 20.

Niagara Visions PROS Celebration

On Tuesday, May 22, Niagara Visions PROS held an awards ceremony for its participants that met a recovery goal in the past quarter. Among the participants honored were those that are living independently, attending school, and those employed.

Why you should Walk (4 Niagara)

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier is looking for participants to put their best foot forward and "Walk for Niagara", rain or shine, on May 5th at Whirlpool State Park. Check in starts at 10:30 a.m.

Here is what you need to know and here are the top six reasons why you should come walk:

"How Are Things at the Mission?"

Whenever I am out around town, many people will ask me the same question, “How are things at the Mission?” While I typically offer something along the lines of, “things are good, just busy,” the true answer is always a much more complicated one. Let me take a few moments to dive a bit deeper.

Community Missions to Serve as Site for Youth Point in Time Homeless Survey

On Friday October 27, 2017, Community Missions' REACH (Youth) Division will be available in the Community Kitchen to complete surveys with any homeless youth (under age 25) willing to participate in the Youth Point In Time Homelessness Survey.

Outreach Event Draws Community to Gluck Park

Community Missions (CMI) provides help and guidance for the people of Niagara Falls. However, there are still many people that do not know about the services CMI provides.

Youth Groups Brighten up Community Missions

Giving back is something that makes many people feel genuinely happy. Last week Community Missions (CMI) had the pleasure of receiving some help from a couple of youth groups.

2017 Compassion In Action Awards - Niagara University

Community Missions will hold its 25th Annual Awards Brunch on Wednesday, May 24 at the LaSalle Yacht Club. Each day leading up to the event, we will profile one of the upcoming honorees. Today, Niagara University, recipient of the Director's Award, will be featured.

2017 Compassion In Action Awards - Michael Lewis

Community Missions will hold its 25th Annual Awards Brunch on Wednesday, May 24 at the LaSalle Yacht Club. Each day leading up to the event, we will profile one of the upcoming honorees. Today, Michael Lewis, Ph.D., recipient of the Sharon Kroetsch Memorial Award, will be featured.

2017 Compassion In Action Awards - St. James United Methodist Church

Community Missions will hold its 25th Annual Awards Brunch on Wednesday, May 24 at the LaSalle Yacht Club. Each day leading up to the event, we will profile one of the upcoming honorees. Today, St. James United Methodist Church and members Lee Clark, Richard Chapman and Jan Babcock, recipients of the Ministry and Community Partnerships Award, will be featured.