The BFNC Community Residence Program began in 1986 as a 14-unit apartment building on Lemon Street on Buffalo's East Side. The goal then remains the same today:

To empower 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.

Residents can be readily linked with agency case management services upon admission, and have access to the full range of other BFNC services at all times

Our Residential Programs

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

The Supported Housing Program is for those who do not require supervision but need some services to be successful as independent members of the community.

Licensed Community Residence Program

This program has the goal of assisting recipients in learning to manage their illness and to develop the living skills which will enable them to transition to a permanent, least restrictive environment of their own choice. Medicaid Restorative Services are the focus of this program, selected and tailored to the needs of the individual consumer. Services include:

• Asertiveness/Self-Advocacy Training
• Community integration services and resource development
• Daily living skills training
• Health services
• Medication management and training
• Parenting training
• Rehabilitation counseling
• Skill development services
• Socialization
• Substance abuse programs
• Symptom management

Residents are expected to actively participate in planning and working toward their service goals. They are further encouraged, but not required to participate in structured day activities outside the residence. Linkage with a psychiatric treatment provider is required.

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

A Range of Living Options

Supervised residences provide 24-hour, seven-day-a-week supervision by BFNC staff in a group setting. Currently we operate supervised residences at 179 Glenwood Avenue, 400 Dewey Avenue, 131 Mulberry Street and all in the City of Buffalo.

The Licensed Apartment Program provide two levels of care:

• The Fruitbelt Towers, located at 233 Lemon Street, offers single occupancy efficiency apartments with 24-hour/seven-day-a-week staff interaction.
• The second alternative our consumers can choose is living in one of our licensed, one, two or three bedroom apartments located throughout the City of Buffalo. Typically, BFNC staff members visit clients in these apartment twice weekly to provide the assistance outlined by the consumers service plan. Residents also have access to on-call staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to crisis situations

Supported Housing

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

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

Who is Eligible?

Persons between the ages of 18 and 65 with a psychiatric diagnosis are eligible to apply for all BFNC residential services.

If you would like to learn more, or would like to arrange a tour, about BFNC's Residential Services program, call us at our contact number given below.

Contact Information
421, Monroe St.
Phone: (716) 852-5065
Fax: (716) 852-6270