Join Us For Trunk or Treat To-Go!

October is upon us, which means it’s almost time for our annual fall community event at the Buffalo Central Terminal! In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event will be called “Trunk or Treat To-Go!” and will be a socially distanced walkthrough with procedures in place to ensure that our trick-or-treaters and their families are safe. We will provide bags of candy, take-home creativity kits, refreshments and pumpkins to-go!
Date: Wednesday, October 28 (Rain date: Friday, October 30)
Time: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Location: Buffalo Central Terminal, 495 Paderewski Drive, Buffalo, NY 14212
*Masks are required to attend this event!*
We welcome volunteers to participate in the event by decorating their vehicles and passing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Those interested can contact Danyel Sease at dsease@urbanctr.org or (716) 893-7222 x403 to register a car for the event.
We are accepting in-kind donations of candy, juice boxes, donut holes, pumpkins, art supplies, and bags for trick-or-treaters. Any donation, at any level, is greatly appreciated and will be publicly recognized. Click here for our sponsorship form.
For more information on the event, contact Sarah Maurer at smaurer@urbanctr.org or (716) 893-7222 ext. 232.
Keep an eye on our Facebook event page for more updates!

Those Idiots Host VIP Dinner & Livestream Show to Raise Support for MUC

Local band Those Idiots will be hosting an event to benefit the Matt Urban Center! There will be an in-person, VIP Dinner with a limited number of reservations available. Those interested in joining from home can tune into the livestream via Facebook and make a donation through our website.
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: VIP Dinner at 6:00 PM, Show & Livestream at 7:00PM
Location: The Cave, 71 Military Road, Buffalo
Suggested Donation: $25.00
All proceeds from the event will go to support our programs. Those interested in attending the VIP Dinner in person can contact Jay Hall at (716) 310-2020 to make a reservation. Click HERE to see the Facebook event page with more info.

Hope Gardens End-of-Summer Luau

Last week, our Permanent Supportive Housing department held their first event at Hope Gardens since the Covid-19 pandemic began in March. Staff put up bright, colorful decorations and the residents enjoyed music, games, delicious BBQ chicken (specially made by Housing First Program Supervisor, Lonnie Patterson) and yummy sides – all while properly socially distancing. Many of the residents said it was the most fun they have had in a long time and that they really needed it. As things progress positively in this pandemic, we hope to gradually hold more in-house events. All of our Permanent Supportive Housing staff had a fun time as well!

Virtual Sessions with Buffalo Animal Adventures

Our youth department is excited to share that they will be offering virtual enrichment sessions with Buffalo Animal Adventures every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:15 to 6:00 p.m.

Buffalo Animal Adventures is an outreach program that uses animal ambassadors to educate audiences on the importance of wildlife preservation and conservation.

To participate in the online sessions, click the link below:

https://call.lifesizecloud.com/2926398

Permanent Supportive Housing Celebrates Black History Month

 

Our permanent supportive housing department recently celebrated Black History Month with an event at Hope Gardens! Clients and staff made decorations, sang, read poetry, played trivia, enjoyed a spoken word performance by Monique Murphy, and an African drums performance by Marvin Harris. Our Hope Gardens cook made an amazing traditional African soul food dinner, too!

 

Black History Month Celebration

The Matt Urban Hope Center will host a Black History Month celebration event, featuring a cultural meal and a presentation with facts about famous African American men and women and their accomplishments. The event will take place on Thursday, February 20 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Urban Diner at 385 Paderewski Drive. For more information, contact Cherise Carson at (716) 893-7222 x329 or ccarson@urbanctr.org.

Re-Pack the Bag Community Resource Fair

Join the Matt Urban Center and BlueCross BlueShield of WNY for a community resource event featuring a variety of vendors and a backpack giveaway for youth. Event runs from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Matt Urban Hope Center, 385 Paderewski Drive. For more information, contact Cherise Carson at (716) 893-7222 x329 or ccarson@urbanctr.org.

Wellness Goal Setting Workshop at Jericho Road Community Health Center

Looking to set and reach some new health goals in 2020? Our neighbors at Jericho Road Community Health Center are hosting a FREE goal setting workshop on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at their Medically Oriented Gym at 1021 Broadway. Their staff will help you come up with a road map for success with attainable steps to achieve your health and wellness goals. Go check it out and get motivated!

Amazon Hosts Winter Clothing Drive to Benefit MUC

Our friends at Amazon are generously hosting a winter clothing drive to support clients at our Hope Center and Hope House Shelter. They are currently collecting gently used or new winter apparel such as gloves, hats, coats and boots.

Those interested in donating can find dropboxes at the Amazon (BUF5) location at 4201 Walden Avenue in Lancaster, our main headquarters at 1081 Broadway, Buffalo, or our Hope Center at 385 Paderewski Drive, Buffalo.

Donations are being accepted through January 10, 2020!

Community Holiday Dinner at Matt Urban Hope Center

For those in need of some holiday cheer, stop by the Matt Urban Hope Center at 385 Paderewski Drive on Monday, December 23 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. for our Community Holiday Dinner! We’ll have a lasagna dinner and sugar cookie decorating for children and families. The event is free to attend and all are welcome!

Interested in volunteering at this event? Visit our online sign up for a list of available volunteer slots: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4faea92da1f49-hope

Contact Cherise Carson at (716) 893-7222 x329 or ccarson@urbanctr.org for more information.