We moved!

On behalf of the Grigg Lewis Foundation Board of Directors, we would like to take this opportunity to inform you that the Grigg Lewis Foundation, Inc. has moved from 76 West Avenue, Lockport, NY, to a new location. Our new address is:

Grigg Lewis Foundation, Inc.

1 East Avenue, Suite 303

Lockport NY 14094

Although our office has moved, the building is still undergoing construction and is yet to be opened to the public. We anticipate that we can welcome visitors sometime in July 2023.  Please be so kind as to forward all mail correspondence to this new address as of April 24, 2023. The Foundation’s email address and phone number will remain the same.  It will be a pleasure to serve our community from our new premises in downtown Lockport.

Morlock Foundation Taking Over Women’s Career Clothing Closet

In early 2020, the Grigg Lewis Foundation was informed by the Lockport Family Focus Group, a network of local nonprofits, that many local service agencies were seeking assistance for their clients as they reenter the work force.  Lockport Family Focus Group members came together to donate gently used, professional women’s clothing and to volunteer their time and expertise to assist with the boutique design and upkeep, and with resume building for interested clients. We were overwhelmed by interest, both within our group and throughout the community, and were able to quickly identify a space at Christ Community Church to house the new clothing closet.

The closet now offers free, professional clothing and accessories for clients of any nonprofit service agency that may need help during their interviewing process or to begin employment. With a boutique atmosphere, it provides a private and comfortable environment where women can develop their professional appearance, interviewing skills, and most importantly – their confidence.

In 2021, The Morlock Foundation also located in Christ Community Church, very graciously offered to expand on this initiative. They now manage the upkeep, and provide access and shopping assistance to help women choose flattering outfits that are appropriate for their situation. Local non-profits are encouraged to reach out to the Morlock Foundation directly to schedule a visit with their client. Their staff is able to assist with resume building and mock interviews by appointment.

9th Annual LFFG Backpack & School Supply Drive

The Grigg Lewis Foundation was proud to support the Lockport Family Focus Group’s 9th annual 2021 Backpack and School Supply Drive that took place in July 2021. Due to continued pandemic related restrictions, an in-person give away was not possible again this year. Instead, LFFG volunteers were able to partner with the Lockport School District to obtain referrals, and then stepped up to deliver backpacks directly to the homes of local families in need. Those families that could not be reached at home, had their child’s backpack delivered to their classroom on the first day of school. We all recognize that the cost of school supplies can be overwhelming for many families, especially with the hardships they have felt these last two years. Through this tremendous effort, the Lockport Family Focus group was able to fill a significant need for over 200 local kids.

We would especially like to thank and recognize the following: (in alphabetical order)

Agency Donors:
American Red Cross * Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates * Grigg Lewis Foundation * Kiwanis Club of Lockport * Lockport Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division II * Lockport City School District * Madonna House * Morlock Foundation * Niagara University *The Chapel

Community Donors:
Brooke Burrows & Family  * Chris Smith * Denise Wertman Marisa Morgan & Family * Mollie Roland * Stacey Stoll

Volunteers:
Brooke Burrows, Grigg Lewis Foundation * Bruce Pivetz, Kiwanis Club Lockport * Chris Smith, Grigg Lewis Foundation * Dec. Martha Farone, Christ Episcopal Church * Jenna Dellaccio, American Red Cross * Jim McMullen, Iroquois Trail Council Boy Scouts of America * Kathy Zunner, Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY * Ken Jones, Pinnacle Community Services * Mollie Roland, LPAC * Sue Capell, Youth Mentoring Services

Lockport Family Focus Group’s 8th Annual Backpack and School Supply Drive

The Lockport Family Focus Group would like to give a very special thank you to the many agency providers, school administration, and community members who came together in the midst of a health crisis, to help support our community and continue this valuable service to our students and schools. COVID-19 did not deter the LFFG from banding together to support Lockport students in grades K-12. Backpacks full of school supplies, personal care items and more, were distributed to over 170 children this summer to assist with in-school, at home, or hybrid learning.

Thanks to the following community partnerships for making this day possible: Lockport City School District employees provided all of the student and family referrals. A generous cash donation from the Stephanie Moore Verratti Memorial Committee enabled the purchase of hundreds of three ring binders. A new partnership with Victory Sports, Inc. who supplied Play Packs for end of summer fun and at home recess. The Chapel congregation donated multiple pairs of socks for each student. Youth Mentoring Services of Niagara County ensured the disbursement of 50 backpacks to families who were unable to attend the drive thru event. Many individual community members donated boxes of personal care items to provide age appropriate bags full of deodorant, soap, toothpaste, floss, combs, and lotion. The Lockport LAOH donated pocket folders, pens and colored pencils, and the Grigg Lewis Foundation, Inc. who donated all of the backpacks and school supplies this year.

We would especially like to recognize (in alphabetical order):

Agency Donors:
Grigg Lewis Foundation, Inc. * Lockport Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division II * Morlock Foundation
Stephanie Moore Verratti Memorial Committee * The Chapel * Victory Sports, Inc. * Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 19-6

Community Donors:
Anthony Cicciarelli * Brooke Burrows & Family * Cathy Hamilton * Chris Smith * Denise Wertman * Kim Knuutila & Family
Marisa Morgan & Family * Martha Kershaw & Family * Melisa Chase Niver * Mollie Roland * Ryan Wertman * Teria Royster Young

Volunteers:
Brooke Burrows, Grigg Lewis Foundation * Chris Smith, Grigg Lewis Foundation * Dec. Martha Farone, Christ Episcopal Church
Denise Wertman, community member * Jamie Rackl, EPIC * Jaydon Lang, Niagara County Youth Board & NYS Youth Advisory Council * Jessica Smith, Niagara County Department of Social Services * Jim McMullen, Iroquois Trail Council Boy Scouts of America * Kathy Zunner, Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY * Mollie Roland, LPAC  
Sue Capell, Youth Mentoring Services of Niagara County

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