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.