Community Action Organization of Western New York

Community Action Organization of Western New York The Community Action Organization of WNY was incorporated in 1965 and operates anti-poverty programs in Erie and Niagara counties.

Annually, CAO serves more than 50,000 families and individuals in WNY through various programs and services. Hope drives us through adversity, and the CAO of WNY provides that hope by helping low-income individuals, families, and communities access the resources they need to succeed. We strive to give our clients a sense of empowerment and self-responsibility so they can have a meaningful role in our society.

YOUTH VOICES MATTER — AND WE WANT TO HEAR THEM!Buffalo Futures and Open Buffalo are bringing young people together for Y...
09/10/2026

YOUTH VOICES MATTER — AND WE WANT TO HEAR THEM!

Buffalo Futures and Open Buffalo are bringing young people together for Youth Speak Out Pt. 2 + Game Night at the Rafi Greene Community Action Center!

The evening will start with a Youth Speak Out, giving young people the opportunity to share their ideas, talk about their community, learn about available resources, and connect directly with local leaders. Councilwoman Zeneta B. Everhart and Legislator Lawrence J. Dupre will be in attendance to hear directly from youth.

Then, stick around for Game Night with basketball, PS5, Wii, board games, free food, snacks, and more!

📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🗣️ Youth Speak Out: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🎮 Game Night: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Rafi Greene Community Action Center
1423 Fillmore Ave., Buffalo, NY 14211

Young people have something to say — and their voices can help shape what comes next.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to register!

Looking to hear from CAO partners!CAO of WNY is inviting community partners and stakeholders to take part in our 2026 Co...
09/08/2026

Looking to hear from CAO partners!

CAO of WNY is inviting community partners and stakeholders to take part in our 2026 Community Partner & Stakeholder Survey.

If you represent a nonprofit, business, school, healthcare provider, government agency, faith-based organization, or another community partner, we want to hear from you.

Your feedback will help us better understand local needs, service gaps, emerging challenges, and opportunities for stronger collaboration across Western New York.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your input will help guide CAO’s priorities moving forward.

Please complete the 2026 Community Partner & Stakeholder Survey by Friday, September 25, 2026:

https://form.jotform.com/262504574887065

Thank you for helping us build stronger connections and better support the communities we serve.

As the long weekend winds down, make sure you’re staying connected with CAO of WNY!Our newsletter is an easy way to keep...
09/08/2026

As the long weekend winds down, make sure you’re staying connected with CAO of WNY!

Our newsletter is an easy way to keep up with upcoming events, community resources, program news, opportunities and other updates from across CAO.

Subscribe today and have the latest CAO news delivered right to your inbox:

📬 caowny.org/connect

Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay involved.

Happy Labor Day from CAO of WNY!Our offices are closed today, Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We’ll reo...
09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from CAO of WNY!

Our offices are closed today, Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We’ll reopen tomorrow, September 8, and look forward to serving our community then.

Have a safe and relaxing holiday!

A strong start can make a lasting difference.CAO of WNY’s Head Start, Early Head Start and Early Head Start Child Care P...
09/06/2026

A strong start can make a lasting difference.

CAO of WNY’s Head Start, Early Head Start and Early Head Start Child Care Partnership programs are accepting applications!

Our early childhood programs support children and families with early education, health and nutrition, social development, family resources and more — helping children build a strong foundation for the years ahead.

Programs serve children from birth through age 5, with additional support available for pregnant women and families.

To learn more or begin the enrollment process:
📞 Call 716-878-0220
🌐 Visit caowny.org/head-start

Help your little one start the school year ready to learn, grow and thrive!

Looking for a safe, engaging place for your child after the school day ends?CAO of WNY’s Nurture Academy is an education...
09/05/2026

Looking for a safe, engaging place for your child after the school day ends?

CAO of WNY’s Nurture Academy is an education-based after-school program for students in grades K-8, offering children a place to learn, grow and connect after school.

Nurture Academy is available on school days from 2:30-6 PM at:

📍 Angola Community Center
📍 Edward Saunders Community Center
📍 JFK Community Center

Scan the QR codes on the flyer to register or learn more about the program.

Here’s to a great school year ahead!

Save the date — CAO of WNY’s Meat Raffle is coming back this fall!Join us Friday, October 30 at the Pratt-Willert Commun...
09/04/2026

Save the date — CAO of WNY’s Meat Raffle is coming back this fall!

Join us Friday, October 30 at the Pratt-Willert Community Center for an evening of raffles, prizes and plenty of chances to win.

🥩 Steaks, chicken, roasts and more
🎟 $20 per person or $150 for a table of 10
🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM
🎉 First spin at 6:30 PM

We’ll also have a Basket Raffle, 50/50 Split and Queen of Hearts!

Scan the QR code on the flyer to purchase tickets or call 716-881-5150 for more information.

We hope to see you there!

CAO of WNY’s main office is closed today, Friday, September 4, for Employee Appreciation Day as we take time to recogniz...
09/04/2026

CAO of WNY’s main office is closed today, Friday, September 4, for Employee Appreciation Day as we take time to recognize the dedicated staff who serve our community every day.

Please note that some individual CAO programs and services may still be operating as scheduled. If you have questions about a specific program, we encourage you to contact them directly.

Our main office will also be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen Tuesday, September 8.

Thank you for your understanding, and have a safe holiday weekend!

Fresh produce and community resources are coming to St. Martin Village on Friday, September 18!Join us at noon for the n...
09/03/2026

Fresh produce and community resources are coming to St. Martin Village on Friday, September 18!

Join us at noon for the next Wellness Within Reach pop-up, featuring fresh produce from CAO’s Mobile Market, community wellness resources, themed support items and giveaways.

📍 St. Martin Village
564 Dodge St., Buffalo
🕛 12 PM — one hour only
🥕 Produce available for the first 40 attendees

This month’s theme is Hunger Action Month. Supplies are available first come, first served, so plan to arrive early!

Thank you to our partners Highmark and Every Bottom Covered for helping us bring Wellness Within Reach to communities across Buffalo.

Looking for work that feels meaningful—and a team that cares about the community you call home?CAO of WNY is growing, an...
09/03/2026

Looking for work that feels meaningful—and a team that cares about the community you call home?

CAO of WNY is growing, and we’re looking for people who want to bring their skills, experience, and compassion to work every day. We have openings across a variety of programs and departments, from Early Childhood Education and Nursing to Behavioral Health, Maintenance, Administration, Senior Services, and more.

In addition to the opportunity to make a difference, CAO offers competitive wages and a strong benefits package, including health coverage, retirement benefits, paid time off, insurance, and employee assistance resources.

Take a look at our current openings and see where you might fit:
caowny.org/open-jobs

Know someone who would be a great addition to the CAO team? Please share this post with them!

Address

45 Jewett Avenue
Buffalo, NY
14214

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17168815150

Website

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