West Side Community Services fosters the stability, security, and well-being of our vibrant and dynamic community by engaging, connecting, and supporting its residents.

 Committed to our diverse community, we value innovation, co-creation, empathy and belonging, inclusion, and impact.

West Side Youth

West Side Families

West Side Seniors

“It’s a safe place for anyone and everyone. A home away from home, a safehouse just down the street from school. People of all ages can stop on by and meet new people of different backgrounds and history. Everyone is welcomed, every single stranger. There’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day. There are different kinds of rooms for different kinds of activities. You can go to the computer room to learn more about technology, you can go to the arts and crafts room to become even more creative. You can go to the weight room to choose a healthy workout to do, or you can go outside to hang out with your friends. It’s a free program to join and be a part of, we’re all family here. We can choose days to go in groups outside of the program to help the community. We can host fundraisers, give back to the needy, pick up garbage and dispose of them properly. There are classes on sex ed, how to use neo pronouns properly, what the difference between gender and sex is, how to deal with your emotions and express them, how to cope with trauma, how to seek help and identify when someone is struggling with mental health. We need to let everyone know how important it is to seek help when they need it, how to know the signs. It’s a place where you can be your true, authentic self. You don’t have to worry about being bullied or being the punchline of a joke. You’re valid and welcomed. The building will be big enough to be a home to a whole community. There can be two floors so that way one of them is dedicated to house teens who are homeless or are seeking refuge from an abusive life of their own. We can keep them safe and let them know that their community has their back.”

– Yaileen K. (youth participant)

WSCS is funded by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports to provide Primary Prevention Services to youth, families, and older adults. Head to talkitover.org to learn more about PX21, our Erie County Prevention Coalition, and learn tips and information on how to speak with your loved ones about substance use and abuse.