As Parent Network of WNY and eight other nonprofit organizations prepare to move to 1021 Broadway Street in Buffalo, Jericho Road Community Health Center hosted a series of walking tours to get each organization acquainted with the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood.
The ‘Welcome to the Neighborhood’ tours led by Heidi Romer, Director of Community Advancement at Jericho Road Community Health Center, were held from July 7 until July 28 . Along with Parent Network and Jericho Road Community Health Center, the following organizations also attended the tour: EPIC – Every Parent Influences Children, Learning Disabilities Association of WNY, Mental Health Advocates of Western New York, (MHA), Self-advocacy Association of New York State, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Children’s Mental Health Coalition of Western New York and Spectrum Health and Human Service.
Attendees visited the Broadway Market, Wilson Street Urban Farm, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Urban Human Services Center of Western New York and ‘The Green Space’ across from Clark Street during the tour.
“It was my understanding that the majority of the collaborative are unfamiliar with Broadway-Fillmore and I was thinking to myself ‘what can you do in an easy informal way to get people moving and get people to see?’ Romer said. “Because I could send you a picture, I could tell you all about it but I think it’s something very different and much more informative to have a walking tour.”
At the Broadway Market, attendees accompanied Manager Kathleen Peterson as they visited several vendors and establishments within the market and learned about ongoing renovations. The market is comprised of 40 vendors including Lewandoski Produce, Babcia’s Pierogi Company and Broadway Seafood, which were all stops on the tour.
At the Wilson Street Urban Farm, Janice Stevens, who co-owns the farm with her husband Mark Stevens, discussed the history of the farm which she opened 12 years ago. The family-owned and operated farm grows fresh and naturally-grown produce for Buffalo residents.
While at the Matt Urban Center, Development Coordinator, Sarah Maurer discussed the history of the organization, ongoing development projects and youth and family programs. Attendees also got the opportunity to visit the Matt Urban Center ‘HOPE House’ currently under renovation. The former Public School 57, which has been vacant for over a decade, will be transformed into a multipurpose facility featuring 27 apartments and a “commercial kitchen” on the ground level.
The tour concluded with a visit to the ‘Green Space’ led by Central Terminal Restoration Corporation Executive Director, Monica Pellegrino-Faix. Pellegrino-Faix discussed the history of the space and the “Fitness on the Lawn” summer series where Bodyweight Bootcamp and Zumba classes are currently being held.
“One thing I love about Broadway-Fillmore is its diversity. When I say diverse, I mean not just in terms of race, I mean the difference in religion, how people dress, the difference in ages. I think diversity definitely takes on every form when you’re talking about Broadway-Fillmore,” Romer said.
Romer is excited to celebrate the diversity of the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood and contribute to Buffalo’s renaissance.
Parent Network is also excited to embrace the culture and diversity of the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood.
Parent Network will be moving its offices to 1021 Broadway on Oct. 5.
