Cattaraugus Nonprofit Hub Kicks Off with First Meeting
The kickoff to the Cattaraugus County Nonprofit Hub was informative with presentations by Mason Maynard from Connecting Communities in Action and Donna Kahm of Southern Tier Health Care System.
The first meeting of the Cattaraugus Nonprofit Hub took place November 7 at St. Bonaventure University, bringing together nonprofit and government leaders from across the county. The Hub aims to strengthen collaboration among organizations and improve the effectiveness of services provided to residents.
This gathering marks the formal launch of the Cattaraugus Nonprofit Hub, an initiative supported by key partners including the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, and the United Way of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties.
Presentations during the meeting provided insight into new programs designed to address key social determinants of health, such as access to food and healthcare, which are central to the mission of many participating nonprofits.
Mason Maynard of Connecting Communities in Action (CCA) spoke about the upcoming “Pantry to Table” initiative, part of the New York Accelerator Plan. This initiative will introduce 18 pop-up food pantries each quarter, although exact locations are still being finalized. These pantries will focus on distributing healthy meal kits, helping residents prepare nutritious meals at home. This approach aims to improve long-term food security and nutrition for families across Cattaraugus County.
Donna Kahm, president and CEO of the Southern Tier Health Care System, discussed a new Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program. This program will bring healthcare directly to residents, addressing transportation barriers that often prevent access to timely medical care. By offering preventative care in residents’ homes, the program seeks to reduce emergency room visits and the associated costs of emergency care and transportation, ultimately benefiting both patients and health insurers.
These presentations reflect the broader goals of the Nonprofit Hub: to build a more resilient, connected community through shared resources and collaborative efforts. By focusing on social determinants of health—like access to healthy food and healthcare—the Hub’s members are working to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Cattaraugus County residents.
Looking ahead, the Hub will hold bimonthly meetings to explore further ways to strengthen civic infrastructure and enhance nonprofit collaboration. Working groups will also be formed between meetings to continue the momentum. As the initiative moves forward, it’s expected to play an essential role in amplifying the impact of nonprofit efforts across the county.
For more information on the Hub and meeting dates, contact the Community Foundation at foundation@cattfoundation.org.
