The Masten Resource Center is NOT Closing but Reorganizing to Better Serve the Community.
The Community Action Organization of Western New York announces that the Masten Resource Center is not closing but will undergo a strategic reorganization aimed at improving service delivery, maximizing space efficiency, and ensuring fiscal viability. Unfortunately, funding for the current programs was unavailable and resulted in the ending of those programs, but not the closing of MRC.
We would like to thank Sam Radford and his team for their years of service with CAO of WNY. We are grateful for Mr. Radford’s steadfast leadership of the Masten Resource Center. CAO of WNY and the community will be forever grateful for his advocacy and staunch support of parents and students in the education realm. He has built powerful connections with the community and this reorganization will build upon his work to position the agency to better respond to the evolving needs of the community while eliminating duplicative services and remaining fiscally viable.
Dr. Cannon, CEO of CAO of WNY, has been actively working on reimagining the use of the Masten Resource Center. The final reorganization plan is expected to be solidified soon, with the revitalization of the Center anticipated in early 2025. The goal of this reorganization is to expand the range of services available to the community, while also improving existing offerings.
In its revitalized state, the Masten Resource Center is looking to offer an expansive diverse array of services, including:
Eastside Training Center
Expanded Senior Services
Mental Health drop-in hours
Food Pantry hours
Healing Circles
Social enterprise opportunities for youth
Classes in financial literacy, podcast development, spoken word, and talent showcases
Additional youth programming and service provider engagement
Community driven activities and services
During the transition period, the Center will continue to provide several essential services, including:
The Center will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9:00am -4:30pm
Crisis Response Specialists on-site
Drop-in business services available
Community Computer access
Food giveaways
Use of the facility by local block clubs and other community groups
Additionally, CAO of WNY is committed to making necessary repairs to the building, ensuring that the Masten Resource Center remains a valuable asset to the community. CEO Dr. Cannon is actively seeking private funding for these repairs, which will lead to short periods of limited access during the improvement process. However, these upgrades will ultimately enhance the Center's role as a resource hub for the community.
"We remain dedicated to providing high-quality services to our community and ensuring that the Masten Resource Center continues to be a space where people can find support, connection, and opportunities for growth," said Dr. Cannon.
For any further questions or details on the reorganization, please contact press@caowny.org.
