BestSelf Behavioral Health Announces Future Child Advocacy Center Will Bear the Name of the Scott Bieler Family Foundation

BestSelf Behavioral Health announced this week that the Scott Bieler Family Foundation will name 899 Main St, the future home of the Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf (CAC) and the new BestSelf Behavioral Health headquarters, located on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. This facility, set to open in the Summer of 2024, marks a significant step forward in BestSelf’s mission to provide essential mental health services and support for children and families affected by abuse in Erie County, which has the second-highest rates for reported child abuse in New York State.

According to Scott Bieler, President and CEO of West Herr Automotive Group, “This building will continue to symbolize hope, a sanctuary for those seeking support, and a place where healing and growth are possible. I am honored to be part of BestSelf’s incredible journey and look forward to witnessing our partnership’s impact on countless lives.”

The Child Advocacy Center is an innovative, comprehensive center offering safety, support, and healing for children and families affected by sexual abuse, violence, and trauma in Erie County.

During an event hosted at the future site of this crucial community resource, BestSelf acknowledged that the generous donation will play a pivotal role in enhancing the range of services provided at the CAC. This support will help expand essential programs, including the children’s mobile trauma treatment initiative. It will enable trained professionals to reach children and families in their homes or local communities, especially those facing obstacles in accessing treatment services.

Elizabeth Woike-Ganga, President, and CEO of BestSelf Behavioral Health, expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m delighted to announce our remarkable progress. We’ve achieved 80% of our fundraising goal, and this success is a testament to the tremendous support from everyone who has contributed thus far. Now, we’re asking the community to get us over the finish line. The need is urgent; with more than 3,000 reported sexual abuse cases annually, the current CAC can only assist one-third of those children in the existing space.”

Helping to commemorate this occasion and reinforce the need for this resource in Erie County was County Executive Mark Poloncarz.

With the support of the Erie County Legislature, his administration earmarked $1 million for the construction of this new facility in last year’s capital budget. Additionally, supports the project with a $2.5 million Restore NY grant and a $2 million WNY Regional Economic New York State Development grant.

“Providing supports and sanctuary to children and families affected by abuse, violence or trauma helps them to heal and gives them a chance to start on the path to recovery,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Erie County is proud to work with our partners at the Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf to provide the help and healing needed to turn lives around.”

With the invaluable support of its major contributors, BestSelf was successful. Among them are Oishei Foundation, Highmark Blue Fund, KeyBank, M&T Bank, Foundation 214, Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, Charles D. and Mary A. Bauer Foundation, Niagara Frontier Auto Dealers Association’s New Care Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation, James H. Cummings Foundation, Lawley Insurance, MidCity Office Furniture, National Grid, Empire State Development, Erie County, State of New York, Savarino Companies, Parkview Health Services.

Kevin O’Leary, Capital Campaign Committee Chair, enthusiastically expressed, “On behalf of the entire capital campaign committee, we couldn’t be more excited about today’s announcement that significantly impacted reaching our initial campaign goal of $10.5 million. So much hard work has gone into making this project a reality; however, our work is not done yet. We are 80% there due to the rise in construction costs and inflation, so we’re setting our sights on raising an additional $2 million. With the unwavering support of our community, we’re confident that we can make this happen.”

With the new CAC’s doors set to open next year, BestSelf urges the community to invest in and reinforce their impact on children in Western New York. By supporting these endeavors, you can ensure that those affected by abuse and trauma have access to these vital services.

If you’re interested in participating in this monumental project, you are invited to invest in this essential community resource. For more information about the Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf, visit www.cacbuffalo.org.