The Belle Center

The Belle Center is the home of Erie Regional Housing Development Corporation. We are a multi-purpose community center located on the Lower West Side of Buffalo, NY that provides comprehensive programs and services to the citizens in Western New York. Under the direction of Lucy Candelario, Executive Director and staff, the Center is host to over 15 programs and services that have been implemented to effectively meet the needs of the 350 persons who frequent the Center on a daily basis. Our aim is to "not have a break in service" as we offer programs that have a solid structure with the flexibility to grow as the youth who attend programs at the Center grow. We operate on a cradle to college model. Our core programs are: Early Childhood: ERHDC-The Belle Child Care Center is for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old Elementary: SACC-School Age Child Care is for children ages 5-12 Buffalo AmeriCorps Program is for persons ages 17 and above Family, Community and Health Programs and Services Each of these programs works to strategically meet the needs of our youth and young adults. They provide opportunities for advancement in the areas of education, character development, job training and employment, while allowing the chance for real life exposure to fun and cultural activities inside and outside of the city. Also, through our Family, Community and Health Programs and Services offered, we have strategically moved to offer a greater number of comprehensive services that are aligned with our goals. These services work to further meet the needs of the community as it is our vision "to improve lives, create opportunities and foster self-sufficiency" for those in the community. We make a living by what we get.