Roswell Park Awards $50,000 in Community Impact Grants for Local Cancer-Focused Projects

To expand the reach and impact of its work to advance cancer prevention, early detection and survivorship support, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is proud to recognize the five recipients of its inaugural Community Impact Grant program. Through this initiative, Roswell Park’s Community Alliance to Reach, Empower, and Sustain (CARES) program awarded a total of $50,000 in grants to five local organizations for innovative, community-driven projects aimed at reducing cancer risk and enhancing the quality of life for patients, survivors and caregivers.

The Community Impact Grants reflects Roswell Park’s commitment to strengthening partnerships across Western New York to create a healthier, more informed community. The selected projects address a range of priority areas, including increasing access to cancer screening and prevention resources, supporting healthy lifestyles, reducing tobacco use, and addressing cancer disparities linked to social and economic challenges.

“By supporting local organizations that are deeply connected to their communities, we can extend our mission beyond our walls to fight cancer at its roots,” says Ellen Grant, PhD, LCSW-R, Senior Executive Director for Corporate Social Responsibility at Roswell Park. “The Community Impact Grant program empowers local groups to bring innovative ideas to life, addressing specific needs and challenges and reaching directly into neighborhood across Western New York.”

The five organizations funded, and the projects they will implement:

• We R As 1 Inc. — Advocating for underserved communities in Buffalo, We R As 1 Inc. provides education about cancer screening and risk reduction. Through the CARES grant, the organization will expand its focus to include lung cancer awareness, training community advocates, hosting events and raising awareness about lung cancer and the dangers of tobacco use.
• Community Canvases — Dedicated to fostering community engagement and expression through the arts, Community Canvases uses creativity as a vehicle for healing. With the CARES grant, Community Canvases will expand the Kind Fools program to offer cancer screening education and connect individuals to critical resources, while also providing creative spaces for those impacted by cancer to share their stories through artistic expression.
• The LivingSwell Foundation — Milly’s House, an initiative of the LivingSwell Foundation, will work to reduce cancer risk and promote early detection, focusing on the African American community in Western New York. Their comprehensive approach includes educational outreach, support for cancer patients and caregivers, and wellness initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and creating a safe space for women facing cancer and other life challenges.
• Breast Cancer Network of WNY (BCN) — Breast Cancer Network of WNY serves individuals impacted by breast cancer in Western New York by offering resources, education and advocacy. With the CARES grant, BCN will expand its Early Detection Saves Lives initiative, working to increase access to breast cancer screenings. The program will emphasize the importance of early detection and help eliminate barriers such as transportation and access to care.
• Teach Me and Teachable Moments Inc. — The EmpowHER (Healing, Empowered, Resilient) program, created by Teach Me and Teachable Moments Inc., is designed to promote mental and physical well-being for women 18 and over. The CARES grant will help empower women through a holistic approach, addressing trauma and fostering peace, physical vitality, and mental wellness. The program features mindfulness journaling, workshops, guest speakers and community support, all within a safe and structured environment.

The CARES program at Roswell Park fosters collaborations with local organizations to expand access to cancer education, prevention, and survivorship resources. Through initiatives like the Community Impact Grant, the program addresses disparities linked to social and economic disadvantages by supporting projects that increase access to cancer prevention and early detection resources, promote healthy lifestyles through improved nutrition and physical activity, and reduce tobacco use, a leading preventable cause of cancer.

For more information about the Roswell Park CARES program, visit roswellpark.org/cares.