716 Ministries
Who We Are
716 Ministries is a community development organization that exists to see WNY transformed and restored into the image and likeness of the Kingdom of God.
716 Ministries exists to see WNY transformed and restored into the image and likeness of the Kingdom of God.
What We Do
We have four areas of focus:
1. Low Income Housing Development: We buy houses from a variety of places, rehabilitate them, and sell the homes back to first-time homebuyers of the community, at a low cost.
2. Facility Management: We manage and serve 320,000 square feet, of 16 nonprofits, at 27 different addresses. Overseeing facilities, for some of our closest partners and neighbor-churches, provides us the opportunity to serve those who serve in our great city.
3. Work Readiness: Every individual deserves an opportunity to learn and develop essential workplace excellence and job skills to obtain meaningful work. Since 2007, 716 Ministries has provided job training for members of our community. Today, our job training takes place in form of our Work Readiness program: a 5-week soft-skills program, an intensive, participatory, mentored training program, and a 7-week Construction Core program, a classroom and hands-on construction overview curriculum.
4. Volunteer Deployment: We aim to work together with service organizations and residents of Buffalo, NY, to seek fundamental justice for the people of the community. Because of volunteer labor and community collaboration, since 2007, 716 Ministries has completed the rehab of 26 homes, creating homeownership opportunities and aiding in reversing the cycle of poverty.
Contact
1-716-828-8681
info@716ministries.org
Location
301 14th Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
Website
Adoption STAR
Who We Are
Adoption STAR (Support, Training, Advocacy & Resources) is a compassionate and unique agency. The agency takes a strong stand on adoption education and believes no one can make a decision to adopt or place a child for adoption without fully educating themselves on adoption and its many options. Adoption STAR is an agency committed to the best interests of children and will offer all birth families regardless of race, health, circumstances, or disability, the option of adoption for their child. Adoption STAR is an agency dedicated to maintaining connections between adoptive families and birth families and offers education and support with an adoption plan.
Contact
1-716-639-3900
kristin@adoptionstar.com
Location
131 JOHN MUIR DRIVE
AMHERST, NY 14228
Website
Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Inc.
Who We Are
BFNC’s mission is to Prepare, equip and empower individuals to address life management issues and to improve the quality of life in their communities.
Contact
716-856-0363
Location
97 Lemon St.
Buffalo, NY 14204
Website
Buffalo Maritime Center
Who We Are
To study and celebrate the rich maritime heritage of the Niagara Frontier and to encourage and promote public access to the area’s historic waterfront and waterways.
Contact
881-0111
Location
90 Arthur Street
Buffalo, NY 14085
Website
Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY
Compeer of Greater Buffalo
Who We Are
Promoting good mental health through meaningful relationships.
What We Do
Compeer provides support to youth, adults, older adults, and veterans living with a mental health diagnosis.
1 in 5 people will experience a challenge with their mental health at some time in their life. Biological, psychological, and social factors influence a change in mental health status. For example, losing a loved one, losing a job, parents going through a divorce or overall absence in a child’s life, or other similar stressors can lead to depression or anxiety. Having a friend can make all the difference to someone who feels anxious, sad, or lonely. How often do you call upon your own friends to go out to eat or for coffee, to see a movie, to attend a sporting event, or even for a regular phone call? Becoming a volunteer with Compeer allows you to provide that support to someone in our community.
Volunteers are mentors and friends who become positive role models, help raise self esteem, increase social and communication skills, and encourage independence for their Compeer friends.
Contact
1-716-883-3331 ext. 312
lisa@compeerbuffalo.org
Location
24 Ludington Street
Buffalo, NY 14206
Website
Child & Family Services
Who We Are
Child and Family Services strengthens families and promotes the well-being of children through prevention, intervention, education and advocacy.
Contact
(716) 335-7027
Location
330 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14201
Website
Dreams To Memories Foundation
Who We Are
Dreams To Memories Foundation, USA is a registered nonprofit, charitable foundation serving families in Western New York. We are designed to fulfill dreams for families that has a parent with a life threatening medical condition, to create lasting memories for their young children. We believe that having happy memories of loved ones is essential for a child’s future wellness. So as a foundation, we strive to grant a wish for a parent who has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness.
Dreams to Memories is about creating memories of life for both parents and children.
What We Do
Our Mandate… A Memory
- We assist families that has a parent with a life threatening medical condition, and with children under the age of 15 years (and living in the same home) with an opportunity to have an everlasting family wish experience.
- The primary recipient is an adult, however, these dreams directly involve children through a parent’s wish to create a memory for their loved ones from desires as simple as a family fun night to a dream vacation.
Our Mission… Fulfillment
Our goals are simple:
- Raise funds for our families wish,
- Administer resources,
- Endeavor to fulfill suitable dream requests, and
- Provide support to our families.
- Provide everlasting memories.
We always give freely with no reserve, no compensation, and in fervent prayer.
Contact
1-716-668-1310
info@dreams2memoriesusa.org
Location
41 Pheasant Lane
Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Website
Family Justice Center
Who We Are
The Family Justice Center has 3 safe, comfortable, convenient locations where victims of domestic violence can receive free services to help them lead a life free from abuse. Each of our locations relies on the assistance of caring, compassionate community members to act as volunteers and interns in order to help us be as effective as possible.
Our Downtown office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm, our Orchard Park office is open Wednesday and Friday from 8:30am – 5:0pm, and our Amherst office is open Monday and Tuesday from 8:30am – 5:00pm. Volunteering would take place during business hours.
Volunteers must be over the age of 18, have reliable transportation to/from the office (parking is validated at the Front Desk) and be able to pass a background check. We ask that all volunteers commit to at least one shift each month and are able to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months. Additionally, volunteers must be able to attend a Volunteer Meeting every other month to stay up to date on paperwork, policies, and procedures.
The Family Justice Center offers many different volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in getting involved. Some of the ways you can help as a volunteer include:
*Completing clerical and other general office duties
*Greeting clients and escorting them around the office and to the Living Rooms where they will receive services
*Providing child supervision in our Child Waiting Area
*Operating our agency hotline (SafeLine) and making referrals for clients via phone
*Completing intakes with clients (Previous experience working in a human service field or a strong educational background in a similar area of study is generally required to be trained to complete intakes)
If you are interested in volunteering please visit our website at http://www.fjcsafe.org/about/volunteer/ to complete an online application.
What We Do
The Family Justice Center offers many different volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in getting involved. Some of the ways you can help as a volunteer include:
*Completing clerical and other general office duties
*Greeting clients and escorting them around the office and to the Living Rooms where they will receive services
*Providing child supervision in our Child Waiting Area
*Operating our agency hotline (SafeLine) and making referrals for clients via phone
*Completing intakes with clients (Previous experience working in a human service field or a strong educational background in a similar area of study is generally required to be trained to complete intakes)
If you are interested in volunteering please visit our website at http://www.fjcsafe.org/about/volunteer/ to complete an online application.
Contact
1-716-558-7233
jstrycharz@fjcsafe.org
Location
41 Pheasant Lane
Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Website
Gerard Place
Who We Are
Gerard Place strengthens the community as it empowers individuals and families toward self-sufficiency by providing housing, supportive services, community education and outreach.
What We Do
- Permanent Supportive Housing program for homeless single parents and their children
- High School Equivalency classes
- Community Support (clothing closet, transportation assistance, referrals, etc.)
- Job Readiness Training
- Community Job Training (LPN, CNA, HHA, Culinary Arts)
- Twice-weekly community dinners served
- Monthly mobile food pantry
Contact
1-716-897-9948 ext. 114
kprice@gerardplace.org
Location
2515 Bailey Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14215
Website
GObike Buffalo
Who We Are
GObike Buffalo is working to build a thriving, dynamic and connected Buffalo by promoting biking, alternative transportation options, and improved streetscapes to create positive impacts on health, our environment, our streets and the overall quality of life for all residents.
We advocate for Compete Streets, a national effort to ensure consideration for commuters of all kinds is included in new road construction, making it easier to cross the street, bike to work, window shop or just enjoy the streetscape.
We support and encourage bicyclists of all ages and interest levels through our community bike workshop, the installation of signature bike racks, in community education, and in creating fun, innovative and highly anticipated events.
What We Do
Complete Streets Tactical Pop-ups: Working with residents we help them to implement prototype traffic calming measures.
Community Workshop: Our community workshop is a place where volunteers and members can come to repair and maintain their bicycles. We have refurbished bicycles for sale, along with a stock of used parts available.
Recycle-a-Bicycle: RAB is an educational program for children of all ages to learn how to build, maintain and safely ride a bicycle. We empower students through development of hands-on skills and access to personal transportation.
SkyRide and Slow Roll Buffalo: The SkyRide is our annual fundraising tour that includes a scenic ride over Buffalo’s urban highways. Slow Roll Buffalo is a community bicycle ride that meets every Monday night from May to October with unique routes for all ages, skill levels and types of bikes.
Better Streets Better Buffalo: This is every resident of Buffalo’s opportunity to make our community more connected, more human-centric and improve quality of life. We need help spreading the word and holding our elected officials to account. Viable transportation options make cities more dynamic, and in economic downturns, makes them more resilient.
Contact
1-831-747-4064
rebecca@gobikebuffalo.org
Location
640 Ellicott St. ste. 447
Buffalo, NY 14203
Website
Goodwill of Western New York
Who We Are
Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.
What We Do
At Goodwill, we help people, find, train for, and keep good jobs. We assist people with all types of vocational barriers including people with developmental and physical disabilities, single moms, seniors and veterans.
When you donate or shop our stores you are funding employment training and job placement services for people right here in Western New York.
Contact
1-716-854-3494 ext. 3011
lmaraszek@goodwillwny.org
Location
1119 William Street
Buffalo, NY 14206
Website
International Institute of Buffalo
Contact
716-883-1900 ext. 332
MMcEwen@iibuff.org
Location
864 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
Website
Journey's End Refugee Services, Inc
Who We Are
Journey’s End Refugee Services, Inc. is a Christian community-based organization with the mission of welcoming refugees without regard to ethnic origin or creed and to assist them to become healthy, independent, contributing members of the community.
Contact
1-716-882-4963
volunteer@jersbuffalo.org
Location
2495 Main Street Suite 530
Buffalo, NY 14214
Website
Massachusetts Avenue Project
Who We Are
The mission of the Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP) is to nurture the growth of a diverse and equitable community food system to promote local economic opportunities, access to affordable nutritious food and social change education. MAP’s Urban Farm employs sustainable and organic growing methods to produce culturally diverse produce on reclaimed land. MAP’s Mobile Market brings fresh produce to areas of the City of Buffalo that do not have adequate access to it. The Mobile Market partners with organizations across Buffalo to reconnect households to their food source and ensure folks have access to culturally appropriate produce. MAP’s Growing Green Youth Program is a year-round youth development initiative that involves youth in solving Buffalo’s challenges related to nutrition and healthy food access. The program trains youth in urban agriculture, food systems issues, microenterprise development, and leadership. MAP values creativity and cooperative principles and our staff work closely as a team.
Contact
1-716-882-5327 ext. 7
info@mass-ave.org
Location
387 Massachusetts Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14213
Website
Parkside Community Association
Who We Are
The Parkside Community Association (PCA), a 501c3 not-for-profit, is the largest membership-based community association in the City of Buffalo. Founded in 1963 to fight then-prevalent racist tactics of redlining and blockbusting, it has over the years successfully implemented programs that have contributed to the security and stability of the neighborhood. The PCA prides itself on the diversity of our residents.
What We Do
The PCA provides a number of regular services to the neighborhood. The association runs a summer arts program for children; publishes a neighborhood newsletter containing crime alerts, and other important public notices as necessary; provides information, referral and crime prevention services for neighborhood residents; assists block clubs; holds community meetings; and addresses quality of life issues. The PCA also helped to restore two vacant buildings along the major commercial boundaries and assisted some homeowners with property improvements through low-interest loans.
The PCA holds several special events that are open to the public. Most of these events are fundraisers with the added goal of bringing people into Parkside to see what an urban neighborhood has to offer.
Contact
1-716-838-1240
PCADirector@gmail.com
Location
2318 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
Website
Peaceprints of WNY
Who We Are
Peaceprints of WNY is a 501c3 non-profit organization offering comprehensive reentry services to men and women involved in the criminal justice system. Our Reentry and Housing Programs are designed to offer provisions and guidance along each step of an individual’s transformation.
What We Do
At Peaceprints of WNY we believe that hope is not a way out but a way through. It is our mission to strengthen our communities by rebuilding the lives of the individuals we serve. Only then will we achieve our vision to have a just society in which all have equal opportunities to live productive lives.
Cephas Programs
Peaceprints of WNY offers a wide array of services to the incarcerated, formally incarcerated and the community. Services include: Support Groups, Reentry Workshops, and Community Outreach programs.
Housing Programs
Peaceprints of WNY recognizes that safe, affordable and stable housing is one of the biggest needs for people reentering the community from prison; we support this need with both Transitional Housing as well as Supportive Housing options.
Volunteer
Meeting our goals requires persistence and many hands. The backbone of our organization is our volunteers. It takes many volunteers to attend our support groups, perform community outreach, and help out at our events. We invite you to join our team!
Contact
1-716-892-8224
ssullivan@peaceprintswny.org
Location
660 Smith St.
Buffalo, NY 14210
Website
Pride Center of WNY
Who We Are
The Pride Center of Western New York, Inc. was founded in 1998 by a group of individuals and business owners concerned by challenges facing the LGBTQ communities in all eight counties of Western New York (WNY).
The mission of the Pride Center of Western New York, Inc. is to work with the community to make Western New York a safe, healthy, and satisfying place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to live, work, and establish their families.
Contact
1-716-847-2441 ext. 2636
volunteers@evergreenhs.org
Location
200 South Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14201
Website
Somali Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo, NY
Who We Are
Our mission is to educate and empower refugees and immigrants in Buffalo and Erie County to become self-sufficient and active citizens, while preserving their traditions, languages, and cultures that bond to a dynamic community.
The First Tee of Western NY
Who We Are
Our mission: To encourage and inspire positive values and healthy choices in the next generation of Western New Yorkers through the experience of golf.
The First Tee is a unique experience where participants learn life skills and healthy habits through the game of golf. This is not your traditional junior golf experience. We approach our participants holistically, considering how the program will make a positive, long-term impact on them not just through the game, but in all areas of life.
What We Do
The First Tee Life Skills program is divided into five levels, starting with PLAYer for new participants ages 7 and up, progressing through Par, Birdie, Eagle and Ace. As participants certify in both golf and life skills within each level, they progress to the next level of the program. Each level of the Life Skills Experience is seamlessly integrated with our golf skills programming.
National School Program – In elementary schools in our community and across the United States, many students are teeing off for the first time thanks to The First Tee National School Program, bringing our curriculum to your child’s gym during physical education class. By teaching elementary students The First Tee’s Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits, we’re putting them on the course to a healthy and active lifestyle.
After School Program – Specifically designed for youth-serving organizations, like the Y and the Boys & Girls Club, The First Tee DRIVE gives kids the chance to learn about golf and develop character through fun golf games.
Contact
info@thefirstteewny.org
Location
PO BOX 273
BUFFALO, NY 14026
Website
The Foundry
Who We Are
Education, Empowerment and Employment.
The mission of The Foundry is to increase neighborhood Prosperity by empowering individuals through education and entrepreneurship.
What We Do
The Foundry is a non-profit product-related small business incubator focused on serving low-income, minority, and women owned businesses. The Foundry is also home to member-based makerspaces featuring metal, wood, tech, and fiber labs. In addition, The Foundry runs hands-on community workshops which are taught by local craftsman and artists. The Foundry collaborates with several youth job training programs to facilitate learning in construction, woodworking, and metal working.
Contact
1-716-885-1381
info@thefoundrybuffalo.org
Location
298 Northampton St
Buffalo, NY 14208
Website
The Summit Center
Who We Are
Summit, originally known as The Language Development Program, was founded in 1973 in the kitchen of the mother of a child with a profound hearing loss. By 1978, the program had grown to provide services to children through the age of 16. In 1990, services expanded to include infants and toddlers, and in 2000, Summit was approved to serve students ages 17-21. OPWDD-funded Family Support Services were added in 1998. In 2005, Summit opened a $7.5 million, state-of-the-art school in Amherst, New York. In September 2009, Summit opened the new Paddock Vocational Training Center on Creekside Drive to serve the needs of students ages 17 – 21. Wrap-around service provision for individuals with mental health concerns began in 2011. In 2012, a Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic opened to offer services for children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, and behavioral or emotional challenges related to ADHD or ASD. ABAworks Autism Clinic opened in 2013 to provide comprehensive autism treatment that may be covered by private insurance. Summit expanded its services for adults with the opening of a day habilitation program, S.T.E.P.S. in the Village, in September 2014. Summit also offers Triple P – Positive Parenting Program – an evidence-based, individualized program that gives parents the skills to raise confident, healthy children and teenagers. In 2015, Summit Educational Resources changed its name to The Summit Center to better reflect its spectrum of services.
Today, Summit has grown to a staff of nearly 600 full-time, part-time, and contractual employees dedicated to serving more than 2,300 Western New York children and adults each year with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Mission: Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social and behavioral challenges.
Vision: Lives made better!
What We Do
Summit’s steadfast commitment to excellence is built on a foundation of evidence-based practice which causes us to continually review and measure results – not only for our consumers but for our entire organization. Methodology throughout our programs is based upon the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, which has been identified by hundreds of scientific studies as the most effective method to teach individuals with autism and other special needs. We are dedicated to helping every individual we serve achieve the highest level of personal independence possible.
Adult Division
Our Adult Division includes Day Programs and Vocational and Employment Services. Our goal is to foster community inclusion and independence for the adults we serve.
Behavioral Health Division
Our Behavioral Health Division addresses any behavioral challenges that your child might have. Our programs include specialized summer treatment programs, Genesis Community Services, ABAWorks Autism Clinic, Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic, Pediatric Feeding Clinic, and consulting and professional training programs.
Community Division
Our Community Division provides respite and behavior support, service coordination, family and community training, and recreation and leisure programs. Our broad range of services in the Community Division are designed to help you and your family.
Early Intervention & Education Division
Early intervention is critical for a child with a developmental disability. Our early intervention and education programs include our school, Summit Academy, Early Autism Program, and Developmental Evaluation Center.
Contact
1-716-629-3436
gabriella.albert@thesummitcenter.org
Location
150 Stahl Rd
Getzville, NY 14220
Website
The Tool Library
Who We Are
The mission of the The Tool Library is to provide communities with the tools they need to create the change they want.
What We Do
The Tool Library accomplishes its mission through the work of its members and the partnerships it builds with block clubs, community nonprofits, businesses, educational institutions, and local government. A membership to the tool library gives individuals and groups access to an inventory of thousands of tools for one small annual fee. Sharing resources in this way allows communities to build wealth by lowering costs typically associated with community development projects.
From planting trees and building community gardens to fighting blight with public art and reclaiming public green spaces, the Tool Library provides citizens with a platform to improve the world around them.
Contact
1-716-510-1745
info@thetoollibrary.org
Location
5 W. Northrup Place
Buffalo, NY 14214
Website
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
Who We Are
Since 1917, United Way and its organizational predecessors have provided leadership in bringing together a wide range of community stakeholders, partners and resources to identify and address critical health and human service issues in Erie County.
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, financial stability and health & Wellness. These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable career, enough income to support a family through retirement, and health care and social connections that promote longer-term good health and independence.
Our Mission
United Way brings people, organizations and resources together to improve community well-being.
Our Vision
Every person in our community has the opportunity to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Our Values
- Service – We foster/encourage the active involvement of individuals, groups, organizations, corporations and labor in our work of serving the community with high-quality and high-value human services.
- Integrity – We are honest, ethical and transparent as we serve. We are advocates of individual worth and self-respect, and caretakers of our donor’s resources.
- Collaboration – We work together productively, as an organization and with our partners throughout the community. We value diversity and strive for inclusion. We respect the dignity, uniqueness and intrinsic worth of every person.
- Accountability – We meet our commitments and deliver high-quality, high value results.
- Innovation – We look for ways to achieve our mission through the creativity of our staff, volunteers and community stakeholders.
We invite you to be part of the change. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.
Contact
1-716-887-2746 ext. 887-2746
Bernie.Miltenberger@uwbec.org
Location
742 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
Website
University District Community Development Association
Who We Are
We’re a community center serving University District located at 3242 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214.
What We Do
We offer after school programming for children, teen girls and teen boys, senior citizens, and have an on-site infant/child care center.
Contact
1-716-832-1010 ext. 213
m.tritto@udcda.org
Location
3242 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
Website
West Side Community Services
Who We Are
We See Community Strength
Contact
1-716-884-6616
info@wscsbuffalo.org
Location
161 Vermont Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
Website
WNYDDSO (Western New York Developmental Disabilities State Operations and Offices)
Who We Are
The Western New York Developmental Disabilities State Operations Office (WNYDDSOO) provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities, in a variety of settings and locations within the seven counties of Western New York.
The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) provides high-quality, person-centered services, supports and advocacy to approximately 120,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. OPWDD works with a network of nearly 800 not-for-profit providers to help people with developmental disabilities lead richer lives that include meaningful relationships, good health, personal growth and productivity and homes in their communities.
Our goal is to help people with developmental disabilities achieve their personal best and attain the highest level of independence through individualized service programs.
Contact
Location
1200 East & West Road
West Seneca, NY 14224
Website
WNY United Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse, Inc.
Contact
1-716-821-7722 ext. 314
kschiefe@wnyunited.org
Location
1195 Niagara Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
Website
YMCA Buffalo Niagara
Who We Are
YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a charitable, community based organization committed to providing programs designed to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
What We Do
The Y is an inclusive and welcoming community resource where thousands of children, adults, seniors and families learn and reinforce skills, grow in confidence and character, achieve their potential, maintain a healthy lifestyle, build positive relationships, and grow stronger as a community.
Program offerings include instructional and recreational swimming, instructional sports for youth, recreational sports for youth and adults, group exercise, land and water fitness, pre-school playgroups, education enrichment and development, youth development, instructional and recreations sports, before and after school child care, summer day and resident camp, senior wellness and recreation, family programs, and special events.
The Y’s Annual Campaign and various special events play an important role in ensuring that ALL in the community, regardless of financial circumstance, have access to and benefit from all the YMCA has to offer.
Contact
1-716-565-6000 ext. 104
kdonaldson@ymcabn.org
Location
301 Cayuga Road, Suite 100 Suite 100
Buffalo, NY 14225