Recreation & Socializing
Individuals who have a mental health condition often experience a deep sense of isolation and lack easy opportunities for social interaction, whether due to the nature of their illness, fear or experience of stigma, or lack of supportive family and community relationships.
This section offers safe, less formal opportunities for recreation and social activities in nurturing, inspiring spaces. These kinds of welcoming options can help build connections and meaningful relationships, promote and sustain recovery and wellness, develop personal strengths and life skills – and have fun.
Recreation & Socializing Resources
Amity Club/Restoration Society
716-877-9025
340 Military Rd., Buffalo, NY 14207
Administration: 66 Englewood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14214
716-832-2141
www.rsiwny.org
Service Details
A drug and alcohol-free environment designed for individuals with chemical dependency, alcoholism, and/or mental health conditions who are looking for social outlets and housing that support efforts to remain clean and sober. Evening, weekend, and holiday coffee house offering beverages and snack foods for sale and social/recreational activities; and self-help groups including AA, NA, SOS, and DTR. Rooms for rent on a temporary basis when available. Social club: pool, video games, snack machines, coffee, tea, pop. Not a counseling or treatment center.
Recovery Community
BestSelf Behavioral Health
716-424-0021
69 Linwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209
Administration: 255 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14202
www.bestselfwny.org/recovery-community-news/
Fees: None
Service Details
Offers a wide range of information, education, and supports in a safe, welcoming, and alcohol/drug-free environment for any member of the community. Non-clinical services to support and empower the recovery community. You do not need to be a patient.
Compeer Buffalo
716-883-3331
24 Ludington St., Buffalo, NY 14206
www.compeerbuffalo.org
Service Details
Promoting good mental health through meaningful friendships. One-on-One Volunteers: volunteers are matched with youth, adults, older adults, and veterans for a one-year commitment. Also offers Group Mentoring: for matched friends and clients waiting to be matched, free group activities provide opportunities to get to know one another, reduce isolation, and improve socialization.
Englewood Drop-In Services & Clubhouse
Restoration Society, Inc.
716-832-2141
66 Englewood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14214
www.rsiwny.org
Service Details
For young adults (16 to 20) recovering from a substance use disorder or at risk for developing one. Provides a safe, inspiring and nurturing space to help to become successful in their life. Offers Yoga, Outdoor Activities and Sports, Lounge Area with video games, board games, Explore Creativity, Cooking, Movie Nights, Coffee Crawls, Open Mic’s, and more. Open to residents of Erie County.
Elmwood Wellness Center
Buffalo Psychiatric Center (BPC)
716-816-2911
Gertrude Butler Rehabilitation Center
#51 Main BPC Campus, 400 Forest Ave., Buffalo, NY 14213
www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/facilities/bupc
Service Details
Holistic health services including: Fitness, Nutrition, Stress Management, Smoking Cessation, Spirituality. Provider referral required.
Mental Health Advocates of WNY
716-886-1242
1021 Broadway St., 5th flr., Buffalo, NY 14212
www.mhawny.org
Service Details
Peer and socialization groups for adults at www.eriemha.org/support-groups.php. Sample groups for socialization for adults include (2017): 20 Somethings Group, 50+ Group, Peer Support, Social Anxiety, Social Hour Group, and Writing and Well-being.
Compeer Niagara
716-433-3780
36 Pine St, Lockport, NY 14094
Fees: free
Service Details
Encourages continual mental wellness through friendship, recreational experiences and opportunities, and social connections. Provides a caring friend who can offer support through social inclusion and mutual understanding. Must have a current mental health diagnosis and be referred by a mental health professional. Serves adults and youth.
