The magnificent waterfalls of Niagara Falls attract millions of tourists each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America. The region offers adventure and recreation for all ages. But while tourists come and go, residents of Niagara Falls, New York battle economic problems, particularly poverty. Your group can make a positive, Christ-centered impact on this community as you experience a variety of ministry opportunities, from outreach elderly residents, to work projects and partnerships with local social service organizations.

Demographics

The city of Niagara Falls is located in northwest New York, approximately 20 miles north of Buffalo. This scenic city is home to 55,593 residents and sits on the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Tourism to Niagara Falls began in the 1820s and, within 50 years, had increased ten-fold to become the area’s dominant industry. Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States, established in 1885. While tourism is important to the economy, Canada has, overall, done a better job of drawing tourists to the falls than the U.S, which has led to recent economic struggles in the U.S. city. Unfortunately, Niagara Falls also has seen its population rapidly decline in recent years. During the 1990s, the population declined by 10.4 percent. Between 2000 and 2005, it decreased by another 5 percent. Nearly 20 percent of the population is age 65 or older (6.2 percent higher than the national average). Poverty is another major concern in Niagara Falls. Nearly 20 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, including 30 percent of children under age 18. Your ministry will have a significant impact on those residents most in need. Come to beautiful the Niagara Buffalo Region to serve residents of this community.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Our goal is to partner with local organizations and programs that seek to address the very basic needs of residents. Students may serve at places like: Children’s Programs, Elderly Centers, Soup Kitchens/Homeless Shelters and Thrift Stores. Whether we’re painting houses, performing minor home repair, cleaning up debris, volunteering in community gardens or other projects in the community, work projects will serve as our way of blessing people in need. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. A list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: visit Niagara Falls at Goat Island State Park; go on a Underground Railroad Tour; attend a church service; and attend a community cookout. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. Note: There will be no free night as in years past. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week

Partnering with Local Ministries and Work Projects.

Mileage

There is an airport in Buffalo NY, 21 miles south of Niagara Falls, and one in Rochester, NY, 92 miles northeast of Niagara Falls.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Niagara Buffalo Region can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller and cannot accommodate trailers. Due to Vicarious Liability Laws, you may not be able to rent 12 or 15 passenger vans in New York, or in other states to be driven in New York. Please check with your insurance provider and rental company for information.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Niagara Falls and surrounding areas before or after your trip, visit the following Web sites: www.niagara-usa.com (United States tourism) or www.tourismniagara.com (Canadian tourism).