Congrats to our member 1st Niagara bank
& the First Niagara Bank Foundation

People Inc. has selected the First Niagara Bank Foundation for this year’s Outstanding Philanthropic award, in partial recognition of its contribution to Peoples new Respite Center for the families of person with disabilities. It is part of the First Niagara Financial Group.

The Respite Center, on Genesee Street in Bowmansville, was completed in May at a cost of $870,000 and is a place where someone with disabilities may receive short-term care, freeing their regular caregivers to attend to other family needs. Dr. James Boles, People Inc.’s president credited a $50,000 Foundation grant as sparking a 2004 capital campaign to pay for the center’s construction.
“First Niagara has made significant investments in Western New York families,” Boles said, noting that the building instantly began providing “direct and immediate relief to hundreds of families caring for their children with developmental disabilities. This was a major contribution to the campaign,” he continued.

In nominating the First Niagara Bank foundation, Boles also recognized that its role “as philanthropic leader is not new” and he cited numerous other projects and organizations helped by the Foundation since its creation in 1998.

About $1 million in grants to for-for-profit organizations is made annually in four areas, arts and culture, civic and community, education, and health and human services. Special focus is given to programs for children and youth. All are in geographical areas served by the First Niagara Bank.

Preservation of historical sites in Niagara County such as Old Fort Niagara, Habitat for Humanity, the Niagara Falls Fire Prevention Bureau and the Catskill Mountains Housing Corporation.

Article by Dale English as it appears in Business First-Nov. 11, 2005 .