Social Justice Task Force
The Social Justice Task Force provides leadership for diverse initiatives within the congregation, ranging from internal practices consistent with Unitarian Universalist commitments, to community connections that serve and build resources for our neighbors. The team meets monthly after the Sunday service to coordinate and plan social justice activities. They raise funds and support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee by selling UUSC Fair Trade products on Sundays in the Parish Hall.
Network of Religious Communities Food Pantry
Food items are collected at the church year-round for delivery to the Network of Religious Communities Food Pantry, which is part of the Western New York Food Bank system.
Climate Action Team (CAT), Recycling and Composting
The Social Justice Task Force is learning more about creating a CAT at our church as part of the Climate Change Initiative of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UN-UNO). As an initial initiative, they are working to increase recycling and composting within the church. Six green recycling containers are being purchased, to be decorated by the Religious Education students and used to encourage congregants to recycle plastics, paper, metal and glass. A compost bucket has been placed in the kitchen to facilitate composting of coffee grounds and tea bags in the church’s Henry David Thoreau Memorial Compost Bin at the back of the building.
The church also collects computer ink cartridges and old cell phones to be recycled. Congregants are also encouraged to use the Free Electronics Recycling Facility located at 1120 Seneca St., Buffalo, and Styrofoam Recycling (must be clean and white) at Thermal Foams, 2101 Kenmore Av., Buffalo.
Share the Plate
In October 2012, the church began to share the weekly collection plate with local agencies. In the Share-the-Plate program, the church donates half the unrestricted donations made during each Sunday's offertory to a designated charity or organization identified by the Social Justice Task Force under policies formulated by the Board of Trustees. A single agency is chosen for each month, and the monthly total donated to the recipients each month ranges between $900 and $1,000.
Recipients of the UUCB Share-the-Plate program must be either a 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 non-profit organization, and they must do work that is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. Recipients to date have included Vive la Casa; PUSH (People United for Sustainable Housing); HOME (Housing Opportunities Made Equal); Food Bank of WNY; Benedict House; Journey's End Refugee Program; The WNY Peace Center; Habitat for Humanity; The Mental Health Association of Western NY; Concerned Ecumenical Ministry; Say Yes Buffalo; Jericho Road Health Center; Tonawanda Community Fund (Clean Air Coalition); and Evergreen Health Services. Any member of the congregation may nominate a recipient organization through the UUCB Social Justice Task Force.
Network of Religious Communities Food Pantry
Food items are collected at the church year-round for delivery to the Network of Religious Communities Food Pantry, which is part of the Western New York Food Bank system.
Climate Action Team (CAT), Recycling and Composting
The Social Justice Task Force is learning more about creating a CAT at our church as part of the Climate Change Initiative of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UN-UNO). As an initial initiative, they are working to increase recycling and composting within the church. Six green recycling containers are being purchased, to be decorated by the Religious Education students and used to encourage congregants to recycle plastics, paper, metal and glass. A compost bucket has been placed in the kitchen to facilitate composting of coffee grounds and tea bags in the church’s Henry David Thoreau Memorial Compost Bin at the back of the building.
The church also collects computer ink cartridges and old cell phones to be recycled. Congregants are also encouraged to use the Free Electronics Recycling Facility located at 1120 Seneca St., Buffalo, and Styrofoam Recycling (must be clean and white) at Thermal Foams, 2101 Kenmore Av., Buffalo.
Share the Plate
In October 2012, the church began to share the weekly collection plate with local agencies. In the Share-the-Plate program, the church donates half the unrestricted donations made during each Sunday's offertory to a designated charity or organization identified by the Social Justice Task Force under policies formulated by the Board of Trustees. A single agency is chosen for each month, and the monthly total donated to the recipients each month ranges between $900 and $1,000.
Recipients of the UUCB Share-the-Plate program must be either a 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 non-profit organization, and they must do work that is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. Recipients to date have included Vive la Casa; PUSH (People United for Sustainable Housing); HOME (Housing Opportunities Made Equal); Food Bank of WNY; Benedict House; Journey's End Refugee Program; The WNY Peace Center; Habitat for Humanity; The Mental Health Association of Western NY; Concerned Ecumenical Ministry; Say Yes Buffalo; Jericho Road Health Center; Tonawanda Community Fund (Clean Air Coalition); and Evergreen Health Services. Any member of the congregation may nominate a recipient organization through the UUCB Social Justice Task Force.
Family Promise
The mission of Family Promise of Western New York is to unite religious and other organizations in responding to the needs of homeless families in our community. Uniting hearts and hands, the network provides a way for homeless families to receive temporary shelter, meals, and assistance while seeking their own independence.
UUCB has been a Host Congregation for Family Promise for the last four years. Currently there are 14 of these Host Congregations and so we are called upon to serve three or four times a year. Our classrooms are converted to bedrooms for the week and our volunteers provide meals and companionship for a week at a time.
Many programs for the homeless population separate men and women, which only increases the stress of their situation. Family Promise is committed to keeping families together.
Local Social Service Agencies refer families to the Network and may also help guests find housing, jobs and other needed services. There is a Day Center where case management services are provided as well as facilities for child care, laundry and showering. Many guests are employed during the day, while older children attend school. The Day Center also provides a base for mailing services, housing, and employment services.
This program has been a positive experience for our congregation.
The mission of Family Promise of Western New York is to unite religious and other organizations in responding to the needs of homeless families in our community. Uniting hearts and hands, the network provides a way for homeless families to receive temporary shelter, meals, and assistance while seeking their own independence.
UUCB has been a Host Congregation for Family Promise for the last four years. Currently there are 14 of these Host Congregations and so we are called upon to serve three or four times a year. Our classrooms are converted to bedrooms for the week and our volunteers provide meals and companionship for a week at a time.
Many programs for the homeless population separate men and women, which only increases the stress of their situation. Family Promise is committed to keeping families together.
Local Social Service Agencies refer families to the Network and may also help guests find housing, jobs and other needed services. There is a Day Center where case management services are provided as well as facilities for child care, laundry and showering. Many guests are employed during the day, while older children attend school. The Day Center also provides a base for mailing services, housing, and employment services.
This program has been a positive experience for our congregation.