RURAL OUTREACH CENTER

MISSION STATEMENT: Our Mission is to assist, empower, and elevate the impoverished rural populations in Southern Erie County and the surrounding areas. We serve with compassion, empathy, and respect for all people.

HISTORY: The Rural Outreach Center (ROC) grew out of the work of Pathways Christian Fellowship, founded in 2006 by the Reverend Frank Cerny. The group was committed to founding a community outreach program along with the church. After exploring urban poverty in Buffalo, the group turned to WNY’s rural areas. A survey and consultation with an expert in rural poverty showed that this population was not just under-served, but not served at all. The group held free monthly community meals to listen to residents and better understand the issues. An evolution of programs and partnerships providing “wrap-around” services began. ROC became an independent 501(c)3 in 2013.

ROC SERVICES & PROGRAMS: Our programs include social work, household goods redistribution, free health service to the uninsured, counseling, job readiness, support groups, children’s school readiness, week-end food snack packs for school children, small home repair, school backpacks, financial coaching, single parent support groups and other services designed to address the complex, multiple needs of the rural poor. Programs run by ROC require accountability and commitment from participants, as this can be the first step to empowerment and independence.

Categories: CIVIC MEMBERS, SOCIAL SERVICES