The Power of a Tourney
The Power of a Tourney
Genesis House Golf Tournament to raise money for family shelter expansion
For nearly 30 years, the Genesis House of Olean has provided shelter, hope, and a fresh start to people who are experiencing homelessness or living in an uninhabitable home. The only family shelter in Cattaraugus County, the Genesis House is expanding to accommodate more families, and they’re seeking the support of the community through the Genesis House Golf Tournament. Program manager Jim Swatt invites golfers and sponsors to participate in this four-person scramble at Bartlett Country Club on Tuesday, June 7th. With lots of great prizes, delicious meals, and a beautiful course, the tournament promises to be a fun day for a very worthy cause!
According to Swatt, the need for a shelter for women and children became apparent in the 1980s, when the Emergency Aid Coalition was sought for help with the homeless in the Olean community. At that time, the only place offering shelter was the former YMCA, which only housed men. In recognition of this need, a group of local individuals led by Fr. James Snodgrass of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church formed the Homelessness Task Force to create a place for families in need of housing and the resources to move forward with their lives.
In 1993, the house next door to the church was purchased, and an interfaith group comprised of representatives from several congregations initiated the adopt-a-room campaign. This gave businesses and churches the opportunity to sponsor a room to prepare for future guests of the house. In 1994, the house was granted 501-c3 status, and the first family came to stay in the house in January of 1995. The Genesis House was dedicated in February by the following founding congregations: Bethany Lutheran Church, Christ United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church, Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, St. Mary of the Angels Roman Catholic Church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and Temple B’Nai Israel. The following congregations have since been added: the Islamic Society of the Southern Tier, Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and St. Bonaventure Parish.
In 2009, the Genesis House opened a men’s shelter, which can house three men and a manager. In addition to providing safe, temporary housing, the Genesis House provides nutritious meals, essential clothing and personal care items, mentoring and case management, even after guests leave the house. The Genesis House provides referrals for medical assistance and county services and resources, and everyone who completes the program is assisted in obtaining safe, affordable housing and furnishing their new home.
In 2021, 8,580 meals and 2,246 nights of shelter were provided by the Genesis House. On average, 27 families and 20 children are helped by the Genesis House each year. “We have 13 people in the house right now,” said Swatt. “We are the only family shelter in the county, and part of our expansion is to open a brand new exclusively family center. Each family will get their own apartment.” Currently, families are housed at the women’s shelter on Barry Street, but with this expansion, the Barry Street site will become a co-ed shelter with separate rooms for single men and women. The men’s shelter will be replaced by a family shelter with two separate apartments to accommodate two families.
Funds raised through the golf tournament will play a vital role in this expansion, said Swatt. “Covid really did affect our fundraising because we had to do things virtually for the past couple of years,” he explained. “Even though a virtual event is better than none, it’s still not quite the same level of participation, and it’s just not as much fun!” The June 7th tournament promises to be a great day for all involved. The fee is $125 per player or $500 per team and includes greens fees, cart, a boxed lunch, dinner, and door prizes. Coffee and pastries will also be provided during sign-in, which begins at 9:00am and the tournament begins promptly at 10:00am.
Swatt said the tournament can accommodate up to 18 foursomes. “Right now, we only have a handful of foursomes signed up, and we’d really love to fill more teams. We have lots of wonderful prizes, such as a Garmin golf watch and gift certificates to several area businesses,” he noted. Breakfast and lunch are sponsored by area churches, and several local golf clubs are donating rounds of golf for the raffle. Don’t have a foursome to sign up for the tournament? No problem! Single golfers who would like to participate can still register and will be paired with other singles.
Those interested in sponsoring the tournament can do so through a $100 tee sponsorship or a donation of cash or raffle items. For registration or sponsorships, visit https://www.genesishouseofolean.org/golf-tournament-1 to sign up and pay online or print a registration form to mail to the Genesis House at 107 S. Barry St., Olean, NY 14760. For questions, contact tournament organizer Sharon Snyder at ssnyder1325@gmail.com or call 716-378-6370.