Rural Outreach Center adds Susan Giovino as program director

The Rural Outreach Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting, empowering and elevating the impoverished rural population in southern Erie County and surrounding areas, has appointed East Aurora resident Susan Giovino to the position of program director.

Giovino has 10 years of experience in the advertising industry and has worked as a culinary tour guide for Buffalo Bites Food Tours and as program director for Aurora Adult Day Services. She has also served as a volunteer with the Rural Outreach Center and the Department of Senior Services.

Giovino holds an associate’s degree in advertising from Mohawk Valley Community College and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in human services, with a concentration in art therapy, from Buffalo State College in May.

“Because of the many life experiences I’ve walked through, I have a real heart for advocacy,” said Giovino. “I desire now to walk alongside other individuals to empathize, support and empower them to heal, grow and thrive. I am very happy to be part of such an amazing organization that is literally changing lives.”

The Rural Outreach Center provides multiple programs to help people help themselves. These programs include support groups for adults, including several that are organized by participants to provide support for one another and the ROC. Children’s programs include a snack pack program that provides nutritious food on weekends for school children, school reading  readiness and other supports. Giovino will strengthen and expand these programs as well as initiate new programs that will help the ROC achieve its goals of empowering people to lead increasingly fulfilling lives.

For more information on the Rural Outreach Center, located at 730 Olean Road in East Aurora, please call 240-2220. You can also follow the organization on Facebook for frequent updates.