Buffalo United Front (BUF) was established in the fall of 2007, after another tragic summer left the lives of many area youth forever changed. The need for a collaboration of front-line organizations and individuals working to reduce youth violence in the City of Buffalo was readily apparent. As neighborhoods struggle to cope with increasing losses of loved ones and dwindling public resources, the role of trained and knowledgeable community volunteers becomes critical in the area of youth violence prevention & intervention.

A discussion between United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s board members and community volunteers led to informal discussions on how to support these front-line organizations and volunteers. By establishing a body that provides and fosters support of these individuals, organizations and neighborhood groups interested in curbing youth violence, communication can be facilitated among them. Increased communication among these participants will increase their ability to learn from one another as well as learn what community resources are available as a whole.

BUF members have an intimate knowledge of the pain caused by violence. Many individual BUF members have experienced first-hand, the loss of a loved one due to violence. The members of BUF have a commitment to the core competencies of Violence Intervention/Prevention & Awareness, Direct services to Youth & Families in Crisis, Economic Development and Neighborhood Strengthening.