HANCI - History

Founded in 1927, the Health Association of Niagara County, Inc., promotes the health, wellness and independence of individuals and families in the Niagara area. Founded in Lockport to combat the ravaging effects of tuberculosis in Niagara County, the organization has evolved with the times to continue meeting pressing community needs. Better known by the acronym "HANCI," the Health Association offers a range of programs that promote wellness and independence across generations.

HANCI is known for its licensed home health care program, which is accredited by the prestigious Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. HANCI Adult Day Services, located in Niagara Falls, offers personal care, social activities and intergenerational experiences for adults who need somewhere safe and stimulating to spend their days. Along with the Niagara County Health Department, HANCI is a lead agency for the Healthy Living Partnership, a coalition that provides cancer screening and prevention services for uninsured and underinsured women in Niagara County.

HANCI engages older adults in volunteer work through the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, the Senior Companion Program, and the Foster Grandparent Program, which are programs of the Corporation for National Service and receive additional funding through the United Ways of Niagara County, the New York State Office for the Aging and the Niagara County Office for the Aging. The agency also serves seniors' educational, social and recreational needs through the Council on Aging of Niagara County and the Golden Age Program.

Each year since 2003, HANCI has run the popular Senior Prom event, where high school students are paired with older adults from throughout Niagara County for dinner, dancing and fellowship. Also, in the fall of 2006, with the support of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Western New York, the Niagara County Office for the Aging, Niagara University, the New York State Department of Health and the Niagara Community Center, HANCI launched "Let's Get Physical," where college students help older adults with light exercises on Saturdays.

HANCI operates two Child Learning Centers: one in Niagara Falls and one in north Buffalo, serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age in a variety of programs. These centers focus on the development of the whole child through individualized attention, a well-rounded program of learning activities, and an emphasis on diversity. With funding from the Oishei Foundation and other sources, HANCI recently opened the Reading All-Stars intensive after-school program for at-risk children, in collaboration with the Niagara Falls City School District. Also in partnership with the District, with funding from the New York State Health Foundation, HANCI has launched "Changing Children's Lives," which will aim to improve children's nutrition and fitness in the City of Niagara Falls.

HANCI is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit charitable organization. Led by a volunteer board of directors, HANCI employs approximately 150 full-time and part-time individuals, including home care aides and childcare workers. Based in Niagara Falls, the agency also has offices in North Tonawanda and Lockport.