Ninety years ago a group of concerned and kind-hearted citizens banded together to form the Health Association of Niagara County, Inc. (HANCI)- a nonprofit charitable organization led by a volunteer board of directors. Their goal was simple: to promote the health, wellness and independence of individuals and families in the Niagara area. Ninety years later, we have the privilege of celebrating those early humanitarians who started down the path for what became one of Niagara County’s oldest thriving non-profits today. By freely giving of their resources, time and talent, they launched a mission that today employs over 150 people, manages over 2,000 volunteers and contributes to the community through contracts with over 80 area businesses. It’s a big accomplishment and we were so proud to celebrate with our friends and community partners!
In November 2017, HANCI hosted our first ever Gala at the Seneca Niagara Casino, highlighting our organization’s past, present and future. The Gala brought together corporate patrons, families, community leaders and friends for a glittering Vegas themed night on the town – all while supporting HANCI’s mission. That night we were also able to acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions of some very important people who have helped HANCI develop into the agency it is today – people like Dr. Irene Elia, Father Joseph Levesque, and James & Christopher Glynn. A giant thank you to Channel 2 anchor Maryalice Demler for serving as our Mistress of Ceremonies!! It is also important to understand that HANCI would not be what it is today without the hard work of HANCI’s volunteer Board of Directors.
From the start HANCI has been about helping others and strengthening the community. Now our commitment is even more important. Each day we witness how our founders’ spirit lives on in the work of our programs and volunteers. It is because of their efforts that HANCI continues to make an impact in the lives of people we serve. As we look forward to the next 90 years, we do so with tremendous gratitude for those who care, and with a passionate resolve to continue bettering our community. HANCI is 90 years strong and growing stronger every day!
(Please enjoy this video and some photographs commemorating HANCI’s 90th Anniversary Gala, created by our two Niagara University Vincentian scholars — Gabriella Simoneit and Britini D’Angelo. HANCI strongly believes in the value of intergenerational programming and every year we work with NU to help develop our community’s future leaders through internships.)
