Author: Crystal Fulinara

From CEOs to educators to health care leaders, the men and women on the 2025 Power 100 Business Leaders of Color are using their power and influence to get things done in Western New York.

Medical and nonprofit organizations meeting New Yorkers’ mental health needs

Mental health has always been critical to an individual’s well-being, though it hasn’t always received the attention it deserves. In recent decades, there have been signs that the stigma surrounding mental illness is declining. At the same time, many measures of mental illness are increasing, pointing to the need for further investment in high-quality care. 

Gift Will Support New BestResponse Intensive Crisis Center, a “One-of-a-Kind” Facility in WNY

BestSelf Behavioral Health (BBH) announced today that it has received a $250,000 grant from the Patrick P. Lee Foundation to fund supplemental improvement projects at the BestResponse Intensive Crisis Center. These enhancements will improve the experience for both visitors and first responders and include upgrades to access control and security systems.

The Buffalo News featured an article highlighting the urgent need for Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) like the Scott Bieler CAC at BestSelf. These centers bring law enforcement, medical staff, mental health professionals, and advocates together under one roof to provide children and families with the care, support, and healing they need to live a successful life beyond abuse. The work happening every day at the Scott Bieler CAC is proof that this model works, and that it needs to be replicated.

Construction Begins on BestResponse Intensive Crisis Center at 430 Niagara Street

BestSelf Behavioral Health is excited to announce that construction is officially underway on the BestResponse Intensive Crisis Center, a new 24/7 facility designed to support individuals of all ages experiencing mental health or substance use crises.

Opening this fall at 430 Niagara Street in Buffalo, the BestResponse Center will offer a calm, supportive place where people can stay for up to 23 hours and 59 minutes. During that time, they will receive immediate help from trained professionals through counseling, medication support, and connections to follow-up care, all in a welcoming, trauma-informed setting.

BestSelf Behavioral Health Highlights Critical Work at the Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center During Child Abuse Prevention Month

Today, BestSelf Behavioral Health welcomed community leaders and supporters to the Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center (CAC) to honor National Child Abuse Prevention Month and spotlight the urgent, life-changing work within its walls.

BestSelf Announces New Initiative to Support Runaway Youth in Western New York

BestSelf Behavioral Health, in collaboration with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the Buffalo Police Department (BPD) has launched a groundbreaking initiative to support runaway youth in Erie County. The two-year, $175,000 pilot program—the first of its kind in New York State—aims to enhance the response to missing children by prioritizing their safety, addressing underlying trauma, and preventing criminalization.

BestSelf’s WNY Opioid Hotline Achieves Lifesaving Milestones

Launched in partnership with NY Medication Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals (MATTERS) in 2022, BestSelf’s WNY Opioid Hotline has connected more than 4,165 individuals to life-saving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.

A popular coffee shop in Buffalo has moved into its new location.

Unapologetic Coffee’s new store is now open in the BestSelf building on the 800 block of Main Street. The twin sisters who own the business, Alicia and Alisa Officer, said they’ve had the vision to expand since they first opened back in 2021.