Fall Greetings! Our fall newsletter includes recent updates about the organization, grant programs, voting resources, and educational opportunities for nonprofits.

ACOR - Genesis House Olean, New York

Genesis House provides secure temporary housing and supportive services to unhoused adults and families as they transition to more stable housing. The organization has been working with the unhoused since 1995 and operates at two locations in Olean. Clients often have a long history of trauma, medical, legal, mental, addiction and/or abuse issues, many for generations. Clients receive help to set boundaries, make difficult decisions, and most importantly change their lives. Genesis House remains the only homeless shelter in the largest city in Cattaraugus County and the largest shelter in the county. Referrals for services come from Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services. Last year, 101 single adults and 7 families with 15 children were housed.

Recent ACOR Grant funding is being used to replace beds and resident storage and to repair damage caused by a leak in the kitchen sink. The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany were one of the founding congregations of Genesis House. Currently, J. Miriam Natale, a Franciscan Sister of Allegany, serves on the board of directors. Learn more about Genesis House at https://www.genesishouseofolean.org.

Wellness Grant Pilot Program

In FY24, Allegany Franciscan Ministries launched a pilot Wellness Grant program which is a new funding opportunity aligned with our Nonprofit Capacity & Leadership Initiative. This new grant program is intended to empower organizations to prioritize the wellness of their team members, recognizing the vital role that staff health plays in achieving its organization’s mission.

FEAST is a current ACOR grant partner who received a Wellness grant this past Spring, they are a food pantry serving food-insecure families in Pinellas County for over 30 years based in Palm Harbor, FL. FEAST utilized funds to prioritize the well-being of their team during positive changes for the food pantry. FEAST hosted appreciation luncheons, allowing staff and volunteers to socialize and to compete in friendly team-building activities.

These team-building opportunities are vital to the health and effectiveness of FEAST, and they are especially important now as the organization works through the challenges of working at a temporary site and anticipate the move into a new building. FEAST recognizes that while these changes are very positive for the food pantry, they also put additional stress on the staff and volunteers.

Allegany Franciscan Ministries will formally launch its Wellness Grant program this Fall. More information will be shared at a later date.

We are excited to introduce two dynamic leaders who have joined the Allegany team, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to empowering vulnerable communities.



Diedre F. Houchen, PhD – Director of Climate Justice & Care for Creation, Diedre F. Houchen, PhD, is the first Director of our recently launched Climate Justice & Care for Creation Initiative, which focuses on addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on communities of color and other marginalized groups. In her role, Diedre oversees strategic planning, manages critical partnerships, and leads the grant-making process for a portfolio of approximately $2 million annually. She is deeply dedicated to climate justice and creating equitable solutions for those most affected by environmental challenges.

Diedre is based in Gainesville, Florida, where she earned her PhD from the University of Florida, completing a dissertation on The Transcendent Pedagogy of Lincoln High School, 1921-1955. Prior to joining Allegany, she served as the inaugural Equity and Community Outreach Manager for Alachua County, Florida.

CT Harris is the Director of Communications, Connections, & Outreach. CT is the first person to serve in this role, centralizing the organization’s marketing, communications, and branding strategies and activities. In addition, she will manage and expand Allegany’s community outreach functions including listening, convening, and training.

CT calls the Tampa Bay area home and most recently served as the City of Tampa’s first Small Business Navigator. She considers herself a “Serial Entrepreneur” and is an avid action-oriented learner.

Both CT and Diedre are interdisciplinary, results-driven leaders, deeply committed to empowering historically vulnerable communities. Both are relationship-oriented, and recognized as effective mentors and teachers. The Allegany staff and board team are thrilled to have them join us.

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As we approach a pivotal election this November, it’s crucial for nonprofits and community members alike to stay informed and engaged in the democratic process. To support voter participation and education, the Florida Nonprofit Alliance is offering a range of free resources that can help you navigate the election season effectively:

• Voter Engagement, Elections & Florida Nonprofit Resource Page: This comprehensive hub provides tools and insights tailored for Florida nonprofits. It covers essential topics like voter outreach, legal guidelines, and how to encourage civic engagement within your community.

Explore the page here:

Voter Engagement, Elections & Florida Nonprofit Resource Page.



• Florida Nonprofits Voter Engagement Guide: This detailed guide is designed to assist nonprofits in promoting voter engagement responsibly and effectively. It offers strategies, best practices, and legal considerations for engaging voters while maintaining compliance with election laws.

Access the guide here:

Florida Nonprofits Voter Engagement Guide



Free Nonprofit Compliance Laws: What You Need To Know & Do Now (Webinar) Join the Nonprofit Leadership Center for a free, one-hour webinar to explore essential legal and ethical practices for nonprofit organizations. Learn about board governance, recent changes to state charitable solicitation laws, upcoming shifts in federal audit regulations, and the importance of Form 990 for transparency. Whether you're experienced or new to nonprofit management, this session will provide critical insights for navigating today's compliance landscape.

For More Info Click here.