Adult services

Buffalo Residential Services

Since 1986 BFNC's Community Residence program has been fulfilling the goal of: empowering persons who have mental illness with the skills they need to live in the least restrictive setting, and with the necessary skills to become full and contributing members of their communities.

This program serves consumers who respond to a structured rehabilitation approach, either in a group home or apartment. Our group homes and supportive apartment program is licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health and funded by rents and Medicaid. No person is denied admission based on ability to pay.

Residential Services has grown from one 14-unit apartment building to 178 beds including group homes and independent apartments. Upon admission to the program, residents are linked with BFNC case management services and have access to the full range of other BFNC programs.

There are two levels of Residential Services, Supervised Community Residences and the Licensed Apartment program. Although the programs differ in that they are appropriate for consumers who have attained varying levels of independence, the expectations are similar. The goal is to assist recipients in learning to manage their illness and to develop living skills which will enable them to transition to the least restrictive environment of their choice.

Participants are expected to participate in planning and working toward their service goals. They are encouraged to participate in structured daytime activities outside of the residence and are linked with a psychiatric treatment provider.

Medicaid Restorative Services are the focus of the licensed program, tailored to the needs of the individual consumer. These include:

Medication management and training
Symptom management
Assertiveness/Self-Advocacy Training
Community integration services and resource development
Daily living skills training
Health services
Parent training
Rehabilitation counseling and substance abuse programs
Skill development services
Socialization

Staff works in coordination with residents and other providers to identify appropriate goals and determine which services best address the needs of the individual. Residents have access to caring, concerned staff 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week who create an environment conducive to growth and development, and respond to crisis situations.

Supervised Community Residences

Supervised community residences provide 24-hour, seven-day-a-week supervision by BFNC staff in a group setting. Currently there are supervised residences at 179 Glenwood Ave.; 400 Dewey Ave.; 20 Wende St.; and 421 Monroe St., all within the City of Buffalo.

Licensed Apartment Residences

Licensed apartment residences provide two levels of care:

Fruitbelt Towers, 233 Lemon St.: Single-occupancy efficiency apartments with 24-hour/seven-day-a-week staff coverage.
Licensed one, two, or three bedroom apartments situated throughout the City of Buffalo. Staff visitations are typically once weekly to provide the assistance outlined by the consumer's service plan. Additionally, there is access to on-call staff 24/7.

Supported Housing

Supported Housing is the most flexible option, providing permanent, subsidized housing throughout Erie County. Residents choose their own apartment, live alone or with others, and receive flexible support services. Staff visits monthly. Funding is available to assist with security deposits and furniture purchases. Monthly rental stipends are provided to ensure consumers do not pay more than 33 percent of their income for rent and utilities. BFNC staff provide as much or as little help as needed to ensure the consumer remains stable and is satisfied with his or her living arrangements.

BFNC Staff cooperates with care coordinators and other service providers to ensure consumers' needs are addressed in a coordinated and holistic manner.

Supported Housing is funded by the Erie County Department of Health and Human Services.

View the SAP monthly calendar: RSSAPFeb2012.pdf

For more information, view our Residential Services brochure: ResBroch2.pdf

Want to Donate?

BFNC is a not-for-profit organization. You can help support our consumers with your tax-deductible donations of clothing, furnishings, bedding, toys, or monetary gifts.