West Side Community Services

West Side Community Services is located at 161 Vermont Street on Buffalo’s West Side. The organization offers services to the local community that especially focus on youth and senior resilience, social interaction, mental and physical wellness, local/healthy food access, prosocial behavior development, drug/alcohol/violence prevention, and education. Youth programming includes after-school, evening, and summer programs for youth ages 5-19. The programs provide exploration of new and unique arts and culture activities and health and wellness practices. Older youth practice “adulting” skills like resume writing, job interview practice, banking, budgeting and saving, and career exploration. Older adult programs have recently expanded to five days a week! The West Side Seniors program offers a variety of activities for adults age 55 and up, including yoga, tai chi, puzzles, bingo, cognitive exercise, arts and crafts, creative writing, lectures, and outings. The program also provides a hot lunch five days a week through Erie County Department of Senior Services’ Stay Fit Dining program. Provisions 139 pantry is located at 44 Breckenridge Street and serves customers in four surrounding zip codes. The pantry follows a client-choice model, which means customers shop individually for their groceries and choose which products they want. Available products include fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats from local famers; shelf-stable pantry items; bread; and pet food. The pantry also houses the West Side Diaper Bank through a partnership with Every Bottom Covered. The pantry currently serves around 1,500 people. The organization holds many community events throughout the year. In order to strengthen neighborhood connectedness, these events are free and open to all ages. To stay up-to-date on West Side Community Services’ latest programs and events, follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit wscsbuffalo.org.