Niagara County Youth Bureau

09/25/2023

Niagara County seeking applicants for new youth sports funding

The Niagara County Youth Bureau is accepting applications for funding through a grant it has received from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services related to “Youth Sports and Education Funding” and “Youth Team Sports”. Funding for the new program year begins October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

Youth Sports and Education funding supports programs that provide a variety of sports to a broad range of youth in under-resourced communities. NYS Office of Children and Family Services encourages a wide and flexible definition of sports that includes organized activities with movement, including physical fitness activities such as yoga, hiking, dance, and active outdoors pursuits.

Youth Team Sports funding supports programs that offer a “team sport”, defined as an organized physical activity in which groups of two or more individuals are in competition with two or more opposing individuals. Sporting activities where individuals engage in competition on behalf of an organized group (such as singles tennis, team golf, or racing sports such as swimming or skiing) are included in this definition.

Program costs can include the following:

• Coaches/instructors/direct service staff/mentors (including training/professional development).

• Referee fees.

• Purchase of equipment or uniforms.

• Capital investment (e.g., swimming facilities, fields, fences, storage, lighting).

• Instruction or coaching necessary to support youth’s ability to participate in team sports.

• Facility/field space

Interested organizations should email [email protected] at the Niagara County Youth Bureau for application and eligibility questions. Applications are due by Friday, October 13.

09/14/2023

It's Kidz 'N' Kites Weekend!
September 16th - Town of Niagara Veteran's Memorial Park
11:00am-2:00pm!

09/14/2023

08/18/2023

Silver Anniversary for the 25th Annual Kidz ‘N’ Kites in 2023

Niagara County Youth Bureau and Niagara County Department of Social Services are pleased to announce the 25th Annual Kidz ‘N’ Kites event to take place on Saturday September 16, 2023. This year’s location the event will return to the Town of Niagara Veteran’s Memorial Park (7000 Lockport Rd. Niagara Falls, NY 14305)

The event will take place from 11:00am - 2:00pm, with first come, first serve registration beginning at 11:00am. The first 500 youth will receive a free kite, t-shirt and hot-dog lunch. The Great Lakes Kitefliers provide fantastic scenery of flying kites and volunteers are present to help youth fly their own. The event is a great opportunity for parents and youth to work together to fly their free kite.

“This event has continued to be a staple on most families fall calendar. Twenty-Five years of celebrating youth and families is exciting.” Youth Bureau Director Ben Bunker states. This annual event is sponsored by community organizations and local businesses to make this event 100% free for youth. Longtime partners Niagara County Sheriff’s Department will be providing Car Seat Safety checks on location, while Niagara PAL will be cooking up the Hot Dog lunches.

Each youth will also receive giveaway coupons to local restaurants and be in the small and grand prize raffles to be drawn. Entertainment will be provided by Nels Ross from Injest Inc, who has showcased his juggling magic for over 25 years.

For more information, please find the Niagara County Youth Bureau on Facebook or search for the “25th Annual Kidz ‘N’ Kites” event page.

Local Sponsors include: Kiwanis of Lewiston ★ Grigg-Lewis Foundation ★ M&T Bank ★ Fidelis Care★ Chrystal Manzare – Howard Hanna ★ Berkshire Farms ★ PAL ★ Joe Cecconi ★IBEW Local 237 ★ McFarlane Plumbing ★ Niagara FCU ★Third Ward Social Club ★ Steve’s Heating and Cooling ★ CSL Plasma★ Prudent & Kanndt ★ Ivy Lea Construction ★ Law Enforcement Foundation Niagara County Police Benevolent Association ★ Deputy Sheriff’s Association ★ Sutherland Lodge ★ Encompass Niagara ★ Crosby’s
Pellicano’s Marketplace ★ Wegmans ★ Wendys ★ Reid’s Drive In ★ Mighty Taco ★ Burger King

08/03/2023

Check out this Meat Raffle for a great cause!
caffawny.org Coalition of Adoption & Foster Family Agencies (CAFFA)

06/27/2023

25th Annual Kidz 'N' Kites

06/19/2023

Open Sites for Summer Food Service here!

Niagara County Youth Bureau Summer Food Service Program

The Niagara County Youth Bureau is sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) again in 2023 and is pleased to announce the open program site locations.
Free meals will be served Monday thru Friday at the following sites in Niagara County, with the exception of Tuesday, July 4th holiday.

Lockport
Altro Park, Dolan Park, Outwater Park
(6/26 - 8/11- Breakfast 9:00-9:30pm / Lunch 12:00-12:30pm)
Lockport Salvation Army
(6/26 - 8/25 - Lunch 11:30AM-1:00PM)

Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Public Library
(7/3 – 8/18 - Lunch 12:00-1:00pm)
Packard Court Community Center
(7/5 - 8/4 – Breakfast 9:00-9:30AM / Lunch 12:00-12:30PM)
Niagara Falls Salvation Army
(6/26 – 7/27 - Lunch 12:00 -12:30PM – Closed Fridays)

North Tonawanda
Payne Park
(7/3 - 8/18 – Lunch 12:00-1:00PM)

Free meals will also be served at the following locations in Erie County:
Kenmore/Tonawanda
Sheridan Parkside Community Center, Lincoln Park
(6/26 – 8/25 - Lunch 11:00 - 1:00pm)

This program ensures that children who are economically disadvantaged continue to receive nutritious meals during summer vacation. Meals are comparable to the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs throughout the school year. The Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded program that provides free meals to all children at approved SFSP sites. Sites are located within areas that have significant concentrations of low-income children. Meals are provided to children age 18 and under. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service.

Want to find the site closest to you? Text “Food” to 304-304 to find out.

Contact Benjamin Bunker or Rodney Alaimo for further information, including specific dates and times of site operation at 278-6873.

06/19/2023

Niagara County Youth Bureau Summer Food Service Program

The Niagara County Youth Bureau is sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) again in 2023 and is pleased to announce the open program site locations.
Free meals will be served Monday thru Friday at the following sites in Niagara County, with the exception of Tuesday, July 4th holiday.

Lockport
Altro Park, Dolan Park, Outwater Park
(6/26 - 8/11- Breakfast 9:00-9:30pm / Lunch 12:00-12:30pm)
Lockport Salvation Army
(6/26 - 8/25 - Lunch 11:30AM-1:00PM)

Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Public Library
(7/3 – 8/18 - Lunch 12:00-1:00pm)
Packard Court Community Center
(7/5 - 8/4 – Breakfast 9:00-9:30AM / Lunch 12:00-12:30PM)
Niagara Falls Salvation Army
(6/26 – 7/27 - Lunch 12:00 -12:30PM – Closed Fridays)

North Tonawanda
Payne Park
(7/3 - 8/18 – Lunch 12:00-1:00PM)

Free meals will also be served at the following locations in Erie County:
Kenmore/Tonawanda
Sheridan Parkside Community Center, Lincoln Park
(6/26 – 8/25 - Lunch 11:00 - 1:00pm)

This program ensures that children who are economically disadvantaged continue to receive nutritious meals during summer vacation. Meals are comparable to the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs throughout the school year. The Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded program that provides free meals to all children at approved SFSP sites. Sites are located within areas that have significant concentrations of low-income children. Meals are provided to children age 18 and under. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service.

Want to find the site closest to you? Text “Food” to 304-304 to find out.

Contact Benjamin Bunker or Rodney Alaimo for further information, including specific dates and times of site operation at 278-6873.

04/19/2023

Niagara County Youth Bureau Accepting Applications for the
Summer Food Service Program

The Niagara County Youth Bureau will return as a sponsor for the 2022 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This program ensures that children who are economically disadvantaged continue to receive nutritious meals during summer vacation. Meals are comparable to the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs (NSBP and NSLP, respectively) throughout the school year.

The Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded program (funded by USDA and administered by the New York State Education Department [NYSED]) that provides free meals to all children at approved SFSP sites. Meals (including breakfast and/or lunch) are provided to children age 18 and under.

Applications are now being accepted from prospective Summer Food Service Program sites. Approved sites will receive meals during the program, which plans to run from June 27th to August 26th. Site requests are individualized, including meals needed and program dates.

If your organization, summer day camp or youth program is interested in serving as a SFSP site, please contact Benjamin Bunker, Youth Bureau Director at 278-6872 for more information. Deadline for site application is Friday, April 22nd.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, s*x, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, s*xual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request a form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected].

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities, may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

04/19/2023

Next week!

We are proud to support the WALK TO END CHILD ABUSE!

Join us at Hyde Park on April 26th!
Child Advocacy Center of Niagara

04/10/2023

NOW OPEN AND SEEKING A NIAGARA COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE!

New York State Governor’s Youth Council Membership Application 2023-2024

The New York State Governor’s Youth Council provides an effective way to engage youth in state government and creates a platform for their voices to be heard by policymakers. This is an incredible opportunity for New York’s youth to represent their county on a statewide level! Members of the NYS Governor’s Youth Council will offer their solutions to key issues facing young people in NYS to the Governor and other policymakers, including how to have better outreach and communication strategies to young people.

First rounds of county judging will be made in May.

The Youth Council Guidance is:https://files.constantcontact.com/9e0f57ab801/bc2d35eb-61d1-4319-b8a9-967a61b0ae33.pdf !

The Application Portal is Here: https://nysylc.secure-platform.com/a

Join us for a Zoom to Learn More about the Council!
Tuesday, April 11th
12noon
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87310921169?pwd=ZmpvSHVpOENoV1BWTjZyTVRMYjhGdz09
Meeting ID: 873 1092 1169
Passcode: 597131

04/06/2023

We are proud to support the WALK TO END CHILD ABUSE!

Join us at Hyde Park on April 26th!
Child Advocacy Center of Niagara

04/04/2023

UMPS CARE Charities, the official philanthropy of Major League Baseball Umpires hosts the All-Star College Scholarship Program. This scholarship is for youth adopted at 13 or older. It offers a scholarship for four years, as well as mentorship from a Major League umpire and the UMPS CARE family!

The UMPS CARE Charities All-Star College Scholarship is for youth adopted at or after the age of 13. This scholarship gives students up to $10,000 per year. To learn more about the eligibility, visit our scholarship page. Here is the application which can be saved and returned to at a later date. The deadline for submission is May 12, 2023.
Scholarship Page: https://www.umpscare.com/scholarship/all-star-college-scholarship/
Application: https://www.umpscare.com/scholarship/scholarship-application/

08/31/2022

24th Annual Kidz ‘N’ Kites finds new location in 2022

The Niagara County Youth Bureau and Niagara County Department of Social Services is pleased to announce the 24th Annual Kidz ‘N’ Kites event to take place on Saturday September 17 , 2022. This year’s location will be at North Tonawanda’s Gratwick Riverside Park.

Gratwick Park is the home of Great Lakes Kitefliers, featured guests of the event, and will bring a steady breeze off the Niagara River for Kites to fly that day! The event will take place from 11:00am - 2:00pm, with first come, first serve registration beginning at 11am. The first 500 youth will receive a free T-shirt, hot-dog lunch and kite.

“This event is a great day for youth and families in Niagara County and the surrounding area to come together and fly with us in a celebration of youth.” Youth Bureau Director Ben Bunker states. This annual event is sponsored by community organizations and local businesses to make this event 100% free for youth. Longtime partners Niagara County Sheriff’s Department will be providing Car Seat Safety checks on location, while Niagara PAL will be cooking up the Hot Dog lunches.

Each youth will also receive giveaway coupons to local restaurants and be in the small and grand prize raffles to be drawn. Entertainment will be provided by Nels Ross from Injest Inc, who has showcased his juggling magic for over 25 years.

For more information, please find the Niagara County Youth Bureau on Facebook or search for the “24th Annual Kidz ‘N’ Kites” event page.

08/30/2022

WE HAD A GREAT SUMMER!
Thank you to all our sites for being great and serving our youth!

We had a total of 29 sites to serve almost 30k breakfasts and 42k lunches.

07/25/2022

Does your business or organization want to partner with our event?!?

Help us reach our goal of $6,000 raised to support this event!

Large and Small Prizes also welcomed!

07/19/2022

THE 24th Annual KIDZ 'N' KITES

Has some AMAZING PARNTNERS in 2022!

Kidz 'N' Kites is 100% Community donations based, we are so thankful to these GREAT organizations.

Fidelis Care Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth Grigg Lewis Foundation, Inc Lewiston Kiwanis Niagara Regional Federal Credit Union Steves Heating & Air Conditioning IBEW Local 237 David Chevrolet Buick Third Ward Social Club, Sutherland Lodge Pellicano's Marketplace Wendy's Wegmans Reids Drive In Sahlen's Hot Dogs

And as always: Niagara PAL & Niagara County Deputy Sheriff's AssociationNiagara County Deputy Sheriff's PBA Niagara County Sheriff

06/27/2022

Today begins another year of our Summer Food Service Program!

Need a meal? Text 304-304 to find your closest Meal Service Site.

Free meals will be served weekdays at the following locations in Niagara County, with most sites beginning June 27 (Meals not served July 4):

•Lockport: Altro Park, Dolan Park, Outwater Park The Salvation Army – Cottage Street

•Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls Public Library, Packard Court Community Center, Pioneer Memorial Church, The Salvation Army – Buffalo Avenue

•North Tonawanda: Payne Park

Free meals will also be served at the following locations in Erie County:

•Kenmore/Tonawanda: Sheridan Parkside Community Center, Lincoln Park

The Niagara County Youth Bureau is sponsoring the summer food service program (SFSP) and announcing the open program site locations. This program ensures all children continue to receive nutritious meals during summer vacation. Meals are comparable to the national school breakfast and national schoo...

06/14/2022

Summer fun is on its way as both the city and the Town of Lockport gear up activities for kids and families once school ends.

05/25/2022

Niagara County Legislator Jesse Gooch, Chairman of the Community Services Committee, presented a proclamation to Social Services Commissioner Meghan Lutz and Deputy Commissioner Tricia Lippa recognizing May as "Foster Parent Month." Commissioner Lutz discussed the importance of the 90 foster homes in Niagara County in providing support and care for more than 170 children.

The Proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, there are circumstances in which some parents and children are unable to live together safely, and

WHEREAS, foster parents, who by opening their homes and their hearts to children who cannot stay with their parents, care for and nurture them while helping to bring families together again, and

WHEREAS, foster parents are integral members of the child welfare team and we value their ability to work in partnership with the Department and families of our children, and

WHEREAS, Niagara County recognizes the vital service foster parents provide to these children and their families within our community and, in particular, their efforts to work toward permanency with either the natural parents or a permanent home, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Niagara County Legislature does hereby proclaim the month of May 2022 as “FOSTER PARENT MONTH”
throughout the County of Niagara in appreciation of their valuable assistance.

05/16/2022

The Niagara County Department of Health is working closely with the three local hospitals, Niagara County Mental Health, and community partners, forming the Niagara County Community Health Workgroup. The workgroup is conducting a collaborative Community Health Assessment (CHA) to understand the health needs and concerns of our communities.

As part of the Community Health Assessment, the workgroup is asking Niagara County residents to take a few minutes to complete the confidential Community Health Survey, which is available online at

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

04/19/2022

Check out the upcoming test list for DSS and Niagara County.

List of current job openings with Niagara County government. Click here to view all, learn more and apply: https://niagara-portal.mycivilservice.com/

04/19/2022

List of current job openings with Niagara County government. Click here to view all, learn more and apply: https://niagara-portal.mycivilservice.com/

04/07/2022

Summer meal service is back for 2022!

The Niagara County Youth Bureau will return as a sponsor for the 2022 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This program ensures that children who are economically disadvantaged continue to receive nutritious meals during summer vacation. Meals are comparable to the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs (NSBP and NSLP, respectively) throughout the school year.

If your organization, summer day camp or youth program is interested in serving as a SFSP site, please contact Benjamin Bunker, Youth Bureau Director at 278-6872 for more information. Deadline for site application is Friday, April 22nd.

04/01/2022

We are happy to announce the 24th Annual Kidz 'N' Kites for September 17th, 2022.

Thanks to Lewiston Kiwanis for the the donation, we are off to a high-flying start!

Ben Bunker from Niagara County Social Services glided in tonight to talk about the Kids n Kites event. And then he flew out with a donation from Kiwanis

04/01/2022

Ben Bunker from Niagara County Social Services glided in tonight to talk about the Kids n Kites event. And then he flew out with a donation from Kiwanis

03/17/2022

Great Oppourtunities!

03/17/2022

02/23/2022

Niagara County Youth Bureau Seeking Governor’s Youth Council Representative

The Niagara County Youth Bureau is seeking a new representative for the New York State Governor’s Youth Council. The Youth Council is to be made up of one young person age 13-21 from each of New York State’s 62 counties. Members are chosen through an online selection process.

In 2021, Niagara County was represented on the council by Cameron Kiner of Barker. Cameron will be graduating in June from Barker High School. Beyond the Youth Council, Cameron has been very active in his community and school, including serving as Vice President of the Student Council and as a mentor in the school’s M & M Program.

The Youth Council provides an effective way to engage youth in state government and creates a platform for their voices to be heard by policymakers. Members of the NYS Governor’s Youth Council offer their solutions to key issues facing young people in NYS. Youth voice is recognized through this initiative; if you would like your voice heard apply today.

Those interested should understand the great opportunity offered upon selection and commit to the following if appointed to the NYS Governor’s Youth Council:
• Participate in virtual statewide youth led networking and training events about government, civic engagement and positive youth development.
• Attend regional meetings via online platforms
• Work on selecting policy issues to inform local, regional and/or state changes
• Seek out, listen and respect others’ opinions and experiences
• Maintain your membership until March 30, 2023

For more information or to apply online visit: https://nysylc.secure-platform.com/a

02/22/2022

The Niagara County Youth Bureau is searching for a NYS Governor's Youth Council Representative for 2022-23.

Ages 13-21, One youth per county (Niagara County), 2 meetings monthly (virtually) with youth throughout WNY and the state.

APPLY BY March 15! https://nysylc.secure-platform.com/a

02/18/2022

Youth FLU & COVID Vaccine Registration info from Department of Health!

NCDOH is offering incentives at upcoming Clinics. Read the full press release here: https://www.niagaracounty.com/health/Press-Releases/niagara-county-department-of-health-offers-children-incentives-at-upcoming-vaxforkids-clinics

02/18/2022

NCDOH is offering incentives at upcoming Clinics. Read the full press release here: https://www.niagaracounty.com/health/Press-Releases/niagara-county-department-of-health-offers-children-incentives-at-upcoming-vaxforkids-clinics

01/28/2022

From Legislator Irene Myers: "Attention aspiring artists in grades 1 through 12. Niagara County is a proud member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) which helps promote the collective interests of counties with the federal government.

"NACo is holding an 'I Love My County Because' art contest for students to help show how counties impact people through programs and services. Winning pieces will become part of the annual NACo calendar and displayed in their Washington, D.C. headquarters. Go to NACo.org/art for more information, instructions and deadlines."

01/13/2022

We are testing for the Youth Bureau Outreach Worker position.
Can be found under "Current Exams".
https://niagara-portal.mycivilservice.com/exams

To receive automatic e-mail notification when a specific civil service exam or job posting is offered, please register with our automatic e-mail notification service.