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Renodin Foundation Awards $32,500 in Fall Grants

Each year, the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, provides grants for programs and projects whose public charitable purposes are carried out in a manner consistent with the tradition of the Franciscan Sisters. Requests for monies must show a connection to the mission of the Foundation, assist those who are poor, older adults and individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Awarded projects also showed sustainability to live on long after the award period is over.

The Foundation board of directors met recently to review grant applications for the fall 2020 cycle. Jim Schifley, board chair, is proud to announce that 16 grants were approved and awarded totaling $32,500:

  1. Allegany County Mental Health Association – Youth Compeer Program – Wellsville, NY
  2. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier – Volunteer Mentor Recruitment and Enrollment –Cattaraugus County
  3. Bradford Hospital Foundation – Meals on Wheels – Bradford, PA
  4. Cuba Cultural Center – Backpack food program for students – Cuba, NY
  5. Destinations – Bradford – Emergency fuel for medical appointments – Bradford, PA
  6. Friendship Church of God in Christ (Mission Agape) – brown bag lunches for students, school supplies, holiday food baskets – Friendship, NY
  7. Genesis House – Aftercare Program for individuals moving into homes – Olean, NY
  8. Heritage AFlame Ministries – benevolence (rent, utilities, gas for employment search, school supplies, food, camperships) – Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties
  9. Ischua Union Church – Fund for the Needy (utilities, medical, transportation, Christmas gifts, school supplies) – Ischua, NY
  10. Kevin Guest House – Guest Lodging for Patients & Families Traveling for Medical Care from Allegany, Catt. & McKean Counties – Buffalo, NY
  11. Olean General Hospital Foundation – Emergency funds for those who are poor and spiritual literature & prayer aids for Pastoral Care – Olean, NY
  12. Southern Tier Health Care System – Cribs for Kids Program – Olean, NY
  13. St. Vincent de Paul – Hope for the Needy (assistance with housing, utilities, clothing, food and prescriptions) – Olean, NY
  14. Valley View Baptist Church – Food Pantry – Cattaraugus County
  15. The Warming House – Purchase healthy food, cleaning/food service supplies – Olean, NY
  16. YMCA of the Twin Tiers – Scholarship assistance for Olean YMCA early learning programs – Olean, NY

The Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation, attentive to the religious tradition and pastoral mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York, is committed to the Gospel stance of social justice which is lived out in a spirit of love, healing and compassion. The Foundation focuses its energy and resources primarily in the Allegany/Cattaraugus Counties of New York and McKean County of Pennsylvania and strives to improve the quality of life of our poor and marginalized neighbors.

To learn more about the Renodin Foundation grants or to apply or donate, visit www.RenodinFoundation.org.

(Photo from 2019 grant) The Renodin Foundation supports financial assistance for child care & early learning programs at the Olean YMCA. Pictured L-R: Ann-Marie Sitter Tompkins, child care director; Sr. Marigene Kennedy, OSF, Renodin Foundation board member; Bob Weber, Renodin board member; Brent Raabe, YMCA of the Twin Tiers advancement director

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Sneakers and Socks for Kids

The Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation provided a $2,000 grant to Center Point Ministries in Action for their “Sneakers and Socks for Kids” program this past spring.

Volunteers from Center Point Ministry purchased and sorted over 150 new sneakers and socks into sizes and genders for the children to choose from and then were on hand to help kids find their perfect match. After the kids find their sneakers, the volunteers pray for them to have a good school year.

The “Sneakers and Socks for Kids” program is in collaboration with the City of Olean Housing Authority. They have provided backpacks and school supplies in the past and found there was a true need for new sneakers and socks for the kids and then reached out the Renodin Foundation for funding.

“The Renodin Foundation strives to improve the quality of life for our poor and marginalized neighbors and this is a perfect example of what our grant funding is all about,” stated Laura Whitford, Foundation President, at her recent visit with board member, Bob Weber, at the Alder and South Court housing area on Martha Avenue in Olean, NY.

Center Point Ministries do hot dog roasts throughout the summer to get to know the families living in public housing in Olean and then end the summer with a sneaker and sock distribution for the kids returning to school.

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Children’s Shelter Receives Renodin Foundation Support

Pictured from the left: Renodin Foundation President Laura Whitford, Renodin Board member Bob Weber, Beacon Light’s Director of Residential Services Michele Kicior, Renodin Board member Rich Reilly, Residential Administrator Matthew Pradichith and Shelter Shift Manager Samantha Aaron.

A recent $3,500 grant from the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation, an affiliate of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, will improve the services at the Beacon Light emergency center for children. The grant will help by allowing shelter staff to inventory items owned by the children and supplementing their belongings with necessary items they do not possess.

When children under the age of 18 are in crisis or must be removed from their home for their safety and well-being, the basic necessity of a secure place to stay could be the first step toward recovery from the traumatic experience. In response to this need, Beacon Light offers safe and supervised care at its 24/7 emergency shelter.

“Our shelter team is extremely thankful to the Renodin Foundation for this funding to purchase clothing, supplies, personal and hygiene care items for our consumers,” stated Michele Kicior, MS Ed, director of Residential Services. “We’re pleased that our mission aligns with a fine community partner such as this.”

For more information about Beacon Light and supporting programs like this one, visit www.beacon-light.org.

Published in OneLight, a quarterly Publication of The Beacon Light Institutional Advancement Office – July 2019

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Grant offers Hope to the Needy at local SBU Student-Run Soup Kitchen

The Warming House

A $2,104 Renodin Foundation grant awarded to St. Bonaventure University Franciscan Center for Social Concern has provided a more than a meal to the hungry.

Alice Miller Nation, director stated, “The continued generosity of the Lyle F. Renodin Foundation has been vital to the Warming House over the years. The generous support of the Renodin Foundation allows our student run soup kitchen to welcome each guest into a clean and friendly environment. We are able to live our mission (to “reaffirm the dignity of one another, gathering as community to nourish body, mind and spirit”) through the daily actions of providing a place where our guests can arrive at 2:30 p.m. and read the newspaper, knit, cut coupons or simply sit and rest with a cool beverage in the summer or a hot cup of coffee or cocoa in the winter. Our guests know they will have a clean bathroom to use each time they come into the Warming House. And lastly, a nutritious dinner, prepared by caring hands and hearts will be served Sunday through Friday afternoon at 4:10 p.m.”

Miller Nation continued, “In a world where hope sometimes feels elusive, the Warming House provides a community atmosphere for those who struggle to secure the basic needs of healthy food and a clean place to rest.”

Specifically, funds were used to purchase food, supplies and cleaning supplies for the Warming House. Supplementing shelf stable foods with fresh produce from Canticle Farm and baking supplies like oil and eggs allows the student volunteers to bake fresh desserts and serve fresh produce weekly. Keeping the Warming House clean and free from pests is a priority and funds were used for cleaning supplies throughout the grant cycle.

At the end of the spring semester, the Warming House hosted a “10-4 Thank You Dinner” for SBU volunteers who were preparing to graduate and guests of the Warming House. At this special dinner, they presented each graduate with a candle, reminding them that each time they came into the Warming House, they offered light and hope to the guests they met. They then gave the guests the opportunity to thank the graduates for making time to come to the Warming House while attending St. Bonaventure University. Many of the guests were interested in what was next for each of the SBU students.

One guest’s comments will be remembered for a very long time…

“Bill” stopped eating at his typical corner spot in the dining room and stood up. He hesitantly blurted out, “I don’t talk much when I come and I don’t come to the Warming House every day, but I do come every week. The days I come to the Warming House to eat are the days I don’t have a meal anywhere else. I am really glad you are here. If you weren’t here, I wouldn’t eat that day. Thank you for making the time to come here and cook for us.” “Bill” then sat down, picked up his fork and quietly finished his meal.

Shortly after the dinner, the Warming House program manager, a SBU grad student, reflected on her role at the Warming House. She thought she was taking a job to simply help pay for graduate school. As the year drew to a close, she admitted that working at the Warming House was both difficult and wonderful. The Warming House gave her purpose and direction as she leaves St. Bonaventure and returns to Toronto to pursue a career.

The Impact of the Renodin Foundation:

Alice Miller Nation noted that they recently began a ten week Farm to Table program on the SBU campus. Four students work mornings at Canticle Farm and afternoons at the Warming House.

This program provided her with the opportunity to speak with one of the guests of the Warming House about appropriate ways to talk to volunteers. Her conversation went as well as one could have hoped. At the end of the meal, the guest asked her if he could apologize to our Farm to Table student. She got the student and together they found a quiet place where they could talk.

After the apology, the guest looked at the student and said, “Will you forgive me?” “Of course, I already have” was her reply. At our weekly conversation and reflection the next day, they took the time to talk about the situation. The Farm to Table student said, “Our guest was so surprised that I forgave him so easily. I wonder if he has ever been forgiven without conditions.” They took a few minutes to let her comment soak in a bit. They realized they modeled for both the student volunteer and guest what it was like to enter into difficult conversations and then offer forgiveness. In a small way, this student and guest modeled the peace we’d like to see in our world and communities in an everyday kind of way.

Miller Nation continued, “We are so appreciative for the vital support the Lyle F. Renodin Foundation offers to the Warming House and other agencies. Because of the Renodin Foundation, we are able to offer a clean place for the poor and marginalized of Olean to come to each day. We are able to provide a healthy meal for those who can’t always provide for themselves and their family members. But just as important as offering a clean environment and healthy food, the Warming House offers hope. Hope that each one of us is enough and that together, we can make our way through the hard parts of living each day, truly believing that goodness can prevail.”

This is an example of the impact the Lyle F. Renodin Foundation has on the local community. Offering the hope that life can be better and less difficult will never be found in the number of meals served or the dollars spent on fresh vegetables or cleaning supplies.

“Thank you for allowing us to offer these opportunities to our students as they grow into the men and women our world needs them to be. And thank you on behalf of our guests for partnering with us as we serve our neighbors in the Olean community.” – Alice Miller Nation, Director, SBU Franciscan Center for Social Concern

Learn more about SBU Franciscan Center for Social Concern

  • Meals at the Warming House are served restaurant style each day.
  • A St. Bonaventure University student visits with Warming House guests during dinner.

Did you know?

From June 2019 through May 2019, 5,583 meals were served at The Warming House. The break down for these meals are as follows: 152 children (under the age of 18), 4,305 adults, and 1,126 seniors (over the age of 65 years old).

BACK TO GRANTS
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Cribs for Kids Program at STHCS supported by Renodin Foundation

Renodin Foundation Board member, Bob Weber visited The Southern Tier Health Care Systems Program – Cribs for Kids – on June 5, 2019. They received a $1,500 grant from the Renodin Foundation in the fall of 2018 for the “Cribs for Kids” program. He met with the President and CEO, Donna Kahm, for a tour of the building and with Jordan and Abby for a presentation on the program. He noted they are all very nice people who intend to submit a new request for the fall of 2019.

Since 2016, this program has given away 378 cribs (about $55 per crib and $5 for a sheet) to mostly younger women and girls who are of lower income levels, lower educational levels, and often single mothers. The cribs are a very nice and designed to grow with the child until about age 2 years, and to be easily portable for visits to Grandma or to a babysitter. 

Southern Tier Health Care System is wholly funded by grants. They have multiple offices in several counties and the cribs, designed to prevent SIDS to the extent possible, are a very small part of an education program for young mothers in need. Classes begin 30+ days before their due date, and continue through the early months after birth on a wide range of infant care topics necessary to young women without a lot of support at home.

Bob noted this is a very good program, well worth the Foundation’s funding, and something that the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY can be proud of sponsoring.

  • L-R: Jordan and Abby stand with Donna Kahm, President/CEO of Southern Tier Health Care System in Olean, NY.
  • The Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation provided a $1,500 grant to the “Cribs for Kids” Program at the Southern Tier Health Care System enabling the agency to give cribs to mothers in need.
  • Jordan and Abby standing next to one of the cribs provided by a Renodin Foundation grant and given to young mothers in need at the Southern Tier Health Care System.
  • A STHCS employee demonstrates a Graco Pack ‘n Play crib to an expectant caregiver.
  • A banner promoting the Cribs for Kids Program at STHCS Training Center in Olean, NY

More about GRANTS

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Renodin Foundation grants help homeless in dire situations

Renodin Foundation grant recipients (from left) Bill Beck of First Baptist Church of Cuba, Athena Godet-Calogeras of the Veggie Wheels Program, Angela Erway of the YWCA of Bradford,Pa., and Charles McCole of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Olean, spoke of how the Renodin grants helped their agencies. Erway is holding a backpack that contains supplies for the homeless that were purchased, in part, through a Renodin grant.

By KATE DAY SAGER
June 4, 2019 – Olean Times Herald and Bradford Era

ALLEGANY — Sharing the memory of a family with two small children who were forced to live in a tent last summer nearly brought Angela Erway of the YWCA of Bradford, Pa., to tears during the Dr. Lyle R. Renodin Foundation Grant Recipient Breakfast Monday.

Erway’s story of the family, however, had a happy ending thanks to a Renodin Foundation grant awarded to the agency which was, in turn, used to help homeless families assisted by the YWCA.

Erway and three other representatives of agencies that received Renodin grants spoke to a large group of people gathered at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse at 115 E. Main St.

Mary Jo Black, chairman of Renodin’s board of directors, said the foundation was started in 2000 by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany as a depository of the proceeds from the former St. Francis Hospital when it merged with Olean General Hospital.

The foundation, named for Dr. Lyle Renodin, a longtime friend and financial advisor to the Sisters, has provided 383 grants totaling $1,187,670 to 73 organizations in the area to improve the quality of life for poor and marginalized people. Last year alone, the Renodin Foundation provided $66,104 to 33 organizations, of which six were brand new agencies. She said the need in area communities continues to grow, which is why the Foundation began fundraising this year and garnered $16,000.

Erway said the Renodin funds not only have helped the YWCA hire two people who were formerly homeless, but also used the grant to help a family in a dire situation.

“Last summer we had a family who were living in couple of tents in the woods,” Erway recalled, her voice becoming shaky with emotion. “It was a father, mother and two little girls … he had worked in the oil and gas business for years and had done fairly well.”

Unfortunately, the man lost his job with a local drilling company, and as a result the family lost their home, vehicles and other possessions.

“They had no choice but to gather what they could and live in a couple of tents in the woods,” Erway continued. “They were eventually able to get into our shelter and he got a job with a local contractor and they’re doing fine now.”

As a result of the family’s plight, the YWCA wrote its grant to Renodin to purchase tents, backpacks, socks, hand warmers, sleeping bags and can openers to help people with no place else to turn until housing can be found.

Also providing testimonials on help provided by Renodin was Bill Beck of First Baptist Church of Cuba, Athena Godet-Calogeras of the Olean Housing Authority, and Charlie McCole of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Olean.

Godet-Calogeras said the Renodin grant has helped the Veggie Wheels program, formerly called Veggie Mobile, provide fresh vegetables and fruits to the needy in neighborhoods in Olean and Salamanca the past few years. The project will add Delevan to its route this summer.

Beck said the Renodin grant has helped First Baptist Church in Cuba purchase backpacks and supplies for 80 to 105 students in the Cuba-Rushford Central School District.

“This program has been very successful and helpful to families in our area who don’t have the extra funds to support their children’s needs when it comes to school,” Beck said, noting the Renodin grants also helped the church fully sponsor nine children to attend summer camp.

When sharing his thoughts on St. Vincent DePaul, a used clothing store, McCole said Renodin’s funds help the agency continue to assist needy people who have had eviction notices, utilities shut off, prescription costs and emergency food needs, among other issues.

“Given the rising costs of everything in this world … we could not do what we do without the assistance of the Renodin Foundation or other groups like it,” McCole remarked.

Other highlights of the meeting included special remembrances of late board member Gail Sweitzer and financial advisor Jim Alund Sr.

Linda Pepperdine, board member and sister-in-law of Sweitzer, spoke of the contributions of Sweitzer and Alund to the foundation. She also recognized Sweitzer’s children, Pat and Lynn Sweitzer; and Alund’s children, John and Jim Alund Jr., who were in attendance.

The program was wrapped up by Laura Whitford, president of the foundation, who thanked the large group for attending and reminded them of the opportunities to donate, or learn more about the Renodin Foundation online. She also encouraged agencies in need of help to reach out to the foundation.

“We welcome new grantees,” Whitford said, noting grants are awarded twice a year. “If you know somebody (in need of a grant) we can’t always guarantee anything, but we can guarantee that somebody will have a chance.”

The morning event was concluded by everyone joining together to recite the prayer for peace as the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany do every day. READ MORE

To view more photos from the event, click HERE.

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Renodin Foundation Awards $35,500 in Spring Grants

Each year, the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, provides grants for programs and projects whose public charitable purposes are carried out in a manner consistent with the tradition of the Franciscan Sisters. Requests for monies must show a connection to the mission of the Foundation and assist people who are in need, elderly, developmentally or physically disabled, or living in poverty. Awarded projects also showed sustainability to live on long after the award period is over.

The Foundation board of directors met recently to review grant applications for the spring 2019 cycle. Mary Jo Black, board chair, is proud to announce that 16 grants were approved and awarded totaling $35,500:

  1. A Partnership in Housing, Inc. – Welcome Home Startup Kits for families to successfully transition to self-sufficiency – Smethport, PA
  2. Allegany Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse – Transportation costs for Camp AHSSUM (A Happening Safe Summer for U and Me) for at-risk Allegany County children – Wellsville, NY
  3. Boy Scouts of America – Scouting for at-risk youth in Catt. Co. (registration fees for after-school program and partial scholarships for summer camp) – Falconer, NY
  4. Canticle Farm, Inc. – Safe, healthy produce distribution for our neighbors in need through the community supported agriculture (CPA) summer share program – Allegany, NY
  5. Center Point Ministries – new sneakers and socks to aid families and children going back to school – Olean, NY
  6. Children’s Home of Bradford – supplies, clothing, personal and hygiene care items for children in need who visit the emergency shelter – Bradford, PA
  7. Congregational Samaritans – Ramps Project (purchase building materials for accessibility ramps on homes in Allegany County for financially disadvantaged people) – Wellsville, NY
  8. First Baptist Church of Cuba – Camp JYC scholarships; and school supplies for needy families – Cuba, NY
  9. First Baptist Church of Olean – food vouchers to assist community members in need – Olean, NY
  10. Intandem – 2019 Years of Service & Awards Banquet (sponsorship of awards banquet for employees with disabilities) – Olean, NY
  11. Interfaith Caregivers, Inc. – Volunteer Recognition (provide gift certificates to volunteers for transportation of clients to medical appts./general errands) – Olean, NY
  12. Loaves & Fishes So. Tier Food Pantry – Nutrition Assistance (funding to purchase food for distribution to those who are needy) – Olean, NY
  13. Network of the Spirit Ministries – Sober Living Residence (provide funding for rent forgiveness for residents who are working) – Bradford, PA
  14. The Friends of the Salamanca Youth Center – Fill a Back Pack Program (purchase food for children when school is not in session) – Salamanca, NY
  15. The Master’s Plan – Love to Spare Program (provide needy families with food, clothing furniture, household items, emergency housing, utilities and CHRISTmas boxes) – Dayton, NY
  16. Valley View Baptist Church – Food Pantry Day (purchase food for distribution to area families and individuals in need) – Little Valley, NY

The Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation, attentive to the religious tradition and pastoral mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York, is committed to the Gospel stance of social justice which is lived out in a spirit of love, healing and compassion. The Foundation focuses its energy and resources primarily in the Cattaraugus/Allegany Counties in New York and McKean County in Pennsylvania, and strives to improve the quality of life of our poor and marginalized neighbors.

To learn more about the Renodin Foundation grants or to apply or donate, visit www.RenodinFoundation.org or contact Laura Whitford at 716-373-0200.

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Renodin Foundation celebrates work in the Twin Tiers

John Ross, a participant of the Rehabilitation Center in Olean, N.Y., was assisted by administrator Nancy Miller while singing a couple of special songs for those who attended the annual Renodin Foundation grant recipient breakfast Monday at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany.

Published by the Olean Times Herald and Bradford Era on Tuesday, June 5, 2018
By KATE DAY SAGER, reporter
Olean Times Herald and Bradford Era

ALLEGANY, N.Y. — One woman spoke of how grants from the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation helped her agency build ramps for people with disabilities, while another said the funds helped people with special needs gain membership in an exercise program.

The testimonials were shared by four area agencies Monday during the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation Annual Grantee Breakfast at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany.

The Renodin Foundation, founded following the dissolution of St. Francis Hospital in Olean, is a sponsored ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. Its mission is to serve the poor and marginalized in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties as well as McKean County in Pennsylvania.

The foundation was named in 2000 in honor of Renodin, a longtime friend and financial advisor to the Sisters. Since 2002, the foundation has awarded 366 grants totaling more than $1.2 million to 65 organizations. This past year, the foundation granted $77,426 to 28 organizations, one of which was brand new.

The blessing for the breakfast was provided by the Very Rev. Gregory Dobson, outgoing pastor of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels who has assisted the Franciscan Sisters with their endeavors through the years.

“It’s critical that we are all part of the same team … the Sisters need us and we need that community, too,” Dobson said.

Grant recipients who spoke during the breakfast included Bill Leven, president and CEO of Futures Rehabilitation Center in Bradford, Pa. Leven said Futures provides employment opportunities and social programs to adults with disabilities in McKean County.

“Part of our services include community participation supports,” Leven said. “Through that, we help people participate in activities and become more a part of their community.”

He said the Renodin Foundation grant was used by individuals with Futures to participate in fitness activities at the Bradford Family YMCA. In addition, Leven said the grant “makes healthier options available for individuals with disabilities.”

William Penman, of the Allegany Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse, said his agency primarily provides outpatient services and residential services, but also works with school programs in Allegany County.

“Where the Renodin Foundation comes in to help us is at the end of the year is with a summer camp for kids” which serves 120 children, Penman explained. He said the Renodin funds are used to transport children to and from camp.

Carol Flurschutz of the Congregational Samaritans spoke of how Renodin funds have helped with the Ramps Project, an outreach mission by Grace United Church in Wellsville. She said the program, founded by Dr. Ken Vandine, ophthalmologist, constructs ramps at the homes of people with disabilities. In the past five years, volunteers with the program have built over two dozen ramps at homes in Allegany County.

“We’ve had 11 ramp requests this year,” Flurschutz said. “That’s a lot of lumber and work ahead … I would like to thank the Renodin Foundation for providing more hope for our marginalized citizens.”

Liselle Esposito of the Southern Tier Catholic School/Archbishop Walsh Academy in Olean, said Renodin funds have helped children with financial pressures receive scholarships to attend the school.

“You may be surprised to learn that 65 percent of our student body receives financial aid to attend,” Esposito remarked. “We witness first-hand the profound impact these scholarships can have.”

For example, one student, who had physical issues and had been pushed around at a former school, was able to remain at Archbishop Walsh thanks to scholarship funds. That young man was accepted by other students at Walsh and eventually went on to college to become an engineer. She said a second-grade student, whose guardian had advanced cancer, was also able to remain in school thanks to the scholarship funds.

The program was wrapped up by Laura Whitford, president of the Foundation, who thanked the large group for attending and reminded them of the opportunities to donate, or learn more about the Renodin Foundation online. She also encouraged agencies in need of help to reach out to the foundation.

“We welcome new grantees,” Whitford said, noting grants are awarded twice a year. “If you know somebody (in need of a grant) we can’t always guarantee anything, but we can guarantee that somebody will have a chance.”

The morning event was concluded by special songs provided by John Ross, a participant of The ReHabilitation Center in Olean. Ross, who was assisted by administrator Nancy Miller, sang the Oak Ridge Boys’ song, “Bobbie Sue” and the Christian hymn, “Amazing Grace” for the appreciative audience.

For more information on donating to the Renodin Foundation, or obtaining a grant, contact Whitford at (716) 373-0200 or click HERE.

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HomeCare & Hospice puts Renodin grant to good use

Sue Watson and Victoria Kearns

Patient Supplies & Family Bereavement Materials provided by Renodin Foundation Grant

— When Sue Watson, Renodin Foundation board member, recently visited HomeCare & Hospice, it didn’t take her long to see how grant funds were put to good use. She met with Communications Director, Victoria Kearns, HC&H Communications Director, who provided her with a lot of information about the agency.

Over the years, the Renodin Foundation has granted HomeCare & Hospice $4,300; the most recent grant of $2,300 was in the spring 2017. The money was used for patient gift baskets and bereavement materials (see photos below) for involved family/friends.

Victoria is in the process of heightening community awareness of the programs available via a mass mailing. There are two major programs sponsored by Total Senior Care, a subsidiary of HomeCare & Hospice, which include: Pace (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and DayBreak (social day program for adults). There is a spend-down “pooled trust” available for individuals whose earnings are above the maximum Medicaid income allowance which allows those individuals to take advantage of the managed, long-term care available through PACE.

DayBreak provides a variety of services for elderly adults who wish to remain independent in their home but who may need assistance.

HomeCare services include care for the short-term needs or chronic conditions of the frail elderly or developmentally disabled, patients recovering from surgery or illness, as well as those living with long-term disability or illness.

Hospice services are provided across four counties (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee and Wyoming). Each patient has a team of professional medical, social, and (non-denominational) religious personnel that meets regularly to determine the best ways to meet that patient’s needs.

For more information about HomeCare & Hospice and Total Senior Care, click here: http://www.homecare-hospice.org

Sue Watson visited HomeCare & Hospice on April 27, 2018.

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Allegany Senior Foundation Receives Funding

Personal Emergency Response Systems provided by Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation Grant

Article appeared in the Wellsville Reporter on December 14, 2017

Reita Sobeck-Lynch, President of the Allegany Senior Foundation, has announced that it has received a $1,000 grant from the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation , which is affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY.

The grant from the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation will support the Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) program at the Allegany County Office for the Aging.  A Personal Emergency Response System is provided in the home of people who live alone or are alone for long periods of time.  PERS is a support which allows those with medical problems to remain as independent as they can, while providing family members with peace of mind.knowing that help is a button-push away.

The PERS system consists of a home communicator unit attached to the subscriber’s telephone and a personal call button worn by the subscriber.  In the event of an emergency, the subscriber pushes their personal call button. This activates an Emergency Response Center trained  emergency  attendant who  assesses the  subscriber’s needs.  If necessary,  the attendant will contact the appropriate responders designated by the subscriber.  The standard PERS service includes a choice of a pendant or wrist-style “Help Button.”

PERS is a critical part of an array of services that can enable someone to stay home rather than move to a more expensive level of care such as assisted living or nursing home.  The Allegany Senior Foundation funds PERS for those who are older, who are frail, and who are having difficulty paying for the service on their own.

Sobeck-Lynch says, “The Allegany Senior Foundation.is greatly appreciates the generosity of the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation. Their grant provides the annual fee for PERS for three people for a full year.”

Photo: Several board members of the Allegany Senior Foundation met with Renodin Foundation board member, H. Robert Weber at 9:30 am on November 2 at the offices of the Allegany County Office of Aging in Belmont.  The Board is composed of volunteers who have an association with the Office of Aging either directly, through the Advisory Council of the Office of Aging, or volunteers from Meals on Wheels, etc.  In the photo above are (L to R) Madeleine Gasdik, Kim Toot, Bob Weber, Renodin Foundation Board Member, Reita Sobeck-Lynch, ACSF President and David Pullen.

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SBU Warming House receives $4,104 grant from Renodin Foundation

Published in the Olean Times Herald on Friday, November 3, 2017

ST. BONAVENTURE — The Warming House, St.
Bonaventure University’s
student-run soup kitchen
in Olean, has received
a $4,104 grant from
the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin
Foundation.

The money will be used to purchase healthy and nutritious food, cleaning and food service supplies and to fund an appreciation dinner, said Jeffrey Sved, director of SBU’s Franciscan Center for Social Concern. The Warming House is under the FCSC umbrella.

“The Warming House is a special place that will continue to thrive with this
grant,” said graduate student D.J. Mitchell, program manager for the Warming
House. “There is a community in that building that comes for more than just the nourishment. The Franciscan values that St. Bonaventure holds proud
are on display Sunday through Friday in Olean and we are thrilled to sustain
it for years to come.”

The grant application specified $3,000 for healthy food, $1,000 for supplies —
“since a clean facility is a welcoming one,” Sved said — and $104 for a year-end dinner to recognize the student meal coordinators.

Why $104?

“The number is meant to remind of us of St. Francis, whose feast is celebrated
on that day (10/4) and in whose footsteps we live and serve,” Sved said.

The Warming House is hosting the Food Bank of WNY’s “Just Say Yes” workshops this semester to promote healthier eating, and SBU senior Alexa
Zak’s honors project is aimed at teaching the Warming House community
the importance of nutrition by demonstrating simple yet effective ways to
live healthier.

“My hope for the project is to raise nutrition awareness and provide a foundation for the Warming House community to continue to make healthy lifestyle changes,” Zak said.

The Renodin Foundation provides grants for programs and projects whose
public charitable purposes are carried out in a manner consistent with the tradition of the Franciscan Sisters. Grant awards show a connection to the mission of the Foundation and assist the needy, underprivileged, elderly, developmentally disabled, handicapped, or economically disadvantaged.

The foundation is attentive to the religious tradition and pastoral mission
of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and committed to the Gospel stance of social justice, which is lived out in a spirit of love, healing and compassion.

The foundation focuses its energy and resources primarily in the Twin Tiers
and strives to improve the quality of life of the region’s poor and marginalized
neighbors.

Pictured: Warming House volunteers Hayley Laraway, Tyler Eisenhauer and D.J. Mitchell (back right), SBU student manager of the Olean soup kitchen, are
joined by Laura Whitford, president of the Renodin Foundation, and Sr. Marigene Kennedy of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.

Warming House supply shelves
Warming House Food Storage shelves
SBU Warming House Rules
Warming House volunteers Hayley Laraway, Tyler Eisenhauer and D.J. Mitchell (back right), SBU student manager of the Olean soup kitchen, are joined by Laura Whitford, president of the Renodin Foundation, and Sr. Marigene Kennedy of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.

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Canticle Farm announces $3,500 grant for Sponsored Share program

Published in the Olean Times Herald on Sunday, May 28, 2017

ALLEGANY — Officials with Canticle Farm announced this month they received a $3,500 grant from the Dr. Lyle Renodin Foundation.

The grant will assist the Canticle Farm Sponsored Share program in funding fresh, locally and naturally grown vegetables to families and individuals in need. The Renodin Foundation, affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, directs its energy and resources toward improving the quality of life of low-income citizens in the local region.

Funding from private donations and grants from organizations such as the Renodin Foundation enables Canticle Farm to continue to contribute at least 20 percent of its shareholder memberships to programs in Allegany, Cuba, Olean, Portville and Salamanca, as well as Bradford, Pa.

Pictured: Canticle Farm Communications Manager, Kelly Hendrix,  helps a young boy purchase locally grown, organic vegetables at the farm store in Allegany, NY. 

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Olean Thrift Shop Grant

Published in the Olean Times Herald on Sunday, May 14, 2017 

Laura Whitford, president of the Renodin Foundation, and Charles McCole, president of the board of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift store, stand amongst the wares at 441 N. Union St. in Olean. The board recently received a $2,000 grant from the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation to aid the thrift store.

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Camp New Horizons to return to ASP

Published in the Olean Times Herald on Friday, May 5, 2017
By KATE DAY SAGER, Olean Times Herald

For the past five summers, children with mental health disorders in Cattaraugus County attended Camp New Horizons’ daytime program, as there wasn’t enough funding to sponsor overnight camping.

That will change this summer when the 41-year-old nonprofit camp returns to Allegany State Park to give children a weeklong, residential experience in an outdoor setting. The program serves children, ages 8 to 16, who have a mental health diagnosis and are struggling at home, in school or in the community.

Camp director Derric McElheney said the program will be held at Camp Allegany in the park during three, five-day sessions for three different age groups involving 90 children. Session one will be held July 17 to 21 for 8-to-10-year-olds; session two will be held July 24 to 28 for 11-to-13-year-olds; and session three will be held July 31 to Aug. 4 for 14-to-16-year-olds.

McElheney said the overnight camp was started in the early 1970s to give childrewith mental illness a real camping experience.McElheney himself was one of the thousands of children who attended the program over the years and benefitted. He credits the camp with changing his life around.

“Personally, camp helped me through many times of depression and suicidal thoughts,” McElheney recalled.

As camp helped him grow into a healthy teen, McElheney served in a variety of staffing positions at the facility before he became its director.

The overnight program was transitioned into a day program in 2012 when its sponsoring agency, the now-defunct Mental Health Association in Cattaraugus County, experienced financial difficulties.

With McElheney at its helm, the day camp program operated at Bethany Lutheran Church in Olean for three summers. For the past two summers, the organization has been housed at Creekside Chapel in Allegany.

McElheney said overnight camp was again considered by the organization when officials realized the cost of transporting children to the day program began outweighing the cost of an overnight program. He said Camp Allegany became feasible this year thanks to a deal worked out between the organization and park officials.

While collaboration with the park — as well as several community grants and donations — have helped the overnight program, McElheney said more is needed if overnight camping is to continue in the future.

AS A RESULT, the organization implemented a fundraising initiative called “Change Forward,” which asks individuals, churches, businesses, groups and agencies to sponsor a child at camp for $200.

McElheney said a sponsorship means the person, group or agency would receive a photo of the child, a letter and a craft item the child made at camp. Sponsorships could continue with the same child over a number of years, if desired.

“If the program takes off like we believe it will, we will be allowing kids to stay for more than five days next year,” McElheney said. “I think the coolest part about this program will be the connections that this program will create” with the community.

In listing other needs of the camp, McElheney said the organization is hopeful of borrowing or renting a large bus for transporting the youngsters to camp on Mondays and back to drop-off locations on Fridays. In addition, the camp hopes to find two minivans from July 10 through Aug. 5 for traveling around the park. McElheney said camp counselors, medical staff and kitchen staff, all of whom will be paid, are also needed.

McElheney said he is grateful for the help provided by the United Way of Cattaraugus County, the Renodin Foundation, Olean Wholesale Grocery Co-Op and, in particular, Creekside Chapel, which houses the camp offices.

The Rev. Dodi McIntyre, assistant pastor of Creekside, said the church “believes wholeheartedly in the mission” of Camp New Horizons.

“We are a very outreach-oriented church and we believe strongly in supporting the needs of our community,” McIntyre said. “When (Camp New Horizons) had a need for a home, this is where they came.”

For more information on the camp, send emails to campnewhorizons@gmail.com or call 904-2593.

(Contact reporter Kate Day Sager at kates_th@yahoo.com. Follow her on Twitter, @OTH Kate)

Photo: Kymrie & Derrick McElheney, Camp New Horizon Director

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Olean Housing Authority receives grant from Renodin Foundation

Published in the Olean Times Herald on Saturday, April 8, 2017

OLEAN — The City of Olean Housing Authority has been awarded a $2,500 grant from the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation for the continuation and expansion of the Veggie Mobile, organizers announced.

“Our residents so appreciate the Veggie Mobile and its volunteers, not only for the healthy vegetables, but also for the nutritional and cooking tips, recipes and activities with the children,” said Anne Kivari, executive director of the housing authority.

The Veggie Mobile seeks to counteract obesity and related health issues in Cattaraugus County by providing fresh vegetables to low-income individuals and families with access barriers.

Canticle Farm and the Cattaraugus County Health Department collaborate with Olean Housing Authority in sending out the Veggie Mobile weekly during the summer to residents at Alder and Martha courts, Seneca Street and Olean House.

The Renodin Foundation, affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, directs its energy and resources on improving the quality of life of marginalized members of the community.

Photo: “Carrot Lady” Bev Bennett shows kids how to make a healthy salad through the Veggie Mobile program.

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