About Us
Integrated Care & Food In Community
A description of community needs and activities related to Food In Community (FnC).
Who we are
Empowering Our Community Through Health
Life Source Systems Incorporated is dedicated to transforming lives through wellness education and community engagement. Our focus is on addressing health disparities, promoting nutrition, and fostering empowerment in BIPOC neighborhoods. Together, we enhance the well-being of Medicaid Members across Western New York, paving pathways to healthier futures.
Our Journey
Founded in response to the urgent need for improved wellness in our community, our organization has made significant strides over the years. From our early initiatives focused on nutrition education to expanding outreach programs, we have dedicated ourselves to promoting health equity. Our timeline is a testament to our commitment to serve, educate, and empower—especially in communities that have often been overlooked.
Key Milestones
Over the years, we have achieved numerous milestones that reflect our growth and the impact we’ve had on our community. These include launching various health initiatives, educational workshops, and partnerships with local organizations. Each step forward has strengthened our resolve to close health disparities and to uplift BIPOC neighborhoods. As we continue on this path, we remain committed to nurturing a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Our approach
Our Mission
To provide educational insight to individuals and inter-generational families in an effort to lead communities to healthy lifestyles.
Through the work of LSS, investments and activities have been organized to create a healthier community in Western New York. Tthrough conversation, financial help, education, professional training, or simply the assuring community members that they are not alone we strive to improve our community health – physically, mentally, spiritually, & financially. Our aim is to supply support that meets the needs of our community and help it thrive.
Our Vision
To motivate individuals and families to CHOOSE2b Healthy by embracing both their internal and external physical being through total nutrition and mental health (alertness and awareness) wellness by narrowing the bridge between both.
Our entire team wants to see WNY as a world class example of a healthy community. We want to establish food prints that create a trail that other can follow to help improve their community health.
Core Values That Drive Us
We are dedicated to fostering wellness through comprehensive education and community involvement. Our approach combines various aspects of nutrition, empowerment, and outreach to enhance the lives of those we serve. This commitment reflects our belief in equality and accessibility for all.
Community Engagement
We prioritize building strong connections within the communities we serve, promoting health and well-being through collaboration and cooperation.
Educational Initiatives
Our programs are designed to educate individuals and families about nutrition and wellness, equipping them with the knowledge they need to thrive.
Empowerment
We empower underserved populations by providing resources and support to help them achieve better health and economic stability.
Equity
Our mission is rooted in the pursuit of equity, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources necessary for healthy living.
Our Leadership
Pamela James
Corporate Executive Officer (Click To View Bio)
Pamela James is the CEO of LSS and she’s from Buffalo. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Buffalo State College in Criminal Justice.
James got the HUD Scholarship from the University of Buffalo to go to the School of Architecture and Planning where she got a Master’s degree. The HUD scholarship allowed James to do important research like the Healthy Homes Initiative. The purpose was to look at differences among low income people on the Eastside of Buffalo. Her research helped the healthcare industry decide to work with UB 2020 and create one medical campus to provide healthcare to people and families more effectively.
James keeps looking into differences and finding ways to help low to moderate income people, and reduce issues like diabetes and obesity.
She finished her Ph.D course work except for the American (Cultural) Studies. James is a US Army Veteran and teaches History and Anthropology at Houghton College in Buffalo, New York.
Eleanor Chillis
Corporate Operations Officer (Click To View Bio)
Eleanore Chillis is the Chief Operating Officer of LSS and she’s from Buffalo. Chillis is the author of the book ‘Maternal Health; Pregnancy, Morbidity, and Mortality: A Traumatic Experience’. She has a Associate’s Degree in Business Administration Management from Bryant & Stratton College. Chillis worked for 29 years in various public service positions, including in Erie County Probation, Erie County Environmental Public Health, Lead Poison Prevention, and Epidemiology. She also worked at The San Francisco Hall of Justice, Public Defenders Mental Health Unit. In addition to her work experience, she also completed over 250 hours of voluntary work and received numerous certificates and awards. During her time in Juvenile Probation, she saw the patterns of the Juvenile special education school to incarceration pipeline leading to re-incarceration in adulthood.
Buffalo has some of the oldest housing in the United States. This has led to irreversible elevated blood lead levels in children aged six and under, caused by peeling paint chips containing a neural toxin. This has led to mental health and developmental issues, behavior problems, and stunted growth in children. Proper nutrition can help reduce the harmful effects of these illnesses. For five years, Chillis coordinated hundreds of FOIL requests for housing occupation records for Attorneys & Insurance Companies, and she also recorded medical blood lead levels in inner-city children as part of her work in LEAD Poison Prevention.
Board of Directors
Marshaun Quinniey
Chair
Dorthy Cody
Secretary
Ashley Brianna Costner
Co-Treasurer
Jerome Harrod
Co-Treasurer
Advisors
Anthony Jones
Attorney at Law
Jerome Harrod
Accountant
Kelechi Ihenko-Chillis
Accountant
Joseph Burch
Burch Insurance