The Buffalo, N.Y., nonprofit AIDS Community Services of Western New York opened its fifth and newest local office at 200 South Elmwood Ave. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday. The old brick home was a vacant, dilapidated eyesore for the neighborhood a few years ago, but it is now a sparkling jewel after a more than a quarter-million dollar makeover. Situated next door to ACS's central offices, the "Victorian Home" is the third office the organization has opened in the past year.

ACS reaches into neighborhoods where HIV/AIDS services, education and prevention efforts are needed most. The expansions mean that HIV/AIDS is still a growing epidemic.

"AIDS Community Services intends to be here to be a symbol of hope, a symbol of renewal, a symbol of strength," the agency's president, Ron Silverio, said during the ceremony.

It took more than $300,000 to complete interior and exterior renovations, Silverio said. About $200,000 came from fundraising and private and public grants. The agency mortgaged the other $100,000. For now, the new building will be used for meetings and office space.

"I've watched the progress of it. I'm glad it came to fruition," Mayor Anthony M. Masiello said during the ceremony.

ACS now has a central office at 206 South Elmwood Ave. and a Southern Tier office in Jamestown. Last summer, it opened a satellite office at Bailey and Kensington avenues. In March, it opened a satellite office on Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls.

Back to other news for September 15, 2003

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