Annual Dinner Dates Announced!

Mark your calendars for our 20th Annual Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 5:00–8:00 PM at the Russell J. Salvatore Dining Commons at Niagara University.

Seats are limited, so be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates and ticket sales announcements! We can't wait to celebrate with you! 

Dear Friends,

Last month’s memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget to immediately pause federal grant funding sent shockwaves across the landscape of health and social service providers that depend on that assistance to provide essential services to millions of low-income households. Although the memo was rescinded, the new administration’s priorities indicate that the threat of reduced federal funding continues to hover on the horizon.

Federal dollars represent 17% of Heart, Love & Soul’s operating income in 2025 (and perhaps more, since portions of state funds we receive also originate from the federal government). Losing these funds would significantly harm the hundreds of households we reach through our street outreach and case management services. How might it impact our community?

A homeless couple with their baby, sheltering under an overpass on Niagara Falls Blvd, may never make the life-changing connection with an outreach worker who could link them to housing and wraparound support. A veteran suffering from PTSD after faithfully serving his country might not be screened properly and placed in permanent supportive housing to provide the stability and dignity he deserves. An elderly person who recently moved into the Niagara Falls Housing Authority might not receive the service coordination she needs to maintain her ability to live independently. The stories could go on and on.

What do these threatened cuts to our nation’s safety net say about how our society views and values the millions of people struggling to make ends meet? Countless people in Niagara Falls who are already living on the margins are now worrying even more that the other shoe might drop. Heart, Love & Soul will continue to serve them with dignity and respect. We will continue to see and advocate for our guests as heirs to the peaceful and just world that God envisions. Please pray for God’s continued blessing on Heart, Love & Soul as we navigate this uncertain landscape.

Heart, Love & Soul Welcomed WGRZ’s Alexandra Rios-Malviya

Heart, Love & Soul had the privilege of welcoming Alexandra Rios-Malviya, a reporter from WGRZ – Channel 2, Buffalo, to our food pantry in January. Her visit shed light on the growing need for food assistance in our community and the dedication of our staff and volunteers in meeting this challenge.

During her time with us, Alexandra spoke with Executive Director Mark Baetzhold, Pantry Manager Theresa Garner, and longtime guest and volunteer Versie. We are deeply grateful to Alexandra and WGRZ for sharing our story, and to our community for the continued support that makes our work possible!

A Successful Holiday Season at Heart, Love & Soul!

This past December, Heart, Love & Soul was filled with the magic of the season as we hosted our Annual Toy and Holiday Food drives! Thanks to our generous community, we provided hundreds of toys and meals to families in need, bringing joy and comfort during the holidays.

A huge thank you to Town of Niagara Helping Hands, GM Lockport (UAW Local 686), NU Pre-Law Students, Tim Horton’s, CTBK, Riverside Presbyterian Church, Cub Scout Pack 816, Starbucks, Our Lady of Peace, and so many others for their incredible support. Your generosity truly embodied the spirit of the season! 

Laughter and Giving: The Odd Couple's Success

This past December, Heart, Love & Soul was honored to take part in the check presentation ceremony following the outstanding production of The Odd Couple. Proceeds from this incredible performance supported four nonprofits: the HART Program, Heart, Love & Soul, Care-N-Share, and Lutheran Church of the Messiah.

A special thank you to our longtime friend and supporter, Frank Scelsa, for his dedication and leadership in directing the production. We were also thrilled to celebrate cast members and longtime Heart, Love & Soul friends Anne Belin, Lori Caso, and Samuel Granieri, whose incredible talent brought The Odd Couple to life!

Partner Spotlight: Literacy Buffalo Niagara

At Heart, Love & Soul, our Daybreak program is built on the belief that stability starts with access to essential services—including education. Since its inception, Literacy Buffalo Niagara (LBN) has been an integral part of Daybreak, providing on-site literacy support for adults looking to strengthen their reading, writing, and communication skills.

Through free, one-on-one tutoring and personalized learning plans, LBN helps individuals gain the confidence and skills they need to achieve their goals, whether that means improving job prospects, pursuing further education, or simply navigating daily life with greater ease.

We recently sat down with Amy Mazer, Director of Operations at LBN, to discuss our partnership and the vital role literacy plays in empowering our guests!

Check out the full interview here!

Ways to Help: Donate Hats, Gloves & Support Our Outreach Backpack Drive

In January, a resident of Niagara Falls who was unhoused tragically passed away due to freezing temperatures. As winter continues, Heart, Love & Soul is collecting new or gently used hats and gloves for all ages to aid those in need. These essential items provide warmth and protection.

We are also continuing our Outreach Backpack Drive, which provides individuals experiencing homelessness with winter accessories, hygiene essentials, and other necessities. We are seeking donations of socks, hand warmers, snacks, and hygiene products to fill these backpacks. For a full list of needed items, visit Heartloveandsoul.org.

Thank you for your support!

* HLS does not have the capacity to accept used clothing. We can only accept a limited amount of new clothing.

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