The new outdoor play area will provide children staying at Vive with a safe space to socialize and heal
BUFFALO, NY – Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera today announced the completion of a brand-new playground at Vive Shelter, a program of Jericho Road Community Health Center, marking a major milestone in ongoing efforts to support refugee children and families in Western New York.
First announced earlier this year, the playground, made possible through a $250,000 state grant secured by Assemblymember Rivera, is now fully constructed and open for use, providing a safe, welcoming space for children to play, heal, and connect.
Vive Shelter serves refugee petitioners awaiting appointments with the Canada Border Services Agency and asylum seekers pursuing legal status in the United States. The completion of this playground ensures that families navigating uncertainty and transition now have access to a dedicated space that fosters joy, stability, and community.
This investment builds upon Assemblymember Rivera’s longstanding commitment to supporting New Americans and the organizations that serve them.
He has fought to increase funding for the New York State Services to Refugees Program (NYSESRP), joining representatives from statewide refugee agencies in Albany to secure $7 million in the 2025–2026 state budget to strengthen services for refugee resettlement across New York.
The importance of this new playground extends well beyond recreation. Studies have shown that refugee children benefit deeply from play spaces, which are crucial for mental and physical recovery from trauma and displacement. Safe play environments help children cope with stress, develop social and emotional skills, and restore a sense of normalcy and belonging.
Research also indicates that child-friendly and social spaces play a key role in helping displaced children reconnect with themselves and one another.
A research review conducted by the National Institute of Health (Built-environment attributes associated with refugee children’s physical activity: a narrative review and research agenda – PMC) found that “the design of refugee facilities and surrounding environments should provide better access to formal, informal and safe spaces for children’s play.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Today, we celebrate the resilience of the families who will use this playground and our community’s commitment to supporting them. For children who have experienced displacement and trauma, having a safe place to play is essential to their healing and development. This space represents hope, normalcy, and the promise of a brighter future right here in Western New York.”
Dr. Allana Krolikowski, CEO of Jericho Road Community Health Center said, “This playground is a joyful expression of what it means to love your neighbor. Now that it’s complete and open, our Vive children can run, climb, laugh, and play together, all while building healthy bodies and a sense of belonging. This new playground will serve as a visual reminder, every time you drive down Main Street in Buffalo, of what care, welcome, and joy looks like. We’re deeply grateful for Assemblymember Rivera’s continued support in helping our community show up for one another in such a tangible, joyful way.
