The Grigg Lewis Foundation is dedicated to supporting and strengthening local nonprofits in Niagara County, not only through grant funding but also as advocates of local agencies’ missions. The Foundation wants to champion local nonprofits in the region that have made considerable impacts in Niagara County. These nonprofits are actively engaged in the community and bring unique programs and/or services to the community. The Foundation is proud to support those who are working to enhance our community.
Lockport Ice Arena and Sports Center
The Lockport Ice Arena and Sports Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that owns Cornerstone CFCU Arena. Their mission focuses on promoting physical fitness, combating juvenile delinquency, and encouraging good sportsmanship through supervised athletic events. They believe that skating can transform lives, especially for young people, returning veterans, and individuals with developmental disabilities. This community-centered facility plays a key role in the revitalization of Lockport and the surrounding region, offering a positive environment for friendly competition and personal growth.
Lockport Ice Arena and Sports Center (LIASC) has positively impacted thousands of lives over the years and serves as the community’s go-to ice arena and sports hub. They are dedicated to providing entertainment, creating lasting memories, and offering fun for families and individuals in the community. As a nonprofit organization, LIASC depends on donations to keep their programs running and accessible to all. They are committed to ensuring that no one is turned away due to financial constraints. They offer a range of activities, including Learn to Skate, Public and Figure Skating, Youth and Adult Hockey, Fitness Training, and summer programs at the Cornerstone CFCU Arena. Their 93,500 square foot facility has two NHL-sized rinks with sled hockey accessibility.
To learn more about their programs and how to support their organization, visit www.cornerstoneicearena.com/about/lockport-ice/
Christ Community Church
Originally founded in 1816 as Cambria Baptist Church, Christ Community Church congregation moved to the Village of Lockport in 1824 as the Erie Canal was being constructed. Over the years, the church has had six different names and three different buildings, all located near downtown off Pine Street. Being located in the City of Lockport’s first officially designated Impact Zone, their congregation serves as a beacon of light in the midst of these challenges, reaching out to the community with love and grace.
Christ Community Church offers many programs, including adult and youth groups as well as a new Youth Center. Their Youth Center is a safe place for teens after school where they can play video games, receive homework and resume help, and be with friends. A Clothing Closet is also located at the church to provide professional clothing and accessories that community members may need during their interviewing process or to begin employment. The closet provides a comfortable environment where women can develop a professional appearance in a boutique-like atmosphere. The closet is accessible through the Morlock Foundation located in the church.
Christ Community Church has been a center of support for the Lockport community for many years. To learn more about how to support Christ Community Church, you can go to www.christcommunitylockport.org/ways-to-give
Niagara Gospel Mission
The increasing rate of homelessness in Niagara Falls, New York, compounded by addiction and a shortage of shelter beds, highlighted the need for expanded emergency shelter care, which led to the creation of the Niagara Gospel Mission in 2007. As a nonprofit organization, their mission was established to address both the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in the community. The organization aims to unite believers in Jesus Christ to serve the homeless and impoverished residents of Niagara Falls.
To meet these needs, the mission has an RV to serve as a mobile soup kitchen to offer hot meals to those experiencing homelessness. Niagara Gospel Mission provides essential services, including emergency overnight housing, long-term transitional rooms, lunch and dinner, and a clothing closet for men, women, and children. Their all-male emergency shelter is open 365 days a year for up to 27 men for 30 consecutive nights. They provide showers, hygiene supplies, a meal, and a safe place to sleep. There is also a 30-day shelter for veterans in need of services. During this time, they offer programs for recovery and transitional living. These initiatives have been made possible through the support of volunteers from various Western New York churches.
Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission has been a critical resource for those facing homelessness. To learn more about their services or how to support their mission, visit www.niagaragospelmission.org
Youth Mentoring Services of Niagara County
Since 1973, Youth Mentoring Services (YMS) has been dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact in the lives of children and youth. By fostering supportive relationships with caring adults, YMS helps young people reach their fullest potential and grow into responsible, productive, and compassionate citizens. Serving children and youth ages 7-19 who face various challenges, YMS offers a variety of activities and resources to support them and their families. YMS has expanded its services across Niagara County with Site-Based Mentoring (SBM), which offers group workshops aimed at teaching essential life skills.
In addition to these programs, YMS has enhanced its offerings throughout the year with initiatives like Summer Camperships, the Summer Food Service Program, nutritious snacks through the WNY Food Bank, “To Pack a Backpack,” “Santa Sac,” the Lockport Spokes after-school program and other special agency events.
As the only youth-focused agency serving children of all genders county-wide, YMS operates without charging fees or dues. They rely entirely on the support of the community to continue their mission. To learn more or to contribute, visit www.youthmentoringservicesniagara.org/support-us/donate.
Wish Lists
Along with championing agencies in Niagara County, we are sharing the wish lists of local organizations. We’d like to encourage you to review their lists and support these agencies in any way possible. Click on each agency logo to learn more!
