WHO WE ARE.
Welcome to Delavan Grider Community Center — Where Buffalo Comes Together!
Right in the heart of Buffalo, New York, the Delavan Grider Community Center is more than a building — it’s a thriving hub of connection, energy, and opportunity. We’re proud to serve as a safe, welcoming space where people of all ages come to learn, grow, and celebrate life together.
Whether you’re looking to get active, explore a new hobby, or just meet great people, there’s always something happening here. From youth sports and creative workshops to senior programs and wellness events, our calendar is packed with activities designed to bring the community closer and uplift everyone involved.
Here’s what you’ll find at Delavan Grider:
- Fun fitness classes and recreational programs
- Family-friendly events and seasonal celebrations
- Arts, crafts, and creative learning opportunities
- Wellness workshops and health-focused resources
- Supportive programs for youth, adults, and seniors
- Access to health related services, our clothing closet and so much more!
At Delavan Grider, we believe in the power of unity. Every event, every class, and every gathering is a chance to build friendships, strengthen our community, and create lasting memories.
Ready to get involved?
Whether you want to join a program, volunteer your time, or support our mission with a donation, we welcome you with open arms. Be part of a space that’s dedicated to building a stronger, healthier, and more joyful Buffalo. Stop in or call for more information (716) 896-7021
MISSION.
The Delavan Grider Community Center is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community by providing programs and services that promote the cultural, economic, social, and physical well-being of residents within the City of Buffalo area. We aim to empower individuals of all ages through education, recreation, and community-building initiatives, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for growth and connection. Together, we are strengthening the heart of Buffalo, one person and one family at a time.
HISTORY.
Rooted in Resilience: The Story of the Delavan Grider Community Center
At the bustling corner of Delavan Avenue and Moselle Street in Buffalo, New York, there once stood Public School #23—a familiar landmark and cornerstone of the neighborhood. As the years passed and the city evolved, the building, like many others of its kind, became a relic of the past. But for a group of determined community leaders, it became the seedbed for a bold and transformative vision.
In the late 1990s, these local champions—many of them active members of neighborhood block clubs—recognized a deepening need within their community. The modest facility tucked behind Grace United Church, which housed the original Delavan Grider Community Center, no longer had the capacity to serve the growing and diverse needs of the neighborhood. Driven by a shared commitment to unity, empowerment, and opportunity, this grassroots coalition began to advocate for change. They lobbied then-Mayor Tony Masiello, urging the city to invest in something more than bricks and mortar—a true community anchor that could support residents from all walks of life and serve as a beacon of hope for generations.
Their persistence paid off.
In 2001, the Metro Community Development Organization, a nonprofit 501c3 organization, was officially established to oversee the planning, construction, and programming of a brand-new facility. On the site where Public School #23 once stood, a vibrant new chapter began. The old school was replaced by the Delavan Grider Community Center—a modern, multi-purpose hub filled with possibility and purpose.
A Symbol of Growth: The Tree Logo
Alongside the new building came a new identity—one rooted in symbolism and community pride. The tree logo adopted by the Delavan Grider Community Center is more than just a visual marker; it’s a reflection of the center’s mission and the neighborhood’s spirit.
The tree represents growth, strength, and deep community roots. Its branches stretch upward, symbolizing the aspirations and potential of every individual who walks through the center’s doors. At the same time, the roots anchor it firmly to the ground—just as the center remains grounded in the history, culture, and resilience of the Delavan Grider neighborhood.
Each branch speaks to a part of the center’s diverse offerings: youth development, family engagement, wellness, education, and elder support. The leaves represent the people—always growing, changing, and thriving together.
Legacy and Leadership
Since opening its doors, the Delavan Grider Community Center has become much more than a facility. It’s a living legacy, built by the community, for the community. Today, it stands as a testament to what’s possible when neighbors come together with a shared vision and unwavering determination.
From youth sports and fitness programs to senior services, wellness workshops, and cultural events, the center continues to honor its founding principles: connection, empowerment, and growth. Each event, each initiative, and each smiling face within its walls adds to the story—a story that began with a dream and continues to thrive with every passing year.
As the tree on the logo suggests, the roots run deep, and the branches continue to reach toward a brighter future.