The Rural Outreach Center’s (ROC’s) mission is to break the cycle of rural poverty by accompanying people toward self-sufficiency. They assist, empower, and elevate Participants through a two-generational approach. Their service area – what they call ROC County – covers southern Erie, Wyoming, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Allegany counties, an area that has approximately 45,000 people living in poverty. This area has limited mental health services, limited to no public transportation, decentralized public services, and a lack of opportunities for assistance.
This Saturday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Rural Outreach Center will be holding its annual holiday gift distribution. ROC families who have provided holiday wishlists are invited to pick up wrapped gifts, holiday stockings, and hats, scarves, and gloves that have been provided by generous community donors. In addition, each family will receive a turkey and sides so they can prepare a holiday meal.
Poverty invades every aspect of a person’s life. The lack of food, safe housing, transportation, employment, and educational opportunities can consume a person’s focus, especially during the holidays. Each year, ROC families who meet financial and engagement eligibility criteria are given the opportunity to complete holiday wishlists that are then fulfilled by generous community donors. This program provides engaged families living in poverty with support during the holidays, which can be a stressful time for many.
This year, the ROC received over $15,000 in donations that will provide more than 30 individuals and families with holiday cheer and support.
Located at 730 Olean Road in East Aurora, ROC staff and volunteers serve all people with compassion, empathy and respect. For children, the ROC’s goal is to break the cycle of multi-generational poverty by providing counseling, play therapy, educational opportunities, and programs. For more information on the good work being done every day by the Rural Outreach Center, please visit http://theroc.co or call (716) 240-2220. You can also follow the organization on Facebook for frequent updates.
