About Us

Our Mission Statement

To serve the Old 1st Ward with community based development including economic redevelopment, housing and human services programs with a vision for a New Renaissance.

Nestled in the heart of Buffalo's Historical Old First Ward, the Old First Ward Community Center provides a wide array of programs and services designed to strengthen and support the neighborhood, and respond to the changing needs of our growing and dynamic community.

Check out what we did last year in our 2019-2020 Annual Report


The Center is open Monday through Friday from 8am-9pm during the school year and from 8am-7pm during the summer months, with the exception of select holidays.

Please reference the Calendar of Events for information on days we are open to the public.

**Due to COVID-19 The Old First Ward Community Center is CLOSED to the public. Only those with appointments or attending programming are allowed into the building. Please call 856-8613 for more information**

Become an Old First Ward Community Center Member

    • General Membership to the community center is $10 for the year per individual, $5 for seniors, and $15 for a family membership.

    • We also offer a $50 a year Gym Membership that includes use of our weight room, cardio equipment and walking or running laps in our recently remodeled gymnasium when it is unoccupied by other programming. **You must have a General Membership to apply for a Gym Membership**

    • General Membership is also a requirement to participate in some of the programs that are offered through the Community Center.

    • General Membership is required to vote in Board of Directors Elections

    • A General Membership is NOT required to visit the Community Center or partake in at no cost Programming


Programs and services that we provide and host:

      • Programming for Youth

          • After school youth program that is free to the public

          • Summer youth program that is free to the public

      • Programming for Seniors

          • Senior transportation services, including weekly senior trips to various area attractions on Wednesdays

          • Senior bingo and cards - Thursday 1pm

          • Senior lunch program which is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday noon to 1pm

      • Wellness Programming

          • Buffalo River Food Pantry

          • The Conway Gym

          • Weight Room **with gym membership- Contact the Executive Director for details**

      • Community Development & Housing Services

          • Emergency Repair Programs

          • Housing Rehabilitation Programs

          • Community Concerns and Problem Property Reporting

      • Resource Center

          • Computers available for the Community

      • Rental space available for events **Contact the Executive Director for bookings**

To hear more about what's happening in the Community join us for our

Monthly Community Gatherings

on the third Tuesday of the month at 6 pm

in the Community Room of the Old First Ward Community Center

located at: 62 Republic St. Buffalo, NY 14204