March 18, 2024
Selection Committee:
Mark Laurrie
Stephanie Pennington
Rev. Craig D. Pridgen, Co-Chair
Emily Burns Perryman
Bernie Tolbert, Co-Chair
Lisa Wardynski
OurMission:
Facilitatingconversationsacrosshumandifferencesthat createmutualunderstandingandrespect
Calling people in, not out.
Executive Director
Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission, Inc.
On February 21, 2020, Terry Alford was hired as the Executive Director of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor (MSAAHC) His role involves leading the development of a Strategic Action Plan for the heritage corridor, overseeing $35 million in capital construction projects, and managing various assets like the Michigan Street Baptist Church and Nash House Museum
Alford brings over 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, having previously worked as a Community Engagement Program Manager at Cicatelli Associates and in various roles at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. He holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Medaille College and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the State University College at Buffalo.
Alford is actively involved in community activities, serving on several local and statewide boards and co-founding organizations like Men Allied for the Need to Understand Prostate Cancer. He has received honors such as the St. Martin de Porres Roman Catholic Church Holy Name Society's 2016 "Man of the Year" award.
A Buffalo native, Alford resides on the city's east side with his wife, Laurie, and is the proud father of one daughter and grandfather of two.
Congratulations Terry on your 2024 Community Hope through preserving history Award!
West Side Community Services is located at 161 Vermont Street on Buffalo’s West Side. The organization offers services to the local community, primarily focusing on youth and senior resilience, social interaction, mental and physical wellness, local/healthy food access, prosocial behavior development, drug/alcohol/violence prevention, and education.
Youth programming includes after-school, evening, and summer programs for youth ages 5-19.
Older adult programs have recently expanded to five days a week! The West Side Seniors program offers a variety of activities for adults aged 55 and up, including yoga, tai chi, puzzles, bingo, cognitive exercise, arts and crafts, creative writing, lectures, and outings.
Provisions 139 pantry is located at 44 Breckenridge Street and serves customers in four surrounding zip codes.
The neighborhoods surrounding WSCS contain the most diverse zip codes in the state outside of New York City. WSCS’s programs welcome and celebrate children, teens, and older adults from different cultures, ethnicities, socio-economic strata, ages, and language groups. WSCS staff and volunteers are multilingual and multicultural to serve the community effectively.
The organization holds many community events throughout the year. These events are free and open to all ages to strengthen neighborhood connectedness Please mark your calendar for their annual Rock the Block party on August 21, 2024
Congratulations West Side Community Services on your 2024 Community Hope through community service Award!
Hannah Joseph, a Williamsville East High School senior in Western New York, has been deeply involved in community service since her teenage years. She's been a member of local youth organizations, volunteering at food pantries and gardening projects, gaining insight into the needs of the underprivileged and advocating for them.
Recognized for her service, she serves on the Amherst town youth board and finance committee, helping plan activities and training incoming members Her work has inspired many youn in community service, fostering leadership skills and empathy
She's led various youth campaigns and co-founded the TIES program in Williamsville schools. She's received several awards, including the Hershey's Heartwarming Young Hero Award and the Presidential Gold Service Award. Selected for the CADCA Youth Leadership Council in 2024, Hannah exemplifies young people's impact in creating positive change and emphasizes the importance of collective effort and inclusivity. She is an inspiring example highlighting how community healing and progress require a collective effort, starting with individual actions. Hannah's work is a poignant reminder that creating inclusive spaces is challenging. By taking meaningful actions, we can all contribute to making the world a more compassionate and equitable place for all.
Congratulations Hannah on your 2024 Community Hope through volunteering Award!
Marquell Mack is an accomplished Poet, talented Graphic Designer and Marketing Professional, and an avid and dedicated Community Advocate for the Homeless population here in Buffalo.
Marquell was born to a young teen Mom who faced insurmounttable hardships with no family support or guidance and eventually was placed into the foster care system. Life was relentless and tumultuous. He navigated a life of homelessness from a very early age, along with endless attempts to survive street life. There were countless opportunities and circumstances where he faced physical harm, prison, and death. There were even more circumstances where Grace covered him and said “not today”.
This grace led him to using his life’s lessons and experiences to help those who have led lives with similarities to his, Homelessness specifically, and he continues to dedicate himself to this mission.
He is the founder and event facilitator of the city’s ‘Hope for the Homeless’ Resource events where local homeless individuals attend and receive a variety of assistance and valuable resources like basic needs and hygiene packages, basic medical attention, advocacy and education, hot meals, clean clothing, and more. He is currently executing the 3rd ‘Hope for the Homeless” event, a Community Baby Shower event for mothers and families in need of baby items, and a Spring comedy showcase where proceeds will continue to support future Hope for the Homeless events All the support this community continues to rally in giving to these events is incredible and greatly appreciated
Marquell’s poem, “I NEED THERAPY” is available to stream here: https://youtu be/Q1uJWTpwgeg?feature=shared By listening, you will understand the scope of Marquell’s mission and his journey to the brilliant and thoughtful loving man he is today.
What a great honor to be recognized by the community that has such a big part of his heart.
Congratulations Marquell on your 2024 Community Hope through giving backAward!
Colleen Babcock, Horizon Health Services' Parent & Family Support Coordinator, emphasizes the vital role of family support in addiction treatment and recovery.
Witnessing firsthand the challenges of prescription drug addiction with her child, she transitioned from a banking career to becoming an advocate for addiction support
With Horizon since 2013, Colleen's role extends beyond its original scope. She educates and supports families grappling with substance abuse, focusing on expediting treatment access and providing emotional support. Colleen trains individuals in Narcan administration, saving lives in overdose situations. Additionally, she oversees Horizon's Therapy Dog Program, offering comfort to clients and families.
Colleen organizes bi-weekly Parent and Family Support meetings across Western New York, facilitating education and skill development for families navigating addiction. She also serves as the Program Director for the Alden Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, supporting her hometown community.
Recognized in 2019 by Buffalo Business First for "Excellence in Healthcare," Colleen stresses the importance of community support and education in addressing addiction challenges
Congratulations Colleen on your 2024 Community Hope through supportive paws Award!
Adnan Hossain, a Bengali-American high school junior, traces his roots to Brooklyn, NYC, where he was born before embarking on a journey to Buffalo at a young age.
Inspired by the diverse cultural tapestry of his upbringing, Adnan's passion for photography, videography, and film blossomed his sophomore year of high school, fueled by his eagerness to explore various forms of media Whether capturing the intensity of sports events or the raw beauty of everyday life through film photography, Adnan finds joy in every frame he captures, infusing his work with a sense of authenticity and dynamism. As he navigates his junior year, Adnan remains dedicated to honing his craft, pushing the boundaries of his creativity while continuing to immerse himself in the rich world of visual storytelling.
A Buffalo Prep scholar, Adnan has captured photos and videos highlighting individuals' passions, talents, and experiences. As the son of immigrant parents, he embraces the importance of community and uplifting cultural assets. Whether it is capturing moments for the school yearbook, the Hispanic parade, or filming a video of students traveling to visit colleges, Adnan is eager to showcase the beauty and brilliance of his community.
Congratulations Adnan on your 2024 Community Hope through visual arts Award!
Latricia C. Davis, M.S., is a dynamic leader and the Director of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity for West Herr Automotive Group. In this influential role, she spearheads initiatives to cultivate an inclusive organizational culture where diversity is celebrated and genuinely embraced Latricia is a seasoned professional and globally sought-after keynote speaker renowned for her compelling presentations that effectively inspire teams to communicate their company's value through strategic storytelling. Adding a unique academic perspective to her multifaceted career, Latricia is on the brink of completing her PhD in Creative Leadership Innovation and Change at the University of Virgin Islands As the owner of Intro Lifestyle Boutique, she seamlessly combines entrepreneurial flair with a keen sense of style, exemplifying her versatility. Beyond her professional achievements, Latricia is the Leading Lady at Impacting Love Global Ministries, working alongside her husband, Apostle Garney Davis Jr. As a devoted mother to their children, she brings her passion for inclusivity and empowerment into her personal life.
"Fueled by the belief that diversity sparks innovation, I am dedicated to empowering lives through inclusive leadership and the transformative power of storytelling. In every endeavor whether in business, education, or personal growth—I live by the mantra: 'Empower, Inspire, Transform,' ensuring no dream is left unfulfilled"
Latricia's profound commitment to empowering women to break through barriers, shatter ceilings, and embrace their strength sets her apart. In alignment with this mission, she has embarked on an inspiring venture by launching Sisterhood Sagas, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of women who have triumphed over adversity Through this initiative, Latricia aims to create a robust support, encouragement, and mentorship network, fostering a community where women can share their experiences, uplift one another, and collectively break new ground. Sisterhood Sagas reflects her unwavering belief in the transformative power of shared narratives and solidarity as she continues to champion the empowerment of women not only within her professional endeavors but in the broader context of their personal and collective journeys
Congratulations Latricia on your 2024 Community Hope through community connections Award!
Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein's journey to Buffalo in 2008 began a profound chapter in his life. Taking the helm at Temple Sinai, now lovingly known as Congregation Shir Shalom, he infused the community with his warmth, creativity, and boundless compassion, shaping a spiritual haven.
His dedication extended far beyond the synagogue walls, weaving him into the fabric of Buffalo's communal tapestry. Whether offering solace to those in need or navigating the intricacies of synagogue governance, Rabbi Alex became an integral part of the city's spiritual landscape.
Admired and respected, he assumed leadership roles on various local and national boards, leaving an indelible mark on Buffalo's religious and social spheres Awards such as the Interfaith Community Leader Recognition 2016 underscored his impact and commitment
Yet, beneath the accolades and achievements lies a deeper narrative a longing for connection, purpose, and shared growth Through his writings and contributions to publications like the Buffalo News, Rabbi Alex reaches beyond physical boundaries, seeking to touch hearts and minds with his words.
In Amherst, alongside his beloved wife Ashirah and their three children, Jarah, Boaz, and Noam, Rabbi Alex finds solace amidst the bustling rhythms of life, cherishing each moment while yearning for a world where understanding and empathy flourish.
Congratulations Rabbi Alex on your 2024 Community Hope through faith Award!
Outstanding Outstanding
Artwork: Artwork:
Staff Choice:
Staff Choice:
Made Us
Made Us
Smile: Smile:
Most Most IInspiring: nspiring:
Bria Barnes-Anderson, Grade 8, Cleve Hill
Isabella, St Mary’s School for the Deaf
Adelina Hada, Grade K, Maryvale
Wafiqah Talukder, Amherst, Grade 9
Kaydence Fye, Cleve Hill, Grade 8
Aleena Pervez, Grade 6, Cleve Hill
Bradley Bartnik, Grade 8, Cleve Hill
Ryker Archie, Grade 3, Como Park
Thank you to our Individual Sponsors and Donors:
IndividualSponsors:
SheilaBernard
AmyHabib
Karen&RichardPenfold
LindaPollack
JamesSmyton,Esq
RichTucker
EvieWeinstein
BusinessSponsors:
CongregationShirShalom
Hospice&PalliativeCare RestorationSociety,Inc.
WestSideCommunityServices
WesternNewYorkFoundation
Programming
DEI Training designed around your needs for all sectors; Schools, Non profits, Businesses & Corporations
Listening Circles: Courageous Conversations
Community Events
Multifaith Thanksgiving Serviceheld annually and open to all faiths and creeds
Community Collaborations with Faith, Law Enforcement, Educators and other sectors; Faith In Blue, Fair Fines & Fees, Niagara Falls MLK Program
Eat & Meet Community Events - this initiative began in 2022 as a way to share a meal and enjoy conversations with others
Diggin'intoDiversityisgeared towardskindergartenthrough middleagestudents
CriticalThinkers,Readers& LeadersRetreat-thisweekend longprogramisforhighschool studentswhichfostersan environmentofcriticalthinking, leadershipandaloveforreading
LeadershipWorkshops--daylong conferenceforjuniorandsenior highschoolsstudentfocusedon topicalsubjectslikebullying,safe datingetc
AgentsofChangeCamp--held annuallyfor40+yearsthisweek longprogramisforhighschool studentsinterestedinbreaking downthebarrierswithlaw enforcement&thecommunityand createleadershipskillsinlegaland lawenforcementarenas
President
Rene Petties-Jones
Chairperson
Bradford Watts
Co Vice-Chairs
Amanda Hays
Emily Burns Perryman
Co-Treasurers
Essence L. Chisholm
David M. Schmidt
Secretary
Tamara Alsace, Ph D
Legal Counsels
William Christ, Esq
James Smyton, Esq
National Board Representative
Rev. Craig Pridgen
Immediate Past Chair
Bernie Tolbert
Members
Christopher Cobb
Dawn Gilliam
Mark Johnson
Mark Laurrie
Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein
Rabbi Cantor Penny Myers
Stephanie Pennington
Lori D. Pratt
Suzanne Rosenblith, Ph.D.
Corporate Advisory Council:
Anne E. Joynt, Esq.
Yan Liu
Michael N Martin
BJ Stasio
DeWan L. Stroud
Contact Us:
RenePetties-Jones
President rpetties-jones@nfjcwny org
Dr. KristyTyson,MBA.DM.
Director of Diversity Education ktyson@nfjcwny.org
LynLeopold
Office Manager/Program Assistant lleopold@nfjcwny org
