community development – St. John Baptist Church https://stjohnbcbuffalo.org Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:03:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 Cultivating Change in the Fruit Belt: Join WECGOD II’s Commitment to A Healthier Buffalo https://stjohnbcbuffalo.org/cultivating-change-in-the-fruit-belt-join-wecgod-iis-commitment-to-a-healthier-buffalo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cultivating-change-in-the-fruit-belt-join-wecgod-iis-commitment-to-a-healthier-buffalo Wed, 13 Mar 2024 13:45:56 +0000 https://stjohnbcbuffalo.org/?p=796

Our WECGOD II, 501c3 Corporation (We Educate Communities Globally On Disparities) is asking for your support for the upcoming year growing season by contributing to our annual appeal.

You can donate via the Buffalo Black Billion website by clicking here or by mail written to:  WECGOD Tree of 40 Fruit at: 57 Grape St, Buffalo, NY 14204.

ALL GIFTS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

Our Corporation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, health and religious purposes. Our mission is to decrease the disproportionate burden of disease and early loss of life among medically undeserved communities through education, empowerment, partnerships and interventional strategies that impact determinants of health globally.

Your help is greatly needed in growing stronger Youth and supporting Seniors, Veteran Families and the Homeless in a food desert neighborhoods through providing them with free fresh fruits and vegetables, a learning space for garden stewardship where we grow organic produce, educate our children, and provide healthy habitats for local flora and fauna. Most importantly, a place where our Seniors share knowledge from their farming and fishing years with our Young People to be able to sustain themselves with these skills throughout the years.

As believers, we understand that the love of Christ isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves. It’s a love that reaches out and gives it forward. For each and every student that has supported us we express our deepest thanks. Our students are not just learners; they are change makers, extending Christ’s love through their generosity. Whether you give back to WECGOD through a financial donation – large or small, or simply support by spreading the Word or through your prayers – thank you!

We hope you continue to join us in this blessed journey of giving back and witness how your generosity can light up lives!

The Chapman Doss family would like to publicly thank our supporters for their annual gifts along with the Administrative Secretary of our Corporations, Executive Catherine Wright. Gethsemane Missionary and St. John Baptist Churches for their continued support. And a special thanks to Overseer Michael Chapman who was appointed Chairman of Economic Development in 2018 for the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. Since that appointment has allowed our Youth and Advisors to travel with the Buffalo’s Black Billion Comprehensive Collaborative Urban Development Model to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland; Altoona, Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio; Panama and Miami, Florida where he received the Keys to the City for this model, as well as internationally depressed areas in Jamaica and Bahamas. Thanks to Overseer Chapman’s generosity and generous supporters like you, we’ve been partnering with schools and working alongside residents to address food desert neighborhoods around the world.

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down and shaken together and running over, shall men give into your bosom(lap). For with the same measure you mete(use), withal it shall be measured to you again.

– Luke 6:38

In Christ,

Ina Rebecca Doss-Chapman

 

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Governor Hochul Announces Major Rehabilitation of Affordable Housing Development in East Buffalo Now Complete https://stjohnbcbuffalo.org/governor-hochul-announces-major-rehabilitation-of-affordable-housing-development-in-east-buffalo-now-complete/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=governor-hochul-announces-major-rehabilitation-of-affordable-housing-development-in-east-buffalo-now-complete Thu, 08 Feb 2024 17:04:20 +0000 https://stjohnbcbuffalo.org/?p=778 Please click here for original article.

Substantial Renovations at 149-Unit McCarley Gardens Apartments Preserves Affordability, Improves Energy Efficiency and Safety for Low-Income Families

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a substantial rehabilitation at McCarley Gardens Apartments, an affordable housing development in East Buffalo. The renovation project included energy efficiency, weatherization, and other necessary safety upgrades to the 46-year-old development, while preserving affordable rents for 149 households.

“The preservation of affordable housing developments like this one is crucial for keeping our neighborhoods stable and inclusive and helping families thrive without the burden of excessive housing costs,” Governor Hochul said. “The rehabilitation of McCarley Gardens Apartments has resulted in comfortable and sustainable homes for hundreds of Buffalonians, breathing new life into this community, and building upon years of State investment in the revitalization of neighborhoods across the Queen City.”

In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved nearly 7,500 affordable homes in Buffalo. McCarley Gardens Apartments continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

The McCarley Gardens project consisted of the substantial rehabilitation of 21 townhome-style buildings that were built in 1978 and the new construction of four additional two-story townhome buildings. The completed development now contains 27 two-bedroom apartments, 94 three-bedroom apartments, and 28 four-bedroom apartments. All apartments are affordable for households with incomes at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income.

The scope of interior renovations included the installation of new kitchens with upgraded appliances, fixtures, cabinets, and countertops; new low-flow bathroom fixtures; and cosmetic upgrades that include new flooring and new paint. Exterior upgrades included the replacement of storm and sewer lines, newly repaved parking areas, and new sidewalks.

The rehabilitation was designed to improve the development’s energy efficiency, utilizing solar panels, upgraded insulation, new windows, Energy Star-rated appliances, and high-efficiency boilers and hot water heaters. The renovations are expected to reduce overall energy usage by nearly 30 percent.

The development team consisted of St. Johns Baptist Church and BFC Partners.

State support for the $57 million rehabilitation included $10 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, $24 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and $9 million in subsidy from HCR. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided nearly $210,000 in support, including $60,000 from the New Construction-Housing program for the new two-story and nearly $73,000 through the NY-Sun Solar incentive program.

Through the Weatherization Preservation Plus initiative (P+), HCR also awarded the project $700,000 for the installation of underground electrical wiring, new electrical meter banks, and new electrical feeds in each unit. The P+ Initiative combines state resources with funding from the federal Weatherization Assistance Program to allow for enhanced weatherization work in multifamily developments with Section 8 project-based rental assistance.

Division of Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The State’s $43 million investment in the rehabilitation of McCarley Gardens Apartments continues our long-standing partnership with Buffalo’s faith-based community that has produced thousands of affordable homes and improved quality of life in neighborhoods across the city. For the 149 households who call McCarley Gardens Apartments home, this long-overdue project provides them with a healthier and more comfortable living environment that remains affordable. The substantial upgrades made during renovations reduced the development’s power consumption by nearly a third, resulting in lower energy costs for residents, and improved storm resiliency against extreme weather. Thank you to St. John’s Baptist Church and BFC Partners for their years of hard work bringing this project to fruition.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The energy efficient features at McCarley Gardens, which include upgraded insulation and new windows, Energy Star-rated appliances, clean heating and cooling, and onsite solar, will help make the development a healthier, more affordable and comfortable place to live for residents. This project exemplifies how under Governor Hochul’s leadership, combining state resources with private-public partnerships can provide modernized housing with high-quality benefits that reduce carbon emissions for the betterment of all New Yorkers.”

State Senator Tim Kennedy said, “The extensive rehabilitation of McCarley Gardens is a testament to affordable housing projects driven by the community, for the community. New York continues to invest in these opportunities because we recognize the direct impact they have on improved quality of life and sustained growth within our greater community. I applaud BFC Partners and St. John Baptist Church for collaborating closely with NYS Homes and Community Renewal and bringing their shared vision to life.”

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, ““I am proud that this moment has finally come, the completion of Phase 1 of McCarley Gardens renovations. For years, residents have patiently stood by and watched the world develop around them, wondering to themselves, “When will it be our turn?” Thanks to the BFC Partners, HUD, St. John’s Baptist Church, HCR and others, today is finally that day. Everyone deserves the dignity of living in a clean, safe and affordable environment.”

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “Affordable housing continues to be a critical need in Erie County, and thanks to Governor Hochul the McCarley Gardens project will provide 149 such units, located near downtown and all with improved energy efficiency. This is a smart investment that reused and upgraded existing infrastructure to better serve people and I thank all involved for making it a reality.”

Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “This project compliments my administration’s continued dedication to equitable development and affordable housing. The city has contributed $1 Million in HOME funds towards the project and I’m proud to play a role in the completion of the McCarley Gardens renovation project. I commend Rev. Michael Chapman, St. John Baptist Church and its Community Development Corporation for spearheading this project. I would also like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued support of my administration’s mission to offer quality affordable housing in the city of Buffalo.”

Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope said, “Governor Hochul’s announcement of the completion of McCarley Gardens Apartments’ rehabilitation marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to prioritize affordable housing. As Majority Leader, I applaud this initiative for not only preserving affordability but also for its focus on energy efficiency, ensuring a sustainable future for Buffalo’s residents.”

BFC Partners Managing Principal Donald Capoccia said, “Our team has gotten to know McCarley Gardens residents very well through the renovation process, making it all the more rewarding to know that 149 families are now enjoying significantly upgraded homes, complete with much improved energy efficiency. We gratefully thank all our partners in this project, including St. Johns Baptist Church and the critical funding and support from New York State.”

St. John Baptist Church Pastor Michael Chapman said, “The Buffalo Black Billion’s Leadership, two churches, two campuses and One Village, is thankful to God for the McCarley Garden renovations. It is the culmination of the dreams and efforts of the two former Pastoral Administrations of St. John Baptist Church. Pastor Bernie C. McCarley purchased the land, Pastor Reverend Dr. Bennett W. Smith Sr. built the development, and now we have completed the $57 million renovation of the complex.  BFC Partners has done an excellent job coordinating day-to-day operations, securing financing and funding and navigating through the difficulties of renovating a 15.1-acre site while 149 families remained in their residents. We would like to thank the Honorable Mayor Byron W. Brown of the City Buffalo, Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning Brendan R. Mehaffy, and Director of Housing Yvonne McCray. In addition, we thank Governor Kathy Hochul and HCR.”

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Former Hospice Facility will become Mental Health Crisis Center https://stjohnbcbuffalo.org/former-hospice-facility-will-become-mental-health-crisis-center/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=former-hospice-facility-will-become-mental-health-crisis-center Thu, 17 Mar 2022 16:38:10 +0000 https://stjohnbcbuffalo.org/?p=782 St. John Baptist Hospice House will be converted to a mental health crisis facility. The Hospice has been mostly vacant since 2017 and has only been used intermittently as a healthcare facility since then.

The Hospice is owned by WECGOD II, which will be partnering up with Recovery Options Made Easy. Together, they hope to provide emergency behavioral health services to patients experiencing a crisis but not requiring medical intervention at the hospital level. Patients will have access to 24-hour support. The facility will provide short-term care for overnight and walk-in patients.

The facility is expected to have a positive impact on the area, allowing residents to have access to urgent behavioral health care nearby. It also has the potential to help lower crime rates in the area.

Jonathan D. Epstein from Buffalo News spoke with Reverend Chapman regarding the new crisis center and its importance to the Fruit Belt community. Click here to read full article.

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Minister Ina R. Doss Chapman | Pastor’s Wife, Mother, Researcher, & Author https://stjohnbcbuffalo.org/minister-ina-r-doss-chapman-wife-mother-researcher-author/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=minister-ina-r-doss-chapman-wife-mother-researcher-author Fri, 01 May 2020 13:45:56 +0000 https://stjohnbcbuffalo.org/?p=825 This article first appeared on Women Leadership Magazine USA, May 2020. Click here for original article.

Minister Ina R. Doss Chapman Personal Executive Administrator to Buffalo’s Black Billion – a powerful economic and community development force within the City of East Buffalo, known as the “Fruit Belt.”

Pastor’s Wife, Mother, Researcher, & Author:

Minister Ina is the wife and Personal Executive Administrator of Overseer Michael Chapman, Developer and Author of the “Buffalo Black Billion Dollar Fruit Belt Eastside Buffalo New York Comprehensive Urban Development Model” (hereinafter “Comprehensive Model”), who was recently appointed as the National Chair of Economic Development for the prestigious and powerful 2.5 million-member Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc..

As National Chair, Overseer Chapman will oversee its’ economic development phase under the able direction of its’ President, Timothy Steward, of Nassau Bahama.

Minister Ina has shared with her husband, forty-four years and five children together; Kenyatta Jameel (LaTonya), Mikeyta Irene (William), Tiffany Oria, Tera Elizabeth and Michael II (Taresa), and are the proud grandparents of thirty grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She has served her currant church families consecutively over forty-one years and four years in various capacities.

Under the God-driven and faith-based leadership agreed to take a vow of poverty to profit share with her church family to develop the Fruit Belt community by leveraging family salary, church assets and corporations for economic and community development on behalf of the statistically and demographically destitute underserved Fruit Belt community since 2003. Using discretion and offering wise and sound counsel based on her own Christian journey, have the unique ability to make the teachings of Christ applicable and relevant in the lives of her family through prayer and fasting.

Operating with the highest of moral and ethical standards, building community wealth using Biblical Principles, eighteen years without any fiscal scandals, no misappropriation of funds and no embezzlements. Her consistent high commitment to moral and ethical standards in private and public cannot be ignored. Guiding her families’ spiritual journey to be more like Christ by using specific examples found in scripture.

AS a CSMA have gained by first-hand experience, expanded self-awareness through meditation, fasting and solitude with a deeper understanding of her mission to administer, impart embed and integrate the teachings of Christ to those who desire a deeper understanding and meaning throughout their Christian journey. Has personally contribute 1.5 million dollars to the now debt-free St. John – Gethsemane village community churches and now have officially taken her place as a “major player in the economic and community development initiatives and future of the City of Buffalo”

With the continued joint efforts of Cancer Research Contribution in Community Base Participatory Research as Regional Director for a National Breast and Cervical Cancer program inspired her to start family corporations in the community which she serves after retirement of 35 years in Cancer Research.

Ina presently serves as International Consultant and Personal Executive Administrator in her family corporations and Director of Health Initiatives at the Churches, Campus and Village.

She and her family have founded Fruit Belt Community Development Corporation, Inc., Community Development Corp.; Century Life Style Health & Wellness Center. Serving the Western NY community and several corporations, for ancillary services to Primary Care with Medical Massages, Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Services, and Health Classes for Chronic Diseases for Women & Children’s Health. It Still Takes A Village, LLC; Chapman’s Outsources Management Company which supports telecommunication services, devices, software and connectivity; IJOT Communication LLC is a National Authorized Retail provider for both Residential and Commercial Accounts; Diamond’s In the Rough a Women’s Transitional Housing in Ohio and Georgia and Cranial Prosthesis (wigs) free for children with cancer; Tiffany’s Operational Center for Youth (TOC for Youth) provides shelter, safety, protection and activities that strengthen interventions to provide second-chance opportunities for homeless youth and young adult parents in need of information to succeed in formal education and life.; Link Up LLC Social Media Marketing and Advertisement; Blessed of the Lord 501c3, a Production Ministry; God’s Farm’acy a Free Fresh Food Truck in community food deserts, MC Creative Thinkers LLC a Web base Data Management Tool; WECGOD LLC, (We Educate Communities Globally on Disparities) that strives to acquire and analyze community based health data related to untimely loss of life. Caregivers Boat Ministry for respite and five generation family health history for wellness specializing in health care services for disadvantage raising the quality of life for the underserved.

WECGOD II, a 501c3 Nonprofit Charity Corporation that recently paid $1.5 million dollars for a debt free campus. In her forty year career, thirty plus years at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC) in Clinical Research ensuring many of the laser test procedures with Photodynamic Therapy on the ND YAG laser for animal surgery treatment with Dr. Thomas J. Dougherty who discovered of the medication Photofrin™. and Dr. Carleton C. Stewart at (RPCCC), Flow Cytometry reviewing protocols for biohazard concerns.

Author:

  • Mang TS, Keme T., Chapman IR Abstract Poster American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery; Combination Studies On Hyperthemia Induced by Hd: YAG as an Adjuvant to Photodymanic Therapy
  • Hurd TC, Chapman IR, Kelly M, Rodgers T, Womack SD, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX; Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY; State University of New York at Buffalo, NY. An Evaluation of the Integration of Non-Traditional Learning Tools into a Community. [CBPR], which is regionally and internationally recognized from pass mentor the late Lorraine Peeler PhD., and currant mentor and co-author in research, Thelma C. Hurd MD Educator and Breast Surgeon.
  • Go Tell Michelle African American Women Writes to the First Lady Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama. Titled: From Whence She Came Daddy’s Little Black Gal

Featured In:

  • Today’s Minister’s Wives, Baltimore/ Washington Magazine;
  • Volume II of the “Uncrowned Queens; African American Women Community Builders of WNY for Outstanding Contributions to Healthcare in Western NY
  • Buffalo Magazine (Wellness)
  • Most recently Minority Enterprise Advocate for Buffalo’s Black Billion
  • Heart & Soul Magazine

Honors:

  • Outstanding Research Contribution Award African Cancer Care Inc. San Antonio, Texas
  • Women In Action Award Elim Christian Fellowship, Buffalo, NY
  • Family Life Award Buffalo Urban League
  • Invitee of Senator Kristen E. Gillibrand Faith-Based Summit
  • Member, Board Of Directors Uncrowned Queens Institute
  • Invitee of White House to African American Forum
  • Invitee of White House West Wing Tour
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Gamma Phi Omega Chapter Honors First Ladies
  • Certification Grief Communication Pastoral Care Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Spokesperson at the White House for Fruit Belt Community Development Model
  • Member, Board of Directors of the African Cancer Care Inc. African Cancer Prevention Group, Houston, TX
  • Invitee of President Obama Administration as Primary Representative for City of Buffalo Presidential visit to Albany for Economic Development Initiative
  • Honored in meeting the President of the United States. Conversed with President Obama with process of presenting Go, Tell Michelle (African American Women Write to the New First Lady) while visiting University at Albany’s College of Nano Science and Engineering.
  • Personal Greeting from The Arm of Her Majesty’s Bahamian Government, Third time sitting Prime Minister of The Bahamas.
  • Prime Minister Perry Christie.
  • Met with Executive Officials of Prime
  • Minister on Economic Development Initiative.
  • Hosted New York gubernatorial rally for Governor Cuomo three term
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha,Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter Community Health Award
  • Accomplished African American Women in Western New York, Uncrown Queens Institute
  • African American Achiever Award, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Western NY Woman In Action Award Purposeful Women of Faith Award
  • Executive Women International Institute
  • Black Achievers in Industry Award

Ina enjoys roller skating, working with youth and the elderly, swimming, kite flying, sewing, photography and collecting greeting cards.

 

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