Carolyn’s House is not just a place to live. Residents have access to support and onsite programs that help get them back on their feet. Without leaving the building, residents have the opportunity to develop job skills, receive private counseling, participate in parenting and self-esteem workshops plus other life skills programs, learn how to manage finances and receive assistance in pursuing higher education.

 Vocational Courses for residents and non-residents

Certified Nursing Assistant. Orleans-Niagara BOCES teaches this state-certified course at Carolyn's House on-site laboratory and classroom. Clinical laboratories are conducted off-site at various locations. This course is offered to residents and non-residents. The course and child care may be covered through the Department of Social Services. Ask your caseworker if you qualify. Eight to 10 students are needed to start a course. If you are interested, contact (716) 278-9662, Ext. 10 for more information on the application process.

Janitorial/Maintenance Course. Orleans-Niagara BOCES teaches this certificate course at Carolyn's House. Students will learn how to maintain a boiler system, paint, light maintenance work, lawn care, etc. A minimum of 8 to 10 studetns are needed for this course. This course and child care may be covered through the Department of Social Services. Contact your caseworker to see if you are eligible. If you are interested, contact (716) 278-9662, Ext. 10, for more information on the application process.

Assets For Independence

Past and current residents of Carolyn’s House and the YWCA of Niagara Transitional Housing Program are able to participate in a savings account program that goes hand-in-hand with the Carolyn’s House mission of self-sufficiency. The Assets for Independence account, also known as the Individual Development Accounts, allows a resident to walk away with $3,000 by depositing only $1,000.

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has provided the funds necessary to execute the Assets For Independence savings account program.  The Community Foundation For Greater Buffalo is a public charity holding more than 700 different charitable funds, large and small, established by individuals, families, nonprofit agencies and businesses to benefit Western New York. Since 1919, the organization has served the needs of the community and the wishes of its donors through personalized serve, financial stewardship, local expertise and community leadership.

Social Enterprise
In 2007, the YWCA of Niagara created a catering business as a social enterprise—with the idea that the business could support the agency’s Culinary Arts Vocational Program.

The Catering Crew is a full service catering business providing exceptional services to businesses and private individuals throughout Western New York. The Catering Crew can handle events ranging from 10 to 500 guests, indoor or outside, day or night. The catering manager and chef along with the culinary staff will create an unforgettable event.

The Catering Crew’s culinary staff consists of students and graduates of the Culinary Arts Vocational Program.

For more information on The Catering Crew, visit the website at http://www.thecateringcrew.org or call the Catering Manager at 716-278-9662.

Other program include daily GED instruction, Culinary Arts training, pre-college workshops domestic violence counseling, budgeting, parenting and more. If you would like information on these programs or are a service provider with an idea for a new program, call (716) 278-9662, Ext. 10