In 1975, a group of dedicated and concerned West Side residents came together to discuss concerns about their neighborhood, housing, drug and alcohol use and crime and to develop programs that would positively impact the West Side community. The Massachusetts Community Center and Development Corporation was born of this effort, and the agency gained 501(c)3 tax exempt status in 1978. Early programs focused on affordable housing, the prevention of substance use and violence, and supportive programs for older adults.
Fast forward 50 years, and that agency—now operating under the name West Side Community Services—continues to serve the needs of West Siders of all ages through a variety of programs and services. With a strong focus on prevention and guided by the values of innovation, co-creation, empathy and belonging, inclusion, and impact, WSCS offers education, arts, wellness, and prevention programs for young children, families, school-age kids and teens, adults, and senior citizens living on Buffalo’s West Side. WSCS works to ensure the well-being of a vibrant and dynamic West Side by engaging, supporting, and connecting its residents.
West Side Community Services is building community strength across the lifespan of West Side residents by providing activities and programs that enhance education, financial capability, health and wellness, and the prevention of substance use and violence.
