Empower’s New Bottle and Can Redemption Center Offers Work Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities

Empower, the not-for-profit organization formerly known as Niagara Cerebral Palsy, recently has opened a bottle and can redemption center, called Empties for Empower. The center, located at 4701 Military Rd. (near the Rt. 31 intersection), is available for anyone to use. The public can drop off bottles and cans, opting to receive a full deposit or donate it to Empower. Empower also earns money back on every bottle and can.

Empties for Empower is a job training and employment readiness program for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities. These individuals sort the bottles and cans, and handle cash returns and donations. Funding for the program is provided through the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. “Bringing bottles and cans to our redemption center is a true win-win,” said Jeff Paterson, chief executive officer of Empower. “Customers will have their sorting done, receive their full deposit back, give individuals with disabilities a chance to participate in paid job training, and provide income for Empower.”

Empties for Empower is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To contact the center directly, please call (716) 545-0023. Soon, customers will also have the option of setting up accounts to be reimbursed for bottles and cans that are dropped off after hours.

With 300 employees and a $14 million budget, Empower is one of Western New York’s 50 largest nonprofit organizations. The administrative offices, preschool, community clinic and service coordination program are located on Lockport Road in the Town of Niagara. The job training and day programs division is based in Niagara Falls, while residential facilities are located throughout Niagara County. Licensed by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the New York State Education Department, Empower is an affiliate of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State and is a member agency of the United Way of Greater Niagara.