Save the Michaels of the World Inc.

03/20/2026

LOCKPORT, NY, Friday, March 20, 2026 – Save the Michaels of the World announces that Mr. Avi Israel is no longer serving on its Board of Directors. Thanks to Avi’s leadership and profound commitment, Save the Michaels has helped save the lives of thousands of individuals living with addiction in Western New York. We sincerely appreciate his contributions and the foundation he created.

As Save the Michaels continues to navigate this period of significant transition, the organization is committed to working with the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and the Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse to determine the best path forward for its services and programs, including the staff and resident community at Newfane House of Hope.

Save the Michaels has been a lifeline for countless individuals in Western New York since its inception, and it is committed to ensuring its services are maintained in the best interests of the community.

03/04/2026

Our Lockport Harm Reduction Team will NOT be in the office Thursday or Friday this week.

Our regular hours will resume on Monday, March 9th. If you have questions regarding Harm Reduction or Case Management services please call (716) 638-0062.

02/28/2026

Yesterday, without any notice, Save the Michaels received devastating news: OASAS has chosen to end our contracts.

As a result, we will no longer be able to provide:
• Peer support services
• Drop In support services
• Transportation to treatment
• Linkage to care for individuals seeking recovery
• Support to families navigating addiction

For 15 years, Save the Michaels has been a grassroots organization serving Western New York with compassion, urgency, and lived experience. We have answered tens of thousands of calls and helped thousands enter treatment. We have helped everyone who calls for help. No other organization does the work that we do

We have fully cooperated with all requests from government.
We have new leadership in place.

Despite this, our contracts are being terminated. The new leadership is not being given any chance to move forward.

To discontinue working with a grassroots agency that has made measurable impact in this community for over a decade should concern everyone, not just for us, but especially the individuals and families who rely on these services every single day.

If Save the Michaels has helped you or someone you love, we need your voice now.

📞 Call the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) (518) 473-3460 and let them know about the impact of this decision.

📞 Contact the Governor’s office and your local elected officials.
Ask them to reinstate Save the Michaels’ contracts so that Western New York continues to have recovery services.

This is not just about one organization.
This is about access to treatment.
This is about recovery.
This is about saving lives.

Please share. Please call. Please stand with us.

— Save the Michaels

02/25/2026

Statement from Save the Michaels CEO & Board of Directors:

Contrary to reports that are citing outdated and inaccurate information, Save the Michaels operates within the laws and rules of this state. We have helped tens of thousands of Western New Yorkers find and sustain their recovery. We are requesting that the Erie County government provide us with the opportunity to respond to any concerns they may have.

To date, they have NOT offered that opportunity. Thank you.

02/20/2026

Save the Michaels Recovery Center will be closed for the Co***ne Anonymous group tonight only!

02/09/2026

River Ratz Car Club is proud to host a car show in support of Su***de Awareness and Prevention, with proceeds benefiting Save the Michaels of the World Inc.

This event brings together car enthusiasts, families and community members to raise awareness, reduce stigma and support lifesaving mental health & recovery services.

Join us to honor lives, support hope and drive change -- one car, one conversation and one connection at a time.

01/27/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1L7mtBikk3/?mibextid=.

Please speed the word for those in need

Code Blue will be in effect tonight Tuesday 1/27, Wednesday 1/28 and Thursday 1/29. Overnight temperatures are forecast below freezing throughout the period.

Any homeless person or individual without heat can go to the Salvation Army directly between the hours of 8pm – 10pm, if after 10 pm, please report to the walk-up window at the Niagara Street entrance of Lockport Police Department where they will assist individuals seeking shelter.

Please speed the word for those in need

Code Blue will be in effect tonight Tuesday 1/27, Wednesday 1/28 and Thursday 1/29. Overnight temperatures are forecast below freezing throughout the period.

Any homeless person or individual without heat can go to the Salvation Army directly between the hours of 8pm – 10pm, if after 10 pm, please report to the walk-up window at the Niagara Street entrance of Lockport Police Department where they will assist individuals seeking shelter.

01/26/2026