1415 Community Organizations Inc
Who We Are
Our mission is to help youth strengthen their social skills and restore community pride.
What We Do
1415 offers educational and community events to help our community members develop SOCIAL and NETWORKING skills, DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS and FRIENDSHIPS with people from different backgrounds and gain RESPECT for their peers and their COMMUNITY.
Contact
1-716-247-6310
Gerrie@14215.org
Location
410 Minnesota Street
Buffalo, NY 14215
Website
ACCESS of WNY
Who We Are
The mission of Access is to bridge the gap for families and communities by providing education, youth development, immigration and support services to improve their quality of life.
The conception of ACCESS WNY was to create a nonprofit organization with a main focus to assist families living in the Greater Buffalo Region. Many of the services offered by the organization are utilized by the region’s immigration population, however, our services are meant for immigrant and non-immigrant families alike. As an organization addressing and combating poverty among low income families within the community has been an uphill battle. Locally, families are confronted with the responsibility of making crucial sacrifices due to a poor economy.
What We Do
ACCESS WNY provides the following services:
Basic Human Services
Education Programing for youth and adults
Translation Services
Legal Assistance
Health Insurance Assistance
Cultural and Art Programs
Contact
1-716-332-5901 ext. 33
1-716-332-5924
gjamil@accesswny.org
Location
609 Ridge Road
Lackawanna , NY 14218
Website
Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens
Who We Are
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a living museum dedicated to advancing appreciation for and knowledge of plant life and its connection to people and cultures through its documented living plant collection, historic conservatory, education, research and exhibits.
What We Do
We will help you grow
Contact
1-716-827-1584
khammer@buffalogardens.com
Location
2655 South Park
Buffalo, NY 14218
Website
Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology
Who We Are
Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology has a twofold mission and offers two high quality, tuition-free programs under one roof: The Youth Arts Program (YAP) and the Adult Workforce Program (AWP). The organization’s philosophy and evidence-based practices are deeply rooted in delivering quality programming by exceptional teaching artists, developing trusting relationships, demonstrating respect for all, and providing a creative, encouraging environment.
Our Mission: To provide opportunity for careers through the arts and workforce development
Our Vision:
- Improve high school graduation rates
- Ensure access to safe environments to learn and prosper
- Develop family sustainable wage earners
- Contribute to economic and social growth
What We Do
BCAT serves approximately 120 youth during the school year and approximately 50 more during the summer 6-week session. BCAT youth attend the free program daily from 3pm-6pm and may select from classes in sound engineering, theater, hip-hop dance, music, photography, visual arts or digital media.
Tutoring is provided for those students not meeting acceptable academic benchmarks. Classes are project-driven and result in performances, paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos and more. Most importantly, students are engaged in real work that challenges them to meet high standards and deadlines. Our Teaching Artists and Staff work to ensure that BCAT youth are prepared for not only the creative process but also knowledgeable on selling their work.
The Adult Workforce Program delivers on BCAT’s mission by addressing the training and life skill needs of those who have lost their way and are looking for new careers. BCAT offers nine-month courses to become either a Pharmacy Technician, Medical Coder, Sterile Processing Technician or Phlebotomist. Both Sterile Processing and Phlebotomy are our two newest programs, put into place to address the needs of those 18-24 year olds who do not go directly to college and are looking for a path into the healthcare field. Our Adult Day Program students are in classes from 9am-3pm daily and must complete a 6-week internship program to successfully graduate. Our night classes run from 5:30pm-8:30pm twice a week.
Contact
1-716-259-1680
cselk@bufcat.org
Location
1221 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14209
Website
Buffalo Museum of Science
Who We Are
Inspire Curiosity Through Exploration
Contact
1-716-896-5200 ext. 309
volunteer@sciencebuff.org
Location
1020 Humboldt Pkwy
Buffalo, NY 14211
Website
Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy
Who We Are
The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, (BOPC), is a 501c3 not-for-profit, independent, community organization that promotes, preserves, restores, enhances and ensures maintenance of Olmsted Parks and Parkways in the greater Buffalo area to guarantee Olmsted park experiences for current and future generations.
What We Do
Basic maintenance of the parks has been greatly improved with universal respect and admiration for the work that the Conservancy has accomplished over the past twelve years since the 2004 groundbreaking agreement with the City of Buffalo and Erie County. Since that time, the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, now partnering with the city of Buffalo, has retained full responsibility for the management and maintenance of these green spaces which are listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Park maintenance including turf care, litter pickup and trash removal, graffiti clean-up, tree, shrub and flower plantings and pruning are managed year round in a professional and competent manner by Olmsted staff and thousands of dedicated volunteers.
Contact
1-716-243-1750
volunteer@bfloparks.org
Location
84 Parkside Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214
Website
Burchfield Penney Art Center@ Buffalo State College
Who We Are
The Burchfield Penney Art Center is a museum dedicated to the art and vision of Charles E. Burchfield and distinguished artists of Buffalo, Niagara and Western New York. Through our affiliation with Buffalo State College, we encourage learning and celebrate our rich and diverse community.
Contact
716-878-6011
Location
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
Website
Cazenovia Neighborhood Library
Who We Are
The Mission of Cazenovia Neighborhood Library, Inc. is to provide library services including to promote literacy, provide literary resources, technological resources, informational services, facilities for community functions, and forums to address issues of community interest.
Central Terminal Restoration Corporation
Who We Are
To redevelop, through sustainable methods, the ?Buffalo Central Terminal? complex and adjacent acreage to its intended purpose as a ?Hub? of activity for the immediate neighborhood, the city of Buffalo and the region of Western New York. To facilitate this, the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation will continue as owner while collaborating with public and private entities to redevelop the property. This historic landmark will be re-crafted with the intent of producing a clean, appealing, well-coordinated environment. The entire complex will be reused for commercial, cultural, green industry, and transportation functions. The blending of programmatic elements will create a unified ?Hub? attracting and serving an expanding customer base. To promote this new direction, a marketing plan will present the ?Buffalo Central Terminal? project as a unique Buffalo treasure, central to the life of Western New Yorkers.
Contact
(716) 810-3210
Location
495 Paderewski Drive
Buffalo, NY 14212
Website
danceability, Inc.
Who We Are
Danceability is an individualized dance, fitness & movement program serving the special needs community. Our studio is led by qualified staff and dedicated volunteers who create a nurturing environment that empowers our students to flourish and grow while promoting a healthy lifestyle…and we have a litle fun along the way.
What We Do
Danceability offers weekly dance classes to children and adults with special needs. Dancers are challenged with special needs such as autism, Down syndrome, seizure disorders, ADHD, cerebral palsy, etc. Volunteers work one on one with the dancers to assist them in class under the direction of the instructors.
Darwin Martin House
Who We Are
Dedicated to restoring Frank Lloyd Wright’s greatest “prairie house,” the six-structure Darwin Martin House complex, built in 1904-05 in the great cty of Buffalo, New York
Contact
716-856-3858
Location
143 Jewett Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14214
Website
Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum
Who We Are
Explore & More Children’s Museum provides an environment for creative pay and learning through hands-on exhibits, activities and programs that inspire creativity, curiosity and imagination.
Mission Statement
To provide best-in-class play experiences where all children, families and the community can explore, learn and develop together.
Vision
A world where PLAY unlocks the limitless POTENTIAL in all of us.
Values
Child First, Family Engagement, Learning Through Hands-on Play and Exploration, Diversity Through Equity, Inclusion and Understanding Collaborative and Community Focused
History
Explore & More Children’s Museum was founded in 1994 in East Aurora, NY by a small, grassroots group of parents, educators and toy designers. Beginning in just 500 square feet of space then expanding to 6,000 square feet has now transitioned to 43,000 square feet in a stand-alone building in the South Aud Block of Canalside on Buffalo’s Waterfront.
What We Do
Explore & More provides high quality, unique, and inspiring educational programs across Western New York, including in schools, public libraries, community spaces, and Canalside. We are always looking for more volunteers to help make a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Western New York!
Contact
1-716-655-5131
Location
130 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Website
Forest Lawn
Who We Are
There’s no place like Forest Lawn. As one of the first deliberately designed and professionally landscaped rural cemeteries in the United States, its first interment took place in 1850. Today, there are more than 161,000 permanent residents in this 269-acre, not-for-profit cemetery, where all are welcome.
Forest Lawn is also at the heart of Western New York’s cultural tourism renaissance. Each year, we’re proud to host thousands of visitors who come to enjoy all that Forest Lawn has to offer. Unmatched natural beauty – hills, valleys, lakes and streams. Sculptural masterpieces. Living history. Most importantly, the stories of those who now rest in peace under our care – from a U.S. President and foreign royalty, to captains of industry, artists, inventors, veterans from every U.S. conflict since the Revolutionary War and people like us who have quietly built the community that we and our families enjoy. Each has a story to be told, and these stories don’t end here. They live on through the expansive archives and genealogical resources of the Margaret L. Wendt Archive and Resource Center and through our award-winning tours, concerts, lectures and special events.
It is the discovery of these stories and the many new ways that they can now be preserved and shared with the world that puts Forest Lawn at the forefront of redefining and expanding the very idea of what a cemetery is for. A place both devoted to our past and essential to our future. A place to cherish and preserve. And now more than ever, a place where memories live and the stories are told.
What We Do
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, make new friends, cultivate your interests…and even get some exercise! As we expand our walking and trolley tours and calendar of events there is always a need for volunteers and docents willing to share their time, energy, enthusiasm and knowledge.
We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds willing to share their love of Buffalo, history, art, architecture and/or the cemetery’s natural beauty with visitors from all walks of life and around the world.
If you have are interested in becoming a docent, or just looking for a unique place to make a difference you are invited to call us at 716-332-2233. Opportunities are available all year long with Forest Lawn.
Contact
1-716-885-1600 ext. 302
gwallace@forest-lawn.com
Location
Margaret L. Wendt Archive and Resource Center 1990 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14208
Website
Gliding Stars
Who We Are
The Gliding Stars organization provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to increase their personal potential through development of ice skating skills in a regular program of instruction and practice in their own local community, culminating in the demonstration of those skills publicly in an end-of-season on-ice choreographed performance, which itself serves as a source of motivation, teamwork, increased self-esteem and the ‘magic’ that results from transcending one’s barriers in order to accomplish one’s dreams.
What We Do
The Western New York Chapter is managed by coordinators with the assistance of many volunteers, specially trained on-ice instructors and community donors. On-ice activities take place during a typical 26 week skating season each year from late September through early April. Sessions meet on Saturdays at the Hamburg Town Ice Arena from 1-3 pm and at the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion in Niagara Falls on Sundays and Mondays from 4:30-6 pm. At the end of each season, our chapter performs an ice show spectacular for the public at the Northtown Center at Amherst. This much anticipated event showcases the accomplishments of the participants and volunteers, providing them with the thrill of performing for their friends, family, and the general public – a goal that inspires each of them during the season. We are constantly looking for volunteers of all ages to assist us on and/or off of the ice in making our skaters’ dreams come true! We ask that you commit to at least a portion of our season as a volunteer, and please note that ice skating skills are helpful, but certainly not required!
Contact
1-716-608-8345
apetersen@glidingstars.org
Location
1307 Military Road
Buffalo, NY 14217
Website
Graycliff Conservancy
Who We Are
The Graycliff Conservancy, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to restoring and preserving the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Graycliff Estate as a publicly accessible landmark.
What We Do
The Graycliff Conservancy offers a variety of different tours, from “just the basics” to a variety of very special tours. All tours are by reservation, and each are led by a trained docent. We need volunteer assistance with maintaining our historic landscape, historic housekeeping, leading tours (training provided), assisting tours, education programming, and more!
Contact
1-716-947-9217
volunteer@graycliffestate.org
Location
6472 Old Lake Shore Rd
Derby, NY 14047
Website
Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, Inc.
Who We Are
About the Hispanic Heritage Council
Acerca del Concilio de Herencia Hispana del Oeste de Nueva York
Dedicated to preserving the history of Hispanics in Western New York for future generations.
Dedicado a preservar la historia de los hispanos en el oeste de Nueva York para las generaciones futuras.
Organizational Overview
The Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY Inc. is a nonprofit organization that exists to foster and inspire awareness, understanding, and appreciation of past, present, and future contributions of the Hispanic Community in Western New York.
Información general sobre la organización
El Concilio de Herencia Hispana del Oeste de Nueva York, Inc. es una organización sin fines de lucro que existe para promover e inspirar la conciencia, la comprensión y apreciación de la contribución pasada presente y futura de la comunidad hispana en el oeste de Nueva York.
What We Do
History
Hispanic’s have been part of the fabric of Western New York Community since the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The earliest arrivals were people from all parts of Central & South America, Mexico, Spain and the Caribbean, who came here humbly looking for the American Dream. Some did not have much education, but they had hearts determined to explore a new frontier and to work hard to improve the lives of their families here and the loved ones left back home.
They arrived, like many other immigrants, as non-English speakers with the hope to someday become citizens and contributors to this great area called Western New York. They worked as migrants in fields, in factories, rail yards, steel plants, and many places that would offer meaningful employment and the opportunity for success.
In Today’s 21st Century Hispanic’s in WNY contribute professionally in the private and public sector continuing the tradition of their ancestors in the fields of military, education, medicine, law, government, communications, business, finance, sports, art and music.
Historia
Los hispanos han sido parte de la estructura de la comunidad del oeste de Nueva York desde los 1800. Los primeros en llegar vinieron de España, partes de Centro y Sur América, México y el Caribe, vinieron aquí con humildad buscando el sueño Americano. Algunos lo hicieron no teniendo mucha educación pero tenían corazones decididos a explorar una nueva frontera y a trabajar duro para mejorar las vidas de sus familias aquí y los seres queridos de su país original.
Llegaron al igual que muchos otros inmigrantes que no hablan inglés con la esperanza de algún día convertirse en ciudadanos y colaboradores a esta gran área llamada oeste de Nueva York. Trabajaron como migrantes en los campos, en las fábricas, pistas de ferrocarril, fundición de acero, y muchos lugares que ofrecen el empleo y la oportunidad para el éxito.
En siglo 21 de hoy, los hispanos en el oeste de Nueva York contribuyen profesionalmente en el sector privado y público, continuando la tradición de sus antepasados en los campos de fuerzas militares, educación, medicina, leyes, gobierno, comunicaciones, negocios, finanzas, deportes, artes, y música entre otros.
Contact
1-716-935-9773
maritza@hispanicheritagewny.org
Location
1 Laffayette Sq P O BOX 361
BUFFALO, NY 14201
Website
Hull Family Home & Farmstead
Who We Are
The mission of the Hull Family Home & Farmstead is to interpret the lives of Western New York’s early 19th Century settlers represented by the Warren Hull Family. * Maintain historical accuracy * Seek to bring history alive * Enhance the visitor experience
Contact
1-716-681-6451
Location
5976 Genesee Street
Lancaster, NY 14086
Website
Jewish Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County
Who We Are
Jewish Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County partners with families, children and individuals of all beliefs and backgrounds to help them succeed in transition and overcome the challenges of everyday life.
What We Do
Jewish Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County, New York [JFS] is a nonsectarian, not for profit, community-based health and social service provider that has served its community since 1862.
Jewish Family Service of Buffalo is a multifaceted agency offering a broad range of complementary, integrated services delivered by highly qualified professionals in psychiatry, psychology, nursing, social work and rehabilitation counseling; committed volunteers and community contributors.
Our services are available to all individuals – from infants, children and adolescents to families and the elderly – regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity, race, culture, gender or ability to pay. Our compassionate health care professionals administer comprehensive programs that offer comfort, counseling and connection to a broad network of support.
In every service area – from elder care to refugee resettlement to behavioral and physical health – JFS focuses on client-directed treatment of the whole self. We are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness and positive self worth.
Locust Street Art
Who We Are
We provide free or low-cost art classes on a consistent basis for any individual, especially youth, low-income and minority individuals from age 4 to senior adult, to seriously develop the talent and skills necessary to excel in the visual arts.
Contact
716-852-4562
Location
138 Locust Street
Buffalo, 14204
Website
Moving Miracles, Inc.
Who We Are
Moving Miracles is a non-profit organization committed to assisting individuals with special needs by developing their highest potential through a kinesthetic approach. A combination of dance, creative movement, music, props and rhythm are used to inspire self-expression, boost self-esteem and encourage socialization.
Contact
716-656-1321
Location
954 Union Road, Suite 1
West Seneca, NY 14224
Website
Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service
Who We Are
The Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service’s motto is “Give the Blind a Chance to Read.” Our agency’s mission is to administer a radio reading service, where volunteers broadcast daily readings of newspapers, books and magazines to area blind and print-handicapped persons, who are provided special “reading radios.”
Contact
716-821-5555
Location
1199 Harlem Road
Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Website
Richardson Olmsted Campus
Who We Are
Reuse of the Richardson Olmsted Campus is the mission of the not for profit 501(c)(3) Richardson Center Corporation. Widely considered to be one of Buffalo’s most important and beautiful buildings, it is being adaptively reused as a hospitality venue and cultural amenity for the city. The Richardson Architecture Center, Inc. board, also a not for profit 501(c)(3), oversees the development of an architecture center for Buffalo.
Contact
1-716-601-1150 ext. 1153
Location
444 Forest Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14213
Buffalo, NY 14213
Website
Roycroft Campus
Contact
1-716-655-0261
info@roycroftcampuscorp.com
Location
31 South Grove St.
East Aurora, NY 14052
Website
Ten Thousand Villages
Who We Are
OUR MISSION: Ten Thousand Villages’ mission is to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term fair trading relationships.
Learn more about our mission, history, and fair trade on our website: www.tenthousandvillages.com
What We Do
VOLUNTEER: As a nonprofit enterprise, we rely on more than 1,000 volunteers to help us accomplish our mission. Volunteers help out with many aspects of our operations, from the warehouse to the sales floor.
Contact
1-716-886-0820
Location
736 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
Buffalo, NY 14222
Website
Valley Community Association Inc.
Who We Are
Founded by a diverse group of concerned residents, the Valley Community Association (VCA) has served the needs of the Valley community by providing programs aimed at improving the social well being of the residents. Under the leadership of the late Fr. Hugh Carmichael, the association became incorporated in May 1969 and aw continued to grow with the changing landscape of the community.
What We Do
The Valley Community Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the residents of the Buffalo River Community by meeting individual and family needs and promoting environmental beautification.
Advocating a strong sense of empowerment and ownership, the Valley Community Association’s committed staff and volunteers serve infants through older Americans with health related, educational, economic, social, and recreational assistance and opportunities.
The Valley Community Association Board of Directors, staff members, and volunteers embrace this Mission Statement and constantly strive to provide quality programming and services to those residing in the Buffalo River Community.
Location
93 Leddy Street
Buffalo, NY 14210
Buffalo, NY 14210
Website
WEDI Buffalo
Who We Are
The Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI) began as a mission of Westminster Presbyterian Church to improve the quality of life for the residents of Buffalo’s West Side, but became a separate 501(c)3 organization by 2007.
What We Do
WEDI’s approach to implementing its mission currently includes the ENERGY after-school program and promoting economic development through programs in business development, mentoring, micro-loans, and the West Side Bazaar.
WEDI’s economic development initiative arose from the identified needs of the West Side neighborhoods. The West Side of Buffalo, particularly the Grant Street area, was once a thriving commercial district within the city but deteriorated dramatically over the years. To become vital again, the area has recognized the need for new small retail businesses to meet the needs of the local and diverse community as well as attract shoppers from within the area and from the larger Western New York community.
Contact
1-716-759-3265
volunteer@wedibuffalo.org
volunteer@wedibuffalo.org
Location
436 Grant Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
Buffalo, NY 14213
Website
WNY Public Broadcasting WNED|WBFO
Who We Are
WNED | WBFO is a trusted public media resource that enriches its audiences by providing educational, entertaining programming and services, as well as engaging the Western New York and Southern Ontario communities through cultural and civic involvement.
What We Do
WNED | WBFO serves the people of Western New York and Southern Ontario with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide our audiences with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage individuals to share their stories. We help teachers, students and their parents thrive in 21st century classrooms, and take people of all ages on a journey of exploration—exposing them to new people, places and ideas.
We celebrate diversity, embrace innovation, value lifelong learning and partner with those who share our passion for public service.
Contact
1-716-845-7000 ext. 310
dmesmer@wned.org
dmesmer@wned.org
Location
140 Lower Terrace Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Buffalo, NY 14202