[Photo: State Senator Mary Lou Rath, Foundation Consulting Director Joseph E. Bachovchin, and former Foundation President Guy Marlette speaking with Forest elementary 2nd Grader Megan P.]

November 1, 2007

State Senator Mary Lou Rath (R-C-I, Williamsville) announced today that $110,000 in critical funding will be utilized for an energy efficiency project at the Amherst Youth Foundation that will potentially save the organization over $11,000 a year in energy expenses.

The project encompasses new heating and cooling systems, lighting fixtures, efficient kitchen appliances and insulation at an old fire station that the Foundation is converting into a recreation center.

'The Amherst Youth Foundation is a tremendous resource that has served thousands of young people," said Senator Rath.  "Over the years, the Foundation has invested in our community by providing programs that challenge our youth to realize their life goals.  I am pleased to be able to invest back in the Foundation."

"Senator Rath is truly a friend and advocate for our Youth and Families in the Town of Amherst" said former Foundation President Guy Marlette. "The investment by Senator Rath in the Amherst Youth Foundation's Independent Health Youth and Family Center is an investment in our Youth Programs and ultimately the family. This much needed funding will allow the foundation to not only save operational dollars, but more importantly, invest those savings into programming that the Foundation offers" said Marlette.

"I wish to thank Senator Rath, the Energy Committee and NYPA for their support of this energy conservation grant," said Foundation Consulting Director Joseph Bachovchin. "This moves the Foundation one step closer to serving hundreds of children, youth and families beyond those already being served. Senator Rath was a leader in providing support for this project when it was proposed, and has been a strong and vocal advocate for the needs of children, youth and fmailies in our community for many years."

The Foundation plans to convert the fire truck bay into a small gymnasium (now complete!). This project will remove the two large overhead bay doors and build a permanent wall and door in their location at the front of the building. The back corner of this space, which currently holds a back-up generator and a slop sink area, will be partitioned off from the gymnasium space.

The building currently serves as a day care center, with some evening and weekend use by church organizations, community groups, and occasional banquets and parties in the main room.  A small commercial kitchen and a completed coffee house are used on Friday and Saturday evenings to host musical performances and dances for teenagers. 

This first phase of the energy efficiency project was estimated at $118,047 and all but $8,047 was covered by the project grant which Senator Rath obtained from Petroleum Overcharge Restitution Funds, established from proceeds of court settlements relating to major oil company violations of federal price controls in the 1970s and 1980s.  The New York Power Authority (NYPA) administers the funds in New York State.



[Photo below: Youth Center Director Janice Zapfel in discussion with State Senator Mary Lou Rath, former Foundation President Guy Marlette, and Foundation Consulting Director Joseph E. Bachovchin]