The Renewal Center

05/11/2026

The NYS Legislature is getting close to publishing the 2027 budget bills. This is our last chance to tell state leaders about the impact a funding increase will have on the Independent Living network and the future of disability rights in New York State.

Contact Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Governor Hochul today to ask them to include a funding increase for Independent Living Centers in the final budget!
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie: Call the Assembly switchboard at 518-455-4100 and ask for the Speaker's office.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins: Call the Senate switchboard at 518-455-2800 and ask for the Majority Leader's office.
Governor Kathy Hochul: (518) 474-8390

Here is a suggested script:
"My name is [name]. I am from [town/city/village]. I am calling to urge you to include a funding increase for Independent Living Centers in the final budget. ILCs provide critically important supports that disabled people rely on to live independently in the community. As more disabled New Yorkers face challenges due to federal funding cuts, they will turn to ILCs to help them, and ILCs must have the funding and capacity to do so. Increasing funding for ILCs will ensure every disabled New Yorker has access to the support they need to navigate the service system, stay out of nursing homes, and build independent living skills. New York must remain committed to furthering disability rights and support our 41 ILCs."

05/05/2026

🏡 Housing, Huggies & Honey Buns 🍯

Looking for housing opportunities? Join us for this Housing Lottery Application Event—open to all!

📅 Monday, May 18, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Job Club
3108 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214

✨ No application fee!
✨ Staff available to help complete and submit your application

📌 Locations include:
• Main Street Loft (14214)
• 875 Lafayette Ave (14209)

Income required. Applicants will be selected through a random lottery process. Submitting an application does not guarantee housing.

📞 Questions? Call 716-836-0822 (Ext. 139 or 160)

Stop by, get support, and take the next step toward housing!

04/10/2026

🎉✨ Be Part of the Movement. Be Part of the Celebration. ✨🎉

Vendors, Merchants & Sponsors — this is YOUR moment! 💙♿

Join us for an unforgettable Disability Pride Festival as we celebrate the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act — honoring progress, amplifying voices, and building a more inclusive future for all.

🛍️ Non-Profit Tables: $100
🛍️ Merchant Tables: $150
🤝 Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

🔥 Non-Profit spots & Merchant spaces — secure yours before they’re gone!

This is more than an event… it’s a powerful community celebration filled with pride, purpose, and connection. Showcase your organization, promote your business, or become a sponsor and make a lasting impact while supporting accessibility and inclusion.

👉 Reserve your spot or become a sponsor today: disabilitypridewny.org

Let’s come together, uplift one another, and celebrate disability pride loud and proud! 💙

03/20/2026

🚨 Now Hiring: Peer Support Specialist (PT) – Renewal Center
📍 Buffalo, NY

Join our Mental Health Peer Connection (MHPC) team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others 💙

The Renewal Center provides a safe, supportive space for individuals experiencing emotional crisis. As a Peer Support Specialist, you’ll use your lived experience to support, guide, and empower guests on their path to wellness.

✨ What You’ll Do:
• Provide peer support and crisis de-escalation
• Use motivational interviewing and coping strategies
• Help develop WRAP & WHAM plans
• Connect guests to community resources
• Maintain a welcoming, recovery-focused environment

🕒 Schedule:
Part-Time (22.5 hrs/week)
Sunday–Tuesday | 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM

💲 Pay: $20.51 – $23.00/hour

✅ Qualifications:
• Must be a current or former mental health services consumer
• HS diploma + experience (or Associate/Bachelor’s equivalent)
• Eligible for NYS Peer Specialist Certification within 6 months
• Reliable transportation required

🎁 Benefits:
PTO, paid holidays, 403(b) with match, EAP, and optional insurance

📅 Apply by April 2, 2026
📧 [email protected]

Be part of a team that empowers recovery, builds connections, and strengthens our community 💫

03/16/2026

Podcast Drop:

Mental Health PEER Connection is an organization run for and by people with behavioral health disabilities. As a part of Western New York Independent Living, MHPC focuses on finding ways to meet consumers where they are at. That’s why MHPC offers support groups geared toward improving and sustaining your mental health. MHPC Assistant Director Cathie Campbell joined the latest episode of our podcast, Independent Perspective, to talk about mental health support groups.

Listen to the podcast at: https://youtu.be/_U89KLBrUfQ

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03/13/2026

👋 Our offices and the Renewal Center are closed today for a staff meeting as we work on improving how we serve you. We’ll be back soon and will return messages as quickly as possible. Thanks for understanding!

03/03/2026

Have you ever considered joining WNYIL's Board?

The Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL) Board of Directors is currently seeking passionate, dedicated leaders with disabilities to join our Board. Embrace our mission and support your peers at the same time.

Submit a formal letter of interest addressed to the Nomination and Board Development Committee; a brief introduction of yourself, your motivation for seeking a Board position and a resume, if available to Katrina Jacobi, CAO by email at [email protected] or by mail to 3108 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214. The deadline to apply is March 16!

For additional details, visit: https://conta.cc/4b0WVZU

02/16/2026

Happy Presidents Day!

In observance of Presidents Day, WNY Independent Living offices are closed today.
However, The Renewal Center remains open and available to provide peer support and services.

📍 The Renewal Center
111 Maple St., Buffalo, NY 14204
🕐 Open daily: 1:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
📞 716-245-4200

We wish everyone a safe and restful holiday.

02/06/2026

💬 Time to Talk Day

Today is a reminder that talking about mental health matters—and that no one has to face a crisis alone.

At WNY Independent Living, The Renewal Center is a peer-run hospital diversion program offering a safe, welcoming space for individuals who are experiencing—or approaching—a mental health crisis. Open daily, the program provides peer support, access to professional nursing assistance, connections to medical and non-medical services, alternative community supports, and tools to help maintain wellness and ongoing support.

If you or someone you know needs a place to talk, reset, and feel supported, help is available.

📍 Visit Us
Kirsten A. Vincent Respite & Recovery Center
111 Maple St., Buffalo, NY 14204
📞 716-245-4200
🕐 Open daily, 1:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
✔️ Free for individuals 18 and over
🤝 Supported by: Erie County Department of Mental Health

02/05/2026