Incredible things are possible when we work together.

What difference is my support making? Who is it helping?

This is a fair question for any of our supporters to ask. In this section, we will share our stories with you while maintaining complete confidentiality. We will keep you updated on the activities in our various programs, including success stories of those whom we have helped, special events in which our programs participate, and any commendations that our staff receives.

Celebrating Tracey Free: 25 Years of Dedication and Care

Congratulations to Tracey Free celebrating 25 years with Child and Family Services.  Tracey’s journey with C+FS began when she joined the residential team as a Child Care Therapy Aide, where she quickly discovered the deep connections that could be built through compassion, patience and care. Over the years, she’s grown into leadership roles as a…
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Shine the Light 2025

On October 7, 2025, Child and Family Services Haven House hosted its annual Shine the Light press conference at the Agency's 844 Delaware library. Each year, this powerful event brings together community members, advocates and elected officials to stand united against domestic violence, and this year was no different. Even with the rain outside, the…
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A New Chapter for Nicole Chenez

After eight years of dedication to the Stanley G. Falk School, Nicole Chenez is beginning a new chapter as Assistant Principal at the Falk-Cambridge campus.  Nicole’s journey with Falk is a true reflection of growth, commitment and heart. Since joining Falk, she has had many roles including teacher’s aide, substitute teacher, school counselor, assistant coach…
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Planting Seeds of Hope

Starting over in a new city is never easy, but for Anna,* it marked the first step toward freedom. With her two children by her side, she left behind a long relationship filled with financial, emotional and religious abuse and set out to rebuild her life.  But with this journey came immediate challenges. Anna wanted…
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Backpacks, Supplies and Support: A Community Effort

The back-to-school season is always filled with excitement, and thanks to the generosity of two corporate partners, the children we serve are starting this year with the tools and confidence they need to succeed. National Fuel’s FemaleFuel hosted a supply drive that provided backpacks and school supplies for Haven House, showing their deep commitment to…
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Building a Life in Buffalo

When a single mother and her three children arrived in Buffalo, they were stepping into the unknown. Having lived in several states before, they were searching for stability and a fresh start.  Like many families who are new to a community, they faced several obstacles. That’s when Xavier DeLuna, Care Coordinator for our Wraparound Program,…
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Dancing Into a New School Year

The new school year at Stanley G. Falk started with more than just pencils and notebooks. There was music, energy and a whole lot of excitement. To welcome students back, the Falk-Roosevelt campus hosted a special performance from DJ Milk, the official DJ of the Buffalo Bills, along with DJ YES.  From the moment the…
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Kicking Off the School Year with Connection

The back-to-school season is always filled with excitement and anticipation, and this year our DEI Committee brought families in our Residential Program together for a Back-to-School Family Fair.   The fair was full of energy, with karaoke, face painting, dinner and door prizes. Each child even had the chance to pack their very own brand-new…
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A Family’s Journey Toward Reconnection

When Jessica Francis, Family Visitation Specialist, started working with a new family last May, she knew her role was to help a mother and daughter find their way back to one another.  Grace* had spent more than a year in foster care before returning to live with her father, but she hadn’t seen her mother,…
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Josie’s Journey: 35 Years of Leading with Heart

Congratulations to Haven House’s Josie, who recently celebrated 35 years with C+FS on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Josie began her career at C+FS in 1990 after moving to Buffalo from the Netherlands. Starting as a counselor at Haven House, she credits the Agency with helping her through her initial homesickness. “To be able to go…
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Car Wash Fundraiser Brings Students Together

At Falk School’s – Rossler campus, students rolled up their sleeves and worked together for a meaningful cause.  Over the course of three days, students hosted a car wash open to all Falk staff and faculty. Organized by one of Falk’s teachers, Mrs. Pepe, the event was more than just a way to make vehicles…
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Growing Together, One Meal at a Time

At our Community Residence in Cheektowaga, something special is happening one meal at a time. What started as a child’s love for cooking has turned into a weekly tradition that’s filled more than just plates. It all began when one child asked if they could cook a meal for their peers. The staff, who work…
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