F.A.T.H.E.R.S. The F.A.T.H.E.R.S.  (Fathers Armed Together to Help Educate Restore and Save) goal is to reach every father, grandfather and young man in Buffalo in a variety of social settings like schools, churches and community centers. The F.A.T.H.E.R.S. Street Patrol consists of an elite group of strong, courageous fathers who are spirit-led. We have clocked thousands of hours in the streets and have first-hand experience in some of the meanest, toughest and most dangerous neighborhoods. Our fathers recognize confusion, sense trouble and are able to defuse any situation instantly.

Our Loving Arms  OLA provides a safe haven for mothers recovering from substance abuse and their children that may have been affected by their mother’s drug use during her pregnancy. Our Loving Arms, Inc. is a non-profit organization located in a residential area near two or more bus lines, churches and a shopping area.  The home assists mothers with self esteem and confidence needed to develop and function as a parent.

Our Loving Arms gives these caregivers and their addicted babies a chance to live in a supervised environment for at least 18 months yet no more than 5 years.  The caregivers will be provided with a nurturing home, on-site supportive programming, medical attention, peer mentoring, substance abuse counseling, budgeting, parenting and other Life Skills.  The following goals have been established:

• To reunite the drug-exposed children with their caregiver.
• Provide caregiver with Basic Life Skills.
• Assist mother and child with mental and substance abuse counseling.
• Enable mother and child to move on to economic, emotional and social stability.
• Network with neighboring churches and other community based organizations to enhance the caregiver and child’s life.

THE FAMILY The mission of THE FAMILY (Together Having Empathy Families And Mentors Impacting Lives of our Youth) is to bring together men of the community to make an impact upon youth.  Another aim of THE FAMILY is to draw upon the strength in numbers of members as well as those of like-minded organizations.

THE FAMILY believes that making a difference in the community is dependent on unity between these organizations. The Goal is to stop the violence, killing and retaliation among young people. It is also to help youth find jobs that develop their skills for the future, complete their education and build positive youth developmental assets. We strive to get young people involved in our community to make it better through voluntary activity at churches, block clubs, beautification projects, schools, community centers, hospitals and nursing homes. We will set aside our differences and work together to give direction to youth and teach them not to give up on their futures.

NOW Generation Our mission is to empower youth with vision and purpose against self-destructive ways of gang violence, bullying, gun possession and so on.  The Now Generation (NG) pursuit is to plant a tree of life and hope in the midst of despair for those deeply affected by violence.  Our goals are to embark on initiatives such as a Day of Unity for our youth, a student forum, A Day of History and Volunteering, etc.  Our purpose is to keep our youth focused on images other than what the media portrays and to allow them to remember that they determine their future.  On December 11, 2010, the Now Generation pursued its first Peace Walk through the streets of Buffalo, New York.   We  partnered with  organizations and youth from the across the region, standing against the war taking place on our very own streets  declaring “Peace Now,” with the city of Buffalo’s Mayor and other officials.  The Now Generation (NG) is an organization that stands against violence and the terror that has taken over the minds of our youth.

The GIRLS Sports Foundation, Inc The GIRLS Sports Foundation, Inc. (G.S.F.) is a not for profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to promote the importance of academic achievement, respect, self-confidence, healthy lifestyles, team work, and good sportsmanship through sports participation and mentoring among under-served girls ages 4-18 years old. As the evidence of violence and obesity among girls increased, our organization was formed from an ardent vision. This vision has flourished quickly and is continually being shaped for success.

Since our inception in April of 2007 we have reached over 500 girls through various activities and events without being funded.  These functions have fully edified, educated and enriched the lives of our members, their parents, and our volunteers. We have been successful in organizing weekly basketball camps, summer basketball leagues, trips to Detroit, N.Y.C., & Washington D.C. to experience the cultural and history of the city and WNBA games. We have been on college tours and attended college sporting events that included women’s ice hockey and lacrosse. Our members have participated in National Women’s and Girls Sports Day events, health and wellness workshops, and basketball leagues throughout the city, Girl’s Scouts events, and fishing excursions. Our continued partnership with the University Of Buffalo Department Of Social work has provided mentoring through team building activities and round table discussions with our members. Also through this partnership, our members participate in a pen pal relationship with a local nursing home.

In the immediate future, we plan to broaden our range of progress and awareness to our target market by doing the following:

• Implementing non-traditional sports within our monthly lesson plans
• Collaborating with other youth targeted groups to provide our members with relevant resources
• Continuing the education, training, and recruitment of a passionate volunteer staff
• Building our capacity through grant writing, fundraising, developing partnerships, and discovering fresh ideas
• Marketing our vision within the communities we serve through media outlets, civic engagement opportunities, and active involvement in our member’s personal development and growth
• Continuing to organize events that provide a nurturing environment, relevant knowledge, physical activity, mental wellness, and community development.

No More Tears No More Tears’s mission is to facilitate and promote self-awareness of potential and ability in individuals. Those individuals who are experiencing problems with lose of any kind. Linkages will be made with other agencies that provide further assistance when needed. The primary objective is to help them understand and identify the need for help.

No More Tears’s vision is to develop a sense of culture and community awareness that will enable them to make decisions concerning their personal and career objectives. To bring knowledge of self and their community. To help develop self esteem, that will enable them to make decisions based upon who they are and not necessary who they are made to feel.

Y2J Urban Youth Ministries  The mission of Y2J is to assist at risk inner-city youth, teen-mothers/fathers, and young adults in securing economic self-reliance, educational advancement, and spiritual empowerment through personal growth, mentoring, leadership training programs, civic engagement and community development. Y2J seeks to provide a safe, nurturing, learning environment to promote growth and development and assist any youth or young adult regardless of economic status, social background, cultural, or ethnicity to becoming productive citizens of society. Y2J seeks to expand collaboration between organizations and emphasizes cultural competence when dealing with youth.

Activities include:

• Job and career readiness preparation and develop post-secondary educational plans.
• Building self-sufficiency through gainful employment and entrepreneurial training & development.
• Coaching teen-mothers/fathers through guidance, family support, and mentoring.

100 Mighty Men Ministries 100 Mighty Men has conducted cookouts and other activities to help stabilize neighborhoods on the East Side of Buffalo, and by disseminating a peaceful message through encouraging East Side residents to join efforts to clean up the area. Among some of the areas the group has helped clean up are Rawlins Street between Goodyear Avenue and Genesee Street, Alma Avenue between Bailey Avenue and Suffolk Street and East Ferry Avenue between Jefferson Avenue and Laurel Street. These clean ups are a small portion of the activities that 100 Mighty Men use to instill a sense of community within the East Side of Buffalo.

100 Mighty Men activities include:

• Community activities – Neighborhood cleanups and rallies.
• Violence prevention & intervention – Provide immediate support for families of violence victims – direct to services and provide guidance assistance at funerals/memorials. Assist at incident scene w/ crowd and traffic control.
• Youth development– Literacy program, trade/vocational skills, Cub Scout troop & open air market to address needs of youth. Street mentoring to help youth avoid negative influences.

ECMC Pastoral Care

United Way of Buffalo and Erie County