Last week, C+FS celebrated the graduation of the seventh cohort of the Leadership Development Program (LDP). This milestone reflects the growth of the program and its evolution into a resource for strengthening leadership across the Western New York nonprofit community.
What began as an internal initiative designed to support emerging leaders at C+FS and the Stanley G. Falk School has grown into something even more collaborative. Employees from partner organizations including Crisis Services and CCNY joined our cohort, learning alongside C+FS employees as they explored key topics on leadership.
The decision to expand LDP to external partners was both intentional and community driven. As C+FS continued to provide HR services to other nonprofits in the region, it became clear that our partner agencies wanted leadership development opportunities for their own teams.
“By sharing our HR resources with organizations that have similar missions, we work to help lighten their workload and make sure they have reliable HR support,” shared Erica Reger, Chief Human Resources Officer. “This helps to free up more time and energy to focus on serving the community.”
The expansion reflects a longstanding belief that nonprofits are stronger when they work together.
“We see LDP as a value add to the vital HR services already provided and hope to continue to identify ways we can strengthen these partnerships with external organizations receiving HR services from C+FS,” explained Yvonne DuBois, Chief Impact Officer. “I really believe that this work is a part of our mission to nurture a healthier and more equitable WNY.”
The growth of this program is a reminder of what’s possible when organizations come together to invest in the people who serve our community every day.