Roswell Park Awards $55,000 in Community Impact Grants for Local Cancer-Focused Projects

11 WNY organizations receive funding to advance cancer prevention and early detection

CARES supports initiatives reducing cancer risk and enhancing survivorship
11 Western New York organizations receive funding from grants
Programs awarded range from health fairs to educational workshops

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is proud to announce the recipients of its Community Impact Grant program. This initiative, rolled out last year, was designed to enhance the reach and effectiveness of its work in cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship support. Through its Community Alliance to Reach, Empower, and Sustain (CARES) program, Roswell Park awarded a total of $55,000 to 11 local organizations. These grants will support innovative, community-led projects focused on reducing cancer risk and improving the quality of life for patients, survivors, and caregivers.

The grants underscore Roswell Park’s commitment to strengthening partnerships across Western New York and building a healthier, better-informed community. The funded projects address key priorities such as expanding access to cancer screening and prevention, encouraging healthy living, reducing tobacco use, and tackling cancer disparities driven by social and economic factors.

The 11 organizations funded, and the projects they will implement include:

International Institute of Buffalo – A community health fair focused on cancer awareness and screening services, targeting underserved populations served by the International Institute of Buffalo.
2^nd Chance Services Inc. – “Healing Without Walls” is a mobile outreach program providing cancer education, risk reduction strategies, early detection support, peer navigation, and survivor resources for homeless individuals and families in the Buffalo/Niagara Region through community meals and workshops.
Mt. Olive Development Corp. – The Health and Wellness Ministry will host educational workshops on nutrition and financial literacy, targeting cancers most prevalent in minority communities (prostate, breast, cervical, and ovarian). The program includes smoking/vaping cessation support and motivational health speakers to empower individuals to take control of their well-being.
General Pulaski Association – “Healthy Heritage” integrates cancer prevention into cultural programming through free Polish folk and Polka dance classes. The project includes a bilingual (English/Polish) healthy living guide featuring cancer-preventive adaptations of traditional foods using whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins. Roswell Park will provide expert guidance, targeting cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and families.
Mary B. Talbert Civic & Cultural Club Inc. – This project addresses cancer disparities in Western New York by improving community knowledge, enhancing access to prevention and screening services, and promoting healthy behaviors. It targets lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers through education, screening support, and wellness activities for at-risk individuals and underserved communities.
APAPA Buffalo-Niagara empowers the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) – This initiative eliminates language and cultural barriers preventing AAPI residents from accessing cancer prevention and mental health resources. Activities include multilingual translation of Roswell educational materials, a health panel at the AAPI Community Education Summit, and a cancer awareness campaign with Erie County and Senior Services.
The Alabaster House Inc. – A trauma-informed cancer screening program integrating survivor-centered services into domestic violence support. The initiative offers on-site HPV self-sampling kits, mobile mammography, patient navigation, transportation, childcare assistance, and follow-up care—prioritizing safety, autonomy, and emotional well-being for survivors rebuilding their health.
Evangelistic Temple Community Center, Inc – This initiative aims to reduce cancer incidence and mortality by increasing knowledge of risk factors and early detection, improving access to nutrition and physical activity resources, educating teens and adults about tobacco risks, and expanding screening and care navigation services.
FruitBelt Coalition Inc. – The “Community Cancer Symposium” is an annual event connecting patients, caregivers, providers, and researchers to share cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship knowledge. Features include expert lectures, local support resources, community partnerships, and tools for health advocacy—addressing disparities and promoting early detection.
Durham Memorial Community Outreach Center, Inc. – A health fair in October focused on cancer screening and prevention, offering educational information, testing services when possible, and helpful community resources.
Jes Breathe Cancer Awareness Group for All – Jes Breathe Cancer Awareness Group will support patients, families, and caregivers through survivorship resources, screening assistance, and education on cancer research participation. The organization partners with health professionals and community networks to raise awareness and unite communities in the fight against cancer.