After 30 years in the business of assisting asylum seekers in Canada and the US, Vive will be transitioning its assets and operation to Jericho Road Community Health Center (JRCHC). Vive’s goals and mission currently jibe with those of JRCHC, which makes the transfer of the housing facility and services a no brainer. The annex of Vive resources will allow JRCHC to better serve Buffalo’s growing immigrant population.
According to Chris Campbell, CEO of JRCHC, “This expansion of services for JRCHC is a natural fit with the heart and mission of our organization. We are committed to continuing Vive’s legacy of offering critical housing and highly specialized legal services that those seeking asylum so desperately need when they arrive in the U.S. Many of these persecuted individuals and families have fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs and are in such need of basic, compassionate services as they seek entry into the asylum process. This agreement will allow us to continue to provide services without interruption and to expand Jericho’s overall mission and impact. As evident in all of our services, we are committed to standing in the gap for those most vulnerable in our community.”
The transferal of the housing facility, located at 50 Wyoming Avenue (118 beds for men, women and children seeking asylum), was made possible via a grant of $60,000 from The John R. Oishei Foundation.
Over the years, Vive and JRCHC have worked in tandem with one another, which will help to make the transition as seamless as possible. “We believe that this agreement to combine services under one organization is the right strategic move, particularly from a financial and fundraising perspective,” said Shelly Schratz, board president of Vive. “We have faith in Jericho’s ability to carry on our mission and their demonstrated commitment to those we serve. We are confident that this transition will also benefit those in need since access to services for immigrants and asylum seekers will be much more streamlined and coordinated.”
As an accolade to Vive, a program that ensures that continuance of top rate shelter and legal services will be named in the organization’s honor.