Why Work With Us
Our CommunitySt. Lawrence Vineyard Ministries Inc. (SLVMI) is located on the east side of Buffalo near the Cheektowaga line. Information available about this neighborhood comes in three formats: regionally, by county, and as a section of the city of Buffalo. Our neighbors include 25% of those living in poverty in the western New York region. There is reason to celebrate; however, as neighborhoods are safer. Violent crimes decreased 26% and juvenile arrests are down 42%. Though crime is down, neighborhoods continue to have poor “walkability” which contributes to things like obesity, diabetes, and smoking.High school graduation rates have improved 9 percentage points and rent is relatively low (averaging $700.) Fewer than 45% of residents own their own homes.
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The People We ServeWho are the people who live here? More than 17,000 children live in poverty, amounting to 49% of the population. Only 20% of households are two parent families. One third of refugees and immigrants here live in poverty. Adults over 75 living in poverty are in a higher percentage than anywhere else in western New York. Of the ten largest employers, six are healthcare providers as well as the Buffalo Public Schools, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and the University of Buffalo. Nearly half of the jobs pay over $40,000 a year; however, considering the education level of the neighbors many job-seekers will not be qualified. Nineteen percent of the jobs pay under $15,000/year. Those who have less than a high school diploma make up 17% of the population and average under $15,000/year. Having a high school diploma increases income by 66% to around $25,000 annually. At the time of the 2000 census, the median income in the city of Buffalo was $24,536. For women alone the numbers are bleaker at 22.5% less than their male counterparts.
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Get InvolvedIf you're interested in being a part of our movement for change, please do not hesitate. Our team is filled with many dedicated individuals, but we're always looking for more help. We strongly believe that many hands make light work, and we're hoping for as many helping hands as possible.
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