Our History
As we celebrate our 84th year of service, it is wonderful to recognize that from our very beginning in 1925, this agency has been meeting the needs of the people in this community. Our present name – Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc. – was formerly known as the City Mission. It was established in November, 1925 as a result of the Billy Sunday revival meetings held in 1923 in downtown Niagara Falls.
Throughout the years since our founding, the Mission has ministered to the needs of the unfortunate in our community. During the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s the Mission provided meals, clothes, furniture, and help for transients and other needy persons. Additionally, there were daily religious services conducted to meet the spiritual needs of these persons. The Mission relied on the voluntary gifts (i.e. money, food, clothes and furniture) of the community to continue its service. Many volunteers during this time publicly commented that they were blessed themselves by helping their neighbors in need. During this time, the Missions' the work was entirely dependent on friends and volunteers who believed in its work. A typical annual budget during these early years was $5,000 to $6,000. During the 50’s, the annual demand for services provided by the Mission grew to 4,000 nights of lodging and 12,000 meals served. Referrals for help came from the Police Department and other community agencies.
Many of our community’s lawyers, business executives, and ministers served as directors on the Mission Board. The Rev. John Beveridge headed the Mission for over 25 years until his death in 1956. The Rev. Roy Hatfield became superintendent in January, 1957. At this time, the Mission was located at the corner of Second and Main Streets. Due to increased needs, the Mission relocated to 228 First Street (former site of the Salvation Army). This building had five floors, eight employees, and many volunteers. The annual operating budget in 1960 was $48,000 with 12,000 nights of lodging provided and 31,000 meals served. All assistance provided was free of charge.
In 1963, a Women’s Auxiliary was formed and this group became major fund-raisers for the Mission for many years. Niagara county's own Iney Wallen was a part of this formidable group of women and directed its theater production to benefit the Mission.
The 60’s and 70’s brought several new programs to the agency including Midway Manor (for young men), Lelawala Manor (for teen aged girls), and Hiawatha Manor (for persons with mental health and addictive disorders). In 1974, the Niagara Falls Police Department announced that anyone arrested for public intoxication would have a choice between going to the Detoxication Center at the Hiawatha Manor or going to jail.
The City Mission officially changed its name to Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc. in 1973. Rev. Hatfield retired in 1974 and in the following year the Rev. Calvin W. Babcock became the new Executive Director, beginning 18 years of employment in February 1976.
Community Missions opened its residential programs for adults with mental illness starting in 1982. New residences included Ivanhoe Intensive Supportive Apartments, Scattered Sites Intensive Supportive Apartments and Canal View. Hiawatha Manor became the entry point for many individuals beginning mental health residential services. Vocational, rehabilitative, educational and socialization programs supported not only CMI residents, but those individuals within the community needing mental health services.
In September 1994, Ms. Robyn L. Krueger, a seventeen year employee, became the new Executive Director. Her focus throughout the 90’s and into the new decade of 2000 was program and fiscal stability for the agency. 1999 saw the closure of the 40 bed program at Hiawatha Manor. In 2003, facilities were constructed for two new residences: Hansen House and Cleveland Heights, on the site of the former Cleveland Avenue School. In 2004, Mark’s Place opened as the only Niagara County residence providing care for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Since our founding in 1925, Community Missions has provided a unique blend of referral, crisis, community support and residential services for Niagara County youth and adults. These services are provided in cooperation with churches, groups, clubs, other providers and government agencies. We look forward to continuing quality and supportive programs and services to the Niagara County community for another 80 years!
written by
Nancy Joseph, 80th Anniversary Chairwoman
Community Missions Board Member
and First Vice President - Finance
Revised 2009.