resident-led projects

What We Do

The Create a Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative’s Resident Engagement Council empowers residents to help build a healthier Niagara Falls. We provide leadership training, connectivity, and support for residents with project ideas for making the community a healthier place.

A large group of people, including men, women, and children, smiling at the camera.

Active Projects

  • Stack of large hardcover books with an open book on top, all placed on a table in a library, with bookshelves blurred in the background.

    Pampering Patty's Book Corner

    To address the need for increased literacy rates, PPBC has been developed to provide our city's youth with access to books in their communities during the summer months and beyond. In partnership with the NF Community Development Office and the local school district, we are placing these little libraries near schools and parks with a high concentration of young people. If you have suggestions for new library locations, would like to donate books, or have other inquiries, please contact us at brianarc@healthierniagarafalls.org.

  • Illustration of a modern two-story apartment building with dark siding, wood accents, and a small balcony, surrounded by trees.

    Highland Clubhouse

    This project aims to transform an abandoned building into a welcoming and accessible community space for all residents of the Highland neighborhood. It is one of our largest initiatives to date, and we are excited to see what unfolds. If you would like to help or make a donation, please contact us. For more information, visit our Facebook page at Highland Clubhouse!

  • Red and black electric bike with a large front basket and rear cargo box, parked on a sidewalk in front of a building.

    Niagara Falls E-Bike Library

    Put the pedal to the metal this summer — on a bike! We have launched an E-Bike Library program, supported by Shared Mobility, to introduce battery-operated bikes with pedal-assist technology to the Niagara Falls community. These bikes enhance your riding experience by providing a boost with each pedal rotation, making cycling easier than ever. The best part? They are free to ride! This initiative aims to offer affordable and convenient options for families to get active while enjoying the beautiful scenery of our community.

  • Three young women smiling and laughing together.

    Wish Mentoring

    This mentoring program aims to help middle school girls build confidence and recognize their self-worth by encouraging them to participate in civic activities and entrepreneurship. Currently, it is producing a video series for its YouTube channel. The program also offers weekly yoga classes for kids every Tuesday at various parks in the area. For more information on its fundraising efforts and community initiatives, visit its IOBY page!

  • Two people holding hands across a wooden table.

    2U ABC Support Group

    The ABC Cancer Support Group is for women who are survivors, battling cancer, or caregivers. The group hosts an annual "Sister We Win" Gala, and their most recent gala was a huge success!

  • Multiple hands of diverse individuals surrounding a pink awareness ribbon, symbolizing support and solidarity for breast cancer awareness.

    Ray of Hope Support Group

    Ray of Hope is a grief support group for women who have experienced loss. For nearly two years, the Collaborative has supported the Ray of Hope Grief Support Group's work through leadership coaching. On October 13, 2018, the group held their annual Soup-a-Thon, which was a great success! Over 80 people attended, and they raised enough funds to support the group's activities for 2019. They also gave back to the Women's Military Support Network by encouraging guests to bring donations. Everyone enjoyed an afternoon filled with delicious soups, laughter, and camaraderie!

Completed Projects

  • Garden with potted plants, gardening tools, a green watering can, and two upside-down terracotta pots on grass.

    Project Green Space

    Project Green Space developed a community garden on Weston Avenue, employing local youth throughout the summer. The young participants revitalized the lot by planting produce and flowers, landscaping, learning about blight issues, painting, and constructing benches and a fence. They are currently working on a play based on their experiences. The program has now expanded from a summer initiative to a year-round program in partnership with Planned Parenthood. In March, the youth began the Fresh Food Fellows program with the Field & Fork Network and are also participating in crowdfunding through the IOBY Healthy Neighborhoods Challenge.

  • Close-up of a young boy with brown curly hair wearing a blue denim jacket and a yellow shirt, leaning on a yellow and gray play structure, smiling at the camera.

    91st Street Park Improvements

    This project aimed to install a playground to improve the park's condition with support from local residents, collaboration with the city, and advocacy for budget allocation in 2018.

  • Two women in business attire looking at documents and smiling in an office setting.

    Black Business Expo

    On Sunday, February 25, 2018, the Community Health Center of Niagara hosted the inaugural Niagara Falls Black Business Expo in partnership with The Barber and Beauty Stop Initiative. This event, taking place during Black History Month, highlighted the economic impact of the African American dollar in Niagara Falls and celebrated Black history and culture. A diverse selection of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs participated, along with various information and healthcare providers. The event also featured refreshments and a spoken-word poetry performance.

  • Wooden plate with a map of the world burned into it, surrounded by colorful vegetables.

    International Food Festival

    In August 2017, an International Food Festival took place at Legends Park. Neighbors gathered to sample a variety of dishes from around the world, contributed by local residents, restaurants, and caterers. The event was organized and led by resident leaders Vicky Celenza, Monique Irving, and Kiona Smith.

  • A cup of tea on a floral tablecloth with two macarons, a decorative box with rings, and a jar of tea leaves in the background.

    Hatitude Tea Party

    The 5th annual Hattitude Tea Party for female empowerment was held on April 7, 2018, at the Four Points Sheraton in Niagara Falls. Attendance exceeded expectations, and everyone had a wonderful time!

  • Three teenagers talking and smiling.

    Project Runway

    We offer a mentoring program for youth aged 12 to 15 based on the 40 Developmental Assets framework. The program includes one-on-one mentoring as well as group sessions designed to promote positive and healthy behaviors while reducing risky behaviors, such as substance use. Additionally, it provides individuals in recovery an opportunity to give back to the community.