Erie County Legislator Joe Lorigo announces a capital grant of $400,000 was approved by the Legislature to help the Rural Outreach Center (ROC) continue building their organization.

The ROC, located in East Aurora, is dedicated to fighting poverty in rural areas of Erie County. Their organization provides educational programs, food assistance, and other supplies to those in need. In addition, the ROC operates as a Code Blue shelter during winter months. The capital project grant will help the ROC construct a distribution center as part of their expansion.

Legislator Lorigo said, “Frank Cerny and his team at the Rural Outreach Center are doing incredible work throughout the community. They are truly passionate about helping those who need it most, especially in rural, underserved areas of Western New York. Unfortunately, their demands have increased, especially as we feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant will ensure the ROC is able to help meet the needs of those struggling to make ends meet during these difficult times. I look forward to seeing this expansion come to life, and want to thank Frank and the staff at ROC for everything they do. We all must work together in the fight to end poverty.”

Additional information on the capital project grant can be found here. Information on the Rural Outreach Center can be found here.