Registration is Open for the 3rd Annual Poverty Conference at Niagara University

Our first conference , March 8, 2013, focused on the Circle of Poverty. How individuals build support systems around them to define a plan to lift oneself out of Poverty. The second conference, March 7, 2014, provided a report from a legislative and local perspective of how poverty was viewed in Niagara County; and what local ini- tiatives were available to address the various needs of those living in or near poverty levels in our communities.

Here we are in year three; and the conference focus is taking not only a local view, but a national and regional view of how economic development plays a vital role in lifting up individuals and communities out of poverty. We have an exciting day planned for you!

We start with two national examples of Economic Development: one out of Boston, Massachusetts: The Dor- chester Bay Economic Development Corporation; and the second in the RecoveryPark Project from Detroit, Michigan. We then move to the regional approaches of People United for Sustainable Housing and The Massa- chusetts Avenue Project. In addition, we are pleased to have representation from the Empire State Development Regional Office to discuss their strategies and work here in the Western New York area. The final presentation of the afternoon will give us the opportunity to hear what is happening with local economic initiatives within Ni- agara County.

These effective Economic Development strategies are not only promoting economic growth, they are improving the quality of life and revitalizing neighborhoods for the long term. These improvements promote reductions in poverty, unemployment and housing stability.

From Circles of Support to Being Part of the Conversations about effective changes, these along with Economic Development cohesively engage us in Solutions to Alleviating Poverty. We look forward to your presence!