1 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community PROJECTED NEEDS OF ABOUT SAY YES BUFFALO BUFFALO EMPLOYERS Say Yes Bufalo is a landmark child in the program to achieve his partnership that brings together the or her potential and include: Bufalo Public School District, parents, Social services and family supports the Bufalo Teachers Federation, the 10 YEARS 165,000 Bufalo Association of Administrators and After school and summer programming new jobs Supervisors, higher education, the City of Mentoring Bufalo, Erie County, Say Yes to Education, Inc., and a diverse group of Bufalo area Health care corporate, non-proft, and philanthropic Mental health care organizations to organize people, time, Legal services money and resources to provide holistic, year-round support to Bufalo Public College preparation supports will need a postsecondary School District students throughout their College scholarships 64% credential of some kind K-12 years and beyond. Say Yes Bufalo Paid internships and its partners believe every student can NYS Department of Labor; Bureau of Labor Statistics graduate high school and college when given the proper supports, resources and When it was launched in December opportunities. 2011, Say Yes Bufalo became the second Say Yes chapter to partner with an entire INVESTING IN EDUCATION Say Yes Bufalo partners facilitate city school district. Other Say Yes GROWS THE ECONOMY comprehensive supports, including locally chapters are located in Cambridge, funded tuition scholarships to one of MA; Hartford, CT; New York City, NY; more than 170 colleges and universities Philadelphia, PA; Syracuse, NY; and for those who meet residency, graduation Guilford County, NC. and admission requirements. These Local Economy supports are aligned with what research indicates is needed to enable every 33.2% $1.7 NYS Average BILLION
24.4% of Bufalo adults have 4-year degrees; Increasing this number to the NYS average of 33.2% will bring $1.7 billion annually in disposable income into WNY economy Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2014 QuickFacts and CEOs for Cities Talent Dividend
2 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THE COVER... In June 2015, hundreds of Say Yes Bufalo Scholars graduated high school and among Letter from the Chair of the Scholarship Board and them was Abbeni Dixon - the student Executive Director ...... 4 representative who spoke at the event announcing the Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Scholarship Board ...... 5 in December 2011. Abbeni is now a freshman at Morgan State Profles ...... 6 University. Donor: Daniel Lewis ...... 6 Scholar: Sumitra Archyra ...... 14 Scholar: Kyle Gray ...... 22 Mentor: Megan Larson ...... 30 Parent: Valencia Powell ...... 36
About our Programs ...... 16 Kindergarten-Grade 12 ...... 16 Pre-College ...... 28
College ...... 20 TOP: Bufalo Public School student Abbeni Governance ...... 26 Dixon in ninth grade speaking at the event Community Leadership Council ...... 24 to announce Say Yes Bufalo. Operating Committee ...... 25 BOTTOM: Three years Community Task Forces ...... 26 later, Dixon walking across the stage for her graduation from Donors to the Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Fund ...... 32 the Bufalo Academy for Visual and Staf ...... 38 Performing Arts.
3 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community Letter from the CHAIR OF THE SCHOLARSHIP BOARD AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Welcome to Say Yes Bufalo’s 2015 Report to the Community! Coordinated with the Erie County Bar Association’s This past year, powered by the Say Yes Bufalo Partnership’s Volunteer Lawyers Project and the legal community unwavering commitment to the vision of a better Bufalo, we’ve of Western New York to add more legal clinics, providing made incredible progress towards strengthening educational free legal advice to Bufalo students and families outcomes for Bufalo students. We hope our Angel Donors and Embedded Family Support Specialists into every Bufalo partners feel a sense of pride when you consider the signifcant Public School to mentor and connect students and families progress we’ve made together to remove barriers to our city’s with social services and other supports young people’s ability to graduate high school prepared to succeed in college. The services and supports we are facilitating Partnered with The Bufalo Niagara Partnership and the with dozens of partner organizations in this community took Western New York Association of College and Career Centers important steps toward maturity this past year. We are to launch a paid internship program for scholars that will pleased to share the following highlights: create an important talent pipeline for our young people while meeting the pending demand for 165,000 open jobs In the past year, we… anticipated in the next ten years here in Bufalo Contributed to another increase in the Bufalo Public Schools’ graduation rate, which rose to 61% for the class We invite you to explore the enclosed report and refect on of 2015, and marked a 10-year high for the school district the accomplishments made to date. None of this could be done without your leadership, advocacy and support. Saw our third class of scholars began their college careers at 69 institutions of higher education around the country, Thank you for believing in the power of this partnership. bringing the total number of Say Yes Bufalo Scholars With gratitude, we’ve helped get to college to nearly 3,000 Coordinated with Erie County and the Community Foundation for Greater Bufalo to increase access to needed mental health services in a total of 42 Bufalo Alphonso O’Neil-White Public School buildings Scholarship Board Chair Launched the Scholar Mentoring Program which pairs high school seniors with a mentor to guide them through the transition from high school to college David Rust Executive Director
4 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community Letter from the SAY YES BUFFALO SCHOLARSHIP BOARD The Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Board focuses on fundraising and policy related to the program’s scholarships. This board CHAIR OF THE SCHOLARSHIP BOARD is comprised of private individuals who are volunteering their time to raise the funds needed to provide the Say Yes Bufalo AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Scholarship in perpetuity. Scholarship Board members also determine eligibility guidelines and advocate on behalf of the program.
Nancy Davis Clotilde Dedecker Danis J. Gehl, Ph.D. Roger Hungerford Peter Hunt Jeremy Jacobs, Jr. Secretary
Luke Jacobs William L. Joyce Daniel Lewis Blythe Merrill Alphonso Reverend Rachelle Vice-Chair O’Neil-White Robinson Chair
Mary Anne Hon. Hugh Scott Nick Sinatra Stephen Swift Schmitt-Carey Treasurer 5 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community DANIEL LEWIS Donor
Daniel Lewis could be considered the frst donor to the decision to focus his giving on education-related issues. Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Fund. In 2011, he learned about Since then he has joined the board of the Say Yes Bufalo what was then just an idea, after meeting with Community Scholarship and the board of Say Yes to Education and Foundation President and Say Yes Bufalo co-founder Clotilde he works tirelessly to connect the organization with Perez-Bode Dedecker and immediately jumped at the opportunities to grow its reach. He’s also made non- opportunity “to invest,” as he puts it. traditional fnancial commitments to the Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship, including conception of and support for the “When Clotilde explained how the scholarship would work, “Bright Spots” marketing campaign to grow awareness of the it was clear to me that this was a tool where people like efort among potential donors, and has pledged to donate me who care about Buffalo could invest in bettering its a percentage of anticipated profts through a Bufalo-based economy in a new way—by supporting the education of real estate venture. the city’s public school students, the region’s future workforce. I wrote a check then and there.” “I hope other business leaders will also see the importance of Say Yes,” says Lewis. “With these investments, I think it shows A native of Western New York, raised by two public school we are investing in this city’s young people and our great city teachers, Lewis grew up with a strong appreciation for the of Bufalo.” importance of education and the opportunities available to those who had access to earning a college degree. After graduating from Cornell University he landed in New York City, and put his education to good use building an impressive business portfolio. But, giving back was never far from his mind. According to Lewis, “I think it is important for business people to partner with our community leadership to provide opportunities for our children.” After a few years spent supporting a range of philanthropic interests, when he learned about Say Yes Lewis made a
6 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community DANIEL LEWIS Donor
7 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community A LOOK BACK Bright Spots from 2015-2016
In Fall 2015 we launched our “Bright Spots” marketing The Bufalo Niagara Partnership, campaign to highlight what has become possible The Western New York Association of for Bufalo students and families since launching College and Career Centers and Say the Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship. Driven by the vision Yes Bufalo teamed up to create a new and generosity of Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Board internship program to strengthen the Member Daniel Lewis, the campaign highlighted talent pipeline between our scholars specifc students and their families whose lives have and Western New York area employers. been changed due to the now real possibility of The new internship program provides a college education, and provided commentary paid summer opportunities for college from key Say Yes partners on why they support the juniors and seniors who are Say Yes program. Say Yes worked with award winning Bufalo Scholars. flm-maker John Paget to create a compelling video that shares the story of Say Yes. To view the video, BELOW: The new Say Yes internship click “Learn More” at SayYesBufalo.org. program provides paid summer opportunities for current Say Yes Scholars RIGHT: Kyle Gray (back center), a future Say Yes Scholar, with his family at the video launch event.
Say Yes Bufalo joined the City of Bufalo in its call for diverse and inclusive workplaces by signing Mayor Byron Brown’s Opportunity Pledge. Say Yes Bufalo prides itself on being an inclusive workplace where its employees refect Bufalo’s rich diversity. Say Yes Bufalo is committed to continuing its eforts so that all members of Bufalo’s future workforce have fair and equal access to career opportunities in the city of Bufalo. LEFT: Mayor Byron Brown with Say Yes Bufalo Staf at the Opportunity Pledge signing.
8 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community A LOOK BACK Bright Spots from 2015-2016
The Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Fund passed the $23 million mark with help from The Ralph C. Wilson Jr., Foundation which announced a $2 million grant in January 2016. One hundred percent of donations to the Scholarship Fund go toward college scholarships for graduates from Bufalo public and charter high schools.
BELOW: Mary Wilson (center), other leaders from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Bufalo public schools Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash, Mayor Byron Brown, Say Yes Bufalo Scholars and Partners at an event to announce the foundation’s $2 million gift.
ABOVE: Scholarship Board Member Hon. Hugh Scott at a press conference to announce expansion of Say Yes legal clinics. Legal Clinics expanded to additional locations and to provide summer hours. In 2015, a new clinic was added at the Bufalo Public Schools’ Adult Education Center in downtown Bufalo. This clinic brings the total number of clinics now in operation to fve. Each is open one day per The Say Yes family welcomed Guilford week throughout the school year. A sixth clinic location County, NC as its frst county-wide at BPS Central Registration will open in Summer 2016 to chapter. Guilford County, which provide access to services during summer months when includes the cities Greensboro and the school-based locations are closed. All clinics are stafed High Point, serves 72,000 students. by local attorneys who volunteer their time through the Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, and RIGHT: Guilford County students celebrate at the Say Yes announcement event. they are available on a walk-in basis to provide advice on non-criminal matters.
9 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community A LOOK BACK Bright Spots from 2015-2016
Twenty-nine private colleges and universities joined the Say Yes to Education Higher Education Compact in 2015, providing signifcant additional scholarship opportunities for our scholars. There are now almost 100 private and 74 public postsecondary options for Say Yes Bufalo Scholars in New York State and around the U.S. including in California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington, DC. To see a full list of our college partners, visit SayYesBufalo.org/scholarship.
University at Bufalo student Safyah Hassan with her mentor Elizabeth Gurney, Executive Director, First Niagara Foundation. In partnership with Compeer of Greater Bufalo, Say Yes Bufalo launched a Scholar Mentoring Program in 2015, to match students about to graduate high school with a mentor to help guide them through the transition to college. Since launching, 50 mentor matches have been made and several local businesses, including Curbell, Harmac, Sandhill Investment Management, First Niagara and Rich Products, have partnered with the program by encouraging their staf to volunteer as mentors.
10 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community A LOOK BACK Bright Spots from 2015-2016
Dr. Ellen Grant joined Say Yes to Education’s national team as Senior Vice President for Chapter Programming at Say Yes to Education. Dr. Ellen Grant joined the national team at Mayor Byron Brown assembling a Bak Tablet with Say Yes Scholars after announcing the city would donate 500 of the tablets to Say Yes Bufalo Scholars. Say Yes to Education, stepping down from her role as Deputy Mayor of the City of Mayor Byron Brown and the City of Bufalo donated 500 BAK Board Tablets Bufalo. Dr. Grant now supervises Say Yes manufactured by START-UP NY Bufalo based BAK USA to Say Yes Bufalo Scholars. chapters in Harlem, NY; Philadelphia, PA and Syracuse, NY. In addition, Dr. Grant is supporting the national ofce’s eforts to build strategies to increase postsecondary persistence for students who attend college throughout the country with the help of Say Yes scholarships and grants.
11 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community A LOOK BACK Bright Spots from 2015-2016 Who makes up the Bufalo public school system? IMPACT DASHBOARD The Say Yes Bufalo Impact Dashboard is a collection of data points that the Say Yes Bufalo STUDENT Partnership identifed collaboratively to measure the impact of their work. Individual data DEMOGRAPHICS points are updated annually as data becomes available at SayYesBufalo.org.
Black or DISTRICT ENROLLMENT African American K -12 White
Hispanic or Latino 32,165 31,815 Asian or Native 31,590 Hawaiian/Other Pacifc Islander 30,831 30,750 Multiracial
American Indian or Alaska Native
PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADUATION and MATRICULATION RATES 14% Nationally since 2012, postsecondary enrollments have decreased overall by 4.4% and Of students are English in New York State they have dropped by 2.1%. But in Bufalo the overall number of Language Learner/Limited students who enrolled in postsecondary has increased. English Profcient. (2014-2015)
12 percentage point increase in high school graduation rate since the launch of Say Yes Bufalo 79% Of students receive free or reduced lunch. (2014-2015) 10 percentage point increase in postsecondary enrollment rate since the launch of Say Yes Bufalo Sources include: New York State Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, Bufalo City School District Report Cards, Bufalo Public School District and The National Student Clearinghouse.
12 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community In addition to monitoring the outcomes stated in FAFSA COMPLETIONS the Impact Dashboard,A LOOK Say Y esBA is alsoCK committed The number of students applying for Federal aid to regular evaluation of the programs it supports. has increased since the launch of Say Yes Bufalo. Below areBright sample Spots outcomes from from2015-2016 the past year:
1,500 K-6 Summer Camps 1,200 Students who participated had NO summer learning loss
900 1,194 1,191 1,212
600 799 Preventive Services Program 300 Students who received services increased their school attendance rate 0 by an average of 4% ATTENDANCE
Mental Health Clinics Served 650 individuals in 2015 FINANCIAL DATA
Say Yes Bufalo Scholarships are funded by donations from private individuals, families, businesses and foundations. Legal Clinics 338 families received help in 2015; 58 local attorneys volunteered services Scholarship Fund: $23,000,000 committed* 100% goes toward student scholarships *An additional $2 million committed to the scholarship (after 2022) Summer Success Academies Erie Community College Summer Success Say Yes programs and operations are funded through a grant from Say Yes to Students improved their placement from Education, Inc. and matching dollars from public and private partners including developmental English and math to the City of Bufalo, Erie County, Catholic Charities, Bufalo Public School District, college level math and English. The Bufalo Niagara Partnership and the Community Foundation for Greater Bufalo. 95% 92% 93% Operational Budget: $5,951,265 improved their improved their improved their math placement reading placement writing placement. 82% goes toward student supports: (Programs and Program Personnel) 18% goes toward overhead costs (Administrative Personnel, Ofce Expenses, At Bufalo State College, 87% of Summer Success Students earned a 3.3 GPA or higher and earned Communications & Events) six college credits before13 | SAYthe YESschool BUFFALO year started. 2015 Report 87%to the Community SUMITRA ACHARYA Scholar
Sumitra Acharya, a Class of 2015 Say Yes Bufalo Scholar degree has been my lifelong goal, and now because of Say who now attends Bufalo State College, had more than just Yes I am much closer.” graduation to look forward to as she completed her senior year at Burgard High School this past spring, and graduated Sumitra hopes to become a pediatrician – and to travel back salutatorian. In July, she was on her way to Washington, DC as to Nepal and other third-world countries to help them create one of only 150 students from around the United States to be sustainable pediatric clinics. invited by First Lady Michelle Obama to attend her “Beating But for now, she’s focused on being a college student where the Odds” Summit at the White House. The opportunity came her hard work is continuing to pay of. During her frst about when Say Yes learned that the White House and the semester she earned a 3.7 GPA and is on the Dean’s Honor List. First Lady’s Reach Higher Initiative were looking for students who demonstrated determination in the face of signifcant challenges. Sumitra came to Bufalo in 2013 after spending her entire life in a refugee camp in Nepal. After returning from Washington, DC, Sumitra started her college career early by participating in Say Yes Bufalo’s Summer Success Academy at Bufalo State College. The program, designed to help incoming freshmen make the transition from high school to college, also allows them to earn up to six credits and they are paid through the City of Bufalo’s Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment program. “Through all these opportunities–the trip to the White House, the summer program and the scholarship, Say Yes Bufalo has had a signifcant impact on my life,” says Sumitra. “It opened the doors of opportunity for a student like me. Earning a
ABOVE: Sumitra and peers from from around the United States with First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House RIGHT: Sumitra at Bufalo State College
14 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community SUMITRA ACHARYA Scholar
15 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community About OUR PROGRAMS Say Yes Bufalo partners work in myriad ways to provide and facilitate programs that help remove barriers preventing students in the Bufalo Public Schools from graduating high school prepared to succeed in college. The range of programs now available through our collective eforts begin in Kindergarten and carry on through a student’s collegiate years. KINDERGARTENGRADE 12 PROGRAMS Family Support and Social Services: Say Yes Bufalo Mental Health Services: Mental health clinics are now available school-based staf, called Family Support Specialists (FSS), are in 42 Bufalo public school buildings to help students address any located at all 55 Bufalo Public Schools. In partnership with Erie social-emotional issues that may be preventing them from being County’s Department of Social Services, they are responsible successful at home or in the classroom, including depression, anger for working with students who demonstrate poor attendance and anxiety. Services are provided by licensed clinical mental health or behavior problems to help them get back on track. This can professionals, and are billed to the student’s health insurance (for include connecting students and their families to health, mental example, private insurance or Medicaid). In 2015 more than 650 health, after school and basic needs programs, providing individual students received services through these clinics and it is anticipated and group mentoring for the student and/or family, and assisting that the number will double by next year when clinics are open in families with navigating school processes including registration, all 55 school buildings. enrollment and parent-teacher conferences. One of the primary goals of this program is to increase student attendance, and to date there has been a four-percentage-point increase in attendance Key Partners: Bufalo Public Schools, Erie County, Community for those students engaged in the program. Foundation for Greater Bufalo, Baker Victory Services, Lake Shore Behavioral Health, Jewish Family Services, Kaleida Health, Catholic Health, Child & Family Services, Gateway Longview, Catholic Key Partners: Bufalo Public Schools, Catholic Charities of Western Charities, Child & Adolescent Treatment Services, New York State New York, Erie County Ofce of Mental Health, Mid-Erie Counseling & Treatment Services
RIGHT: Family Support Specialists Hector Gil (left) and Nikia Jackson (center) with a parent and members of the Class of 2015.
16 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community About OUR PROGRAMS
17 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community Legal Advice: Free legal advice is available to all Bufalo Public School students and families on non-criminal matters year-round at any one of our fve school-based legal clinic locations. Clinics are open four days per week during the school year and one day per week during the summer at a sixth location housed within the Bufalo Public School District’s Central Registration Ofce. Advice is provided by attorneys from local law frms and coordinated by our partners at the Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project. Since the frst clinics opened in January 2015, more than 338 families have received help through this service and 58 attorneys have volunteered their time and expertise.
Key Partners: Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Barclay Damon LLP, Gibson, McAskill & Crosby LLP, Harris Beach PLLC, In 2015 Say Yes Bufalo and the Bufalo Public School District agreed to a Hodgson Russ LLP, Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP, Phillips Lytle LLP seven-year funding plan to provide free summer camp for students in Kindergarten through grade 6.
Summer Camps: The Bufalo Public Schools, City of Bufalo and Say Yes Bufalo jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding that PRECOLLEGE SUPPORTS commits those parties to organizing and providing free summer programming to students in Kindergarten to grade 6 through 2021. NYGEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for The frst session of these “summer camps” was held in summer 2015 Undergraduate Programs): Say Yes Bufalo is proud to be a part of where 1,500 students participated in programs hosted by church and a local partnership funded through this federal initiative designed community-based organizations throughout the city. The camp day to increase the number of students who are prepared to succeed consists of an academic component that incorporates the Mayor’s in college. Led here in Bufalo by the University at Bufalo Graduate Summer Reading Challenge and reinforces school-year lessons plus School of Education, NYGEAR UP staf are now working at ten Bufalo an enrichment component that seeks to expand students’ exposure Public Schools to help 570 eighth graders envision and plan their paths to leadership, arts, culture and other activities. For summer 2016 the to college. Activities underway include parent workshops, college programs are being expanded from four weeks to six and hope to tours, counseling support, mentoring, tutoring, planning for high attract 3,000 students. school and college, and an academic summer program.
Key Partners: Bufalo Public Schools, University at Bufalo, Key Partners: Bufalo Public Schools, City of Bufalo, community Higher Education Services Corporation based and religious organizations, Erie County
18 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community PROGRAMS
FAFSA Completion Project: This efort led by the University at Bufalo provides one-on-one support to students and families as they navigate the fnancial aid process. Largely responsible for a 61% increase in successful federal fnancial aid applications by Bufalo public school students during the frst year it was available (2013), this program places volunteer fnancial aid experts at every Bufalo public and charter high school to help families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application, and the Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship application.
Key Partners: Bufalo Public School District, University at Bufalo
As part of the Say Yes to College Workshop Series a “Peer Panel” of current college students shares what they wish they had known before getting to college.
Say Yes to College Workshop Series: Free workshops are held monthly to help demystify the college and fnancial aid application processes for high school students by exploring topics such as The College Application Process, Essay Writing, Standardized Tests, Scholarships, Financial Aid, Self-Advocacy Skills, College 101 and Making the Transition from High School to College. Workshops are led by Say Yes staf and representatives from many of our higher education partners and attract an average of 40 students per workshop.
Key Partners: Canisius College, University at Bufalo, Courier College Prep
In partnership with the University at Bufalo, The FAFSA Completion Project has helped hundreds of families with the complicated process of applying for free state and federal college aid.
19 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community COLLEGELEVEL SUPPORTS College Scholarships: Perhaps what Say Yes Bufalo is best known for is its scholarship program. Funded by the generosity of more than 250 individuals, families, businesses and foundations, the Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship fund provides college tuition scholarships to all eligible Bufalo public and charter school students at any college or university in the State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) system and at nearly 100 private colleges around the country. The scholarship fund currently has $23 million committed and is well on its way toward an initial fundraising goal of $33 million, which will ensure the scholarships’ availability through the class of 2023. The class of 2013 was the frst eligible for the Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship and since inception we have helped nearly 3,000 students get to college. High school graduates accepted to Bufalo State who elected to participate in the Say Yes Summer Success Academy to get help with the transition to Key Partners: Say Yes Bufalo Angel Donors, Members of college. During the three week program students earn a stipend through the the Say Yes Bufalo Private College Compact Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program and six college credits.
Scholar Mentoring Program: In partnership with Compeer of Greater Bufalo, the Say Yes Scholar Mentoring Program launched in January 2015 to match high school seniors and current Say Yes Scholars with volunteer mentors. The program provides guidance and support to our scholars, many of whom are the frst in their families to go to college, as they make the sometimes difcult transition to college. Matches are made based on similar interests, career aspirations and preferences of both participants. To date 50 students have been matched with a mentor.
Key Partners: Compeer of Greater Bufalo, Rich Products, Sandhill Investment Management, First Niagara, The Bufalo Sabres
Our Scholar Mentoring Program matches college-bound high school seniors with area professionals with similar interests to help them through the college application and choice processes as well as the transition from high school to college.
20 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community PROGRAMS
Internship Program: Say Yes teamed up with the Bufalo Niagara Partnership, Western New York Association of College Career Centers, area businesses and local institutions of higher education to create a paid summer internship program specifcally for Say Yes Bufalo Scholars who have completed at least two years of college. Launched in spring 2016, with more than 45 paid internship opportunities, the positions cover a wide range of industries, including not-for-proft, accounting, education, human resources, retail operations, sales management, marketing, customer service, information technology, healthcare and more. Internship providers include Wegmans, Bufalo Niagara Medical Campus and BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.
Key Partners: The Bufalo Niagara Partnership, Western New York Association of College Career Centers, University at Bufalo, Bufalo State College, Medaille College, Villa Maria College, Erie Community College, Bryant and Stratton College, Niagara County Community The frst class of Say Yes Ambassadors includes students from University at College, First Niagara, Harmac, HSBC, Wegmans, The InVentures Bufalo, Bufalo State College and Erie Community College. Group, BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, National Grid, Darwin Martin House, Goodwill Industries, Superior Group, Deep Wells Ministries, Summer Success Academies: Another group of programs WNY Consortium of Higher Education, Community Foundation for that focus on supporting students as they transition to college Greater Bufalo, NFTA, Roswell Park Cancer Institute is our Summer Success Academies. Open to students matriculating to Erie Community College, Bufalo State College and Medaille College, each program is tailored to address potential barriers to student success prior to the students beginning their frst semester Say Yes Ambassadors: This student leadership program is of college. As an added incentive, students who participate in the dedicated to the positive promotion of Say Yes Bufalo within the programs have the opportunity to be paid for their work through community. Say Yes Ambassadors are all current Say Yes Scholars, a partnership with the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment who serve as liaisons between the organization and students, Program. To date more than 300 students have participated in families, colleges, donors, and other key stakeholders in the Say Yes these programs and early data shows they are persisting better Partnership. They participate in Say Yes events throughout the year than their peers. and help educate the community at large about the mission of Say Yes. Ambassadors also receive professional development training Key Partners: Medaille College, Bufalo State College, Erie in communication, public speaking and networking. The inaugural Community College, City of Bufalo class of 15 ambassadors began their work in January 2016.
21 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community KYLE GRAY Scholar Kyle always knew he wanted to go to college but wasn’t sure With his focus on education, Kyle has become a role model how he would get there. to his peers and inspires them to have the goal to graduate from high school and go on to pursue a college education. “My mom has always said that college is a big thing in life, “We all now know that college is a real option, and we’re because you need an education to be somebody,” said Kyle. excited” said Kyle. “But,” he added, “some parents don’t have the money to help To hear more of Kyle’s story and other Say Yes scholars and their kids get to college. So it’s wonderful that Say Yes is partners you can watch our Bright Spots video produced by helping and making it possible for those who might not have flmmaker John Paget at InvestInSayYes.org. been able to go.” Kyle was in sixth grade at Bennett Park Montessori Elementary School when Say Yes Bufalo was announced. Once he learned that he would be eligible for a scholarship from Say Yes when he graduated high school he immediately buckled down and began working harder at school. “Say Yes changed my future because it motivated me,” he said. “Now I’m pumped up to do better and pass to the next grade and keep going so that when I get to college and I fnish I can do what I want to do.” Now in the tenth grade at Middle Early College High School he’s focused on his future. “When I graduate from college I want to be a counselor because I like helping people,” he shared. “You have to have heart, and I have a lot of heart because of the my past experiences in my life.” RIGHT: Future Say Yes Bufalo Scholar Kyle Gray.
22 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community 23 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community GOVERNANCE COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL The Say Yes Bufalo Partnership gets much of its strength from the to the work of Say Yes, share updates on the partnership’s overall collaborative governance bodies that govern and guide its work. progress and provide opportunities for public input and dialogue. At the top of the structure is the Say Yes Bufalo Community Membership in the Council itself is comprised of more than 60 local, Leadership Council, which is chaired by the Mayor, Deputy Erie state and federal elected ofcials, business and community leaders, County Executive, President of the Board of Education, the New York parents, teachers and administrators (including union leaders). State Department of Education Regent for our region and the Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Board Chair. This body meets six times per year (three times privately, three times publicly) to tackle barriers 20152016 COCHAIRS: Byron Brown Dr. Catherine Collins Alphonso O’Neil-White Mayor, Regent, New York Chair, Say Yes Bufalo City of Bufalo State Board of Regents Scholarship
Jim Sampson Maria Whyte President, Bufalo Deputy Erie Board of Education County Executive
24 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community GOVERNANCE GOVERNANCE OPERATING COMMITTEE The Say Yes Bufalo Operating Committee meets every three Superintendent, teachers’ and administrators’ union presidents, weeks to monitor progress and ensure stability of programs. This chief of public school safety, higher education ofcials and leaders body is comprised of the Deputy Mayor, County Commissioner from the region’s two largest private foundations. of Social Services, parent leaders, the Board of Education, 20152016 MEMBERS: Crystal Boling-Barton Kevin Brinkworth Dr. Kriner Cash President, Bufalo Council Chief of School Superintendent, of School Supervisors & Safety and Security, Bufalo Public School Administrators Bufalo Police Department Gene Chasin Dr. Katherine Conway-Turner Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker Chief Operating Ofcer, President, President/CEO, Say Yes to Education, Inc. Bufalo State College Community Foundation for Greater Bufalo
Dr. Al Dirschberger Dr. Kenneth M. Macur Blythe T. Merrill Commissioner of Social President, Senior Vice President for Programs, Services, Erie County Medaille College The John R. Oishei Foundation
Jack Quinn Sam Radford Phil Rumore President, President, President, Erie Community College District Parent Bufalo Teachers Federation Coordinating Council
David Rust James Sampson Dr. Barbara Seals-Nevergold Executive Director, Board President & West Member-at-Large, Bufalo Say Yes Bufalo District Representative, Board of Education Bufalo Board of Education
25 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community GOVERNANCE
COMMUNITY TASK FORCES To directly engage local stakeholders in the diferent areas where the Say Yes Bufalo Partnership is focused on strengthening outcomes, a group of community Task Forces were created. Today there are nine Task Forces working on behalf of Bufalo students focused on a range of issues including early childhood education, leveraging relationships in the religious community to reach Bufalo families, and recruiting internships for our college scholars. Each Task Force is led by volunteers from the community and stafed by a member of the Say Yes Bufalo administrative team.
Birth to Third Grade Business Council Task Force Chair: Bob Orrange, Western New York Chairs: Anne Ryan, Read to Succeed Association of College Career Centers Bufalo; Jessica Sipes, Bufalo Public Mission School District; Amber Slichta, Create a talent pipeline that connects Community Health Foundation of Say Yes Bufalo Scholars to meaningful Western and Central NY internship and career opportunities Mission with Western New York employers Strengthen Pre-K programs so that students are ready to succeed in Key accomplishments Kindergarten t Recruited more that 25 companies to provide more than 45 paid Key accomplishments internship opportunities t Strengthened collaboration with United Way of Bufalo & Erie County Birth-to-Eight Coalition
Say Yes Bufalo’s new internship program was developed in partnership with the Bufalo Niagara Partnership to provide meaningful paid professional opportunities for our college scholars.
26 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community GOVERNANCE
Legal Task Force Mental Health Task Force Postsecondary Pathways Task Force Chairs: Robert Elardo, Esq, Erie County Bar Chairs: John Greico and Lynn Karczmarowski, Chairs: Dr. Nathan Daun-Barnett, University Association Volunteer Lawyers Project; Hon. Erie County Department of Mental Health at Bufalo; Steven J. Harvey, Ph.D., Western Judge Hugh Scott, U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Mission New York Consortium of Higher Education Mission Improve access to mental health services for Mission Link Bufalo Public School families to free and Bufalo Public School students Improve access to postsecondary options afordable legal services for non-criminal Key accomplishments for Bufalo’s students matters t 15 new mental health clinics added in Key accomplishments Key accomplishments school buildings, bringing total to 42 t Secured funding from New York State’s GEAR UP program to open College t Opened legal clinics in 5 Bufalo t More than 650 students connected Public School locations and made Success Centers at East, Lafayette, with needed services to address issues Riverside, South Park, Burgard, and the arrangements for an additional location ranging from depression to anger Bufalo Academy for the Visual and to be open during the summer months management Performing Arts High Schools when school-based locations are closed t 61% percent increase in the number t Recruited 6 WNY law frms to volunteer of Bufalo Public School students who services at legal clinics completed their FAFSA and New York State TAP applications for federal student aid
Dr. Nathan Daun-Barnett (center), University at Bufalo and The Legal Task Force has created six free clinics where Bufalo Public School parents and Allison Newman, Say Yes Bufalo, with University at Bufalo students can get legal advice on noncriminal matters from volunteer attorneys. Leaders at an award ceremony recognizing the partnership.
27 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community GOVERNANCE
Primary Health Task Force Religious Leaders Task Force Chairs: Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Chairs: Rev. Rachelle Robinson, Deep Health Commissioner; Assunta Wells Ministries; Rev. Dennis Lee, Ventresca, Bufalo Public School Hopewell Baptist Church District; Paul Hogan, The John R. Mission Oishei Foundation Increase information sharing of Say Mission Yes Bufalo programs and services to Increase access to primary healthcare Bufalo students and families through services for Bufalo Public School congregational outreach students and families. Key accomplishments Key accomplishments ABOVE: Members of the Religious Leaders Task Force chaired t Recruited 20 churches to host by Rev. Dennis Lee, Hopewell Baptist Church (frst row, t Funding secured to purchase a 2015 Say Yes Bufalo summer second from left) and Rev. Rachelle Robinson, Deep Wells and outft two mobile health camp Ministries (frst row third from left). units t Nine churches adopted 11 t Process underway to secure Bufalo Public School buildings BELOW: First Lady Gloria Babbs with students at the Thankful necessary New York State and and now provide supports, Baptist Church summer camp -- 20 churches participated in Federal permits/licenses to Say Yes Bufalo’s frst year of providing neighborhood-based including tutoring and camps for students in grades Kindergarten to 6. operate the mobile clinics with mentoring, to students in those the expectation they will open buildings in Fall 2016
ABOVE: Expected to launch in Fall 2016 are two Health In Motion mobile health units that can provide basic health care services at Bufalo public schools that don’t have a school-based health clinic.
28 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community THANK YOU TO OUR FORMER GOVERNANCE MEMBERS The Say Yes Buffalo Partnership is grateful to those individuals who served with our leadership bodies in 2015.
Former Community Leadership Council co-chairs:
Robert Bennett, Barbara Seals- Rich Tobe, Former Former Regent, New Nevergold, Former Deputy Erie County York State Board of President, Bufalo Executive Regents Board of Education
Former Operating Committee members:
Carol Dankert- Dr. Ellen Grant, Dr. Richard Jurasek, Donald Ogilvie, Maurer, Former Former Deputy Former President, Former Interim Commissioner, Erie Mayor, City of Medaille College Superintendent, County Department Bufalo Bufalo Public School of Social Services District
29 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community 29 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community MEGAN LARSON Mentor
In 2015, Say Yes Bufalo launched its Scholar Mentoring She’s also learned how to see things diferently as a result of Program. Created to help students make a successful her mentoring relationship. transition from high school to college and complete their frst year of postsecondary studies, the program matches high “Mentoring has taught me that everyone approaches the school seniors with professionals from the community. same situation diferently and so now I try to really step back and ask, tell me why you want to do this, why do you Megan Larson, a Senior Financial Analyst at Rich Products, think this way, are you good with that opinion. So when my was one of the frst area professionals to sign up. mentee is having difculty with a situation I can help her look at the situation from many diferent perspectives until “Helping others to go out and do what they want to do is something clicks, there’s this light bulb. They fnally get it and something I’ve always been drawn to,” says Megan, who is you witness this growth.” now a mentor to Chervona Lowmack, a 2015 graduate of the Bufalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, now Asked why she became a mentor Megan shares that she’s attending Erie Community College. always enjoyed helping others and looked for diferent ways to give back. And while it may seem that it’s the mentor’s job to take care of the mentee, Megan shares that the relationship can go “WIth the Say Yes Bufalo Scholar Mentoring Program I know both ways. I’m helping someone take an important life-step and that’s one of the biggest things I get out of it.“ “During my last meeting with Chervona we were talking about how our weeks were going and I ran down a list of what I was doing in my work life and my social life,” recounts Megan. “She just sat back and she said you need a break. You need to calm down and take a little bit of time for yourself.’ And about two days later, I hit a wall. I remembered what she had said so I cleared my calendar for a while. That really helped realign what I needed to do. So I sent her a text RIGHT: Say Yes Bufalo Scholar Mentor message saying ‘By the way I listened to you, and it really Megan Larson with her student mentee helped.’ Mentoring is more of a 360 degree program because Chervona Lowmack. it’s not just mentoring down to somebody to lift them up- it’s also mentoring up.”
30 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community MEGAN LARSON Mentor
31 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community THANK YOU Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Donors as of June 2016
INDIVIDUALS AND Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram Beuline Crawford* Mark Gawronski FAMILIES Willow and Gary Brost Michael Cross Scott and Dr. Danis J. Anonymous (7) Henry and Martha Dan and Amy Cross-Viola Gehl David Alfred Bruner The Employees of Bill and Mary Gisel James and Kristin Allen Ruth D. Bryant and Curbell, Inc. Grant Golden, MD Joyce and Stuart Angert Earl M. Lynch Richard W. Cutting* and Deborah Esther Annan Robert and Mary Mark and Nancy Davis Goldman Ann Budin Glenn Arthurs Valerie J. DeBerry Jefrey and Michele Kara Burke Charles Balbach Clotilde and Adrian Goldfarb Timothy Bush Allan and Melissa Dedecker III Henry and Judy Gorino Baumgart Jeanne M. Cheney Beth and Peter Demakos Ellen E. Grant Betsy and Scott Behrend Susanne and Kent Chevli Kevin Demme Gordon and Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Board Member and Angel Donor Luke Jacobs with Pamela Vogt Jacobs and Angel Ms. Gina Bellavia Elizabeth G. Clark Scott Dempsey Gretchen Gross Donor Elizabeth R. Jacobs at a tour of Say Yes programs and Mr. Eric Frank Kathryn L. Clune Pete Grum-Rand Capital David and Janet Desmon around Bufalo. Ericka N. Bennett Mary Ann Clune Amy S. Downing Jason Hedberg Joanne and James Babs Conant and Missy and Ryan Dunn Dr. Richard P. Betsy Constantine Karen Baker Levin Biltekof Camille Cox Janowski and Joe and Todd Levin Henry and Bonita Hershberger Janowski Belmore H. Bridgford Robert and Janie Durand Johanna Hess and Daniel Lewis Constantine Gregory A. Johnson James and Gayle Eagan Dan Higgins Penelope Lips Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Hon. Susan and Jef and Shelley Michael and M. Johnston III James Eagan Hirshberg Meghan Lynch Bruce and Gail Ross and Mary Alice Marie and Fred Houston Bill and Linda Magavern Johnstone Eckert Jasenka Hrustanovic Marie Marshall Roberta and Michael Robert M. Elardo Gerard and Barbara Colleen Hutton Joseph Joshua Feinstein Mazurkiewicz Martha and Tom Hyde Bill and Anne Joyce Denise Fiallo Mark McGovern and Tammy Marren Hyzy Dr. Richard T. and Dr. Amy Schmit Diane Finlayson Barbara S. Jurasek Daphne L. Inman Michael and Lawrence and Jill Ann Robbins-Jabine Karen R. Kaczmarski Barbara McQueeney Deborah Franco Eunice Jackson James and Leslie Kramer Blythe T. Merrill Angel Donors John Somers and Michele Lee, Nina and Bob Michael and Andrea with Brigid Doherty. Freudenheim Elizabeth R. Jacobs Justin Metcalf Kuettel Luke and Danielle Michael and Katie Fay Friedman Myra S. Lawrence Jacobs Militello 32 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community Jeremy C. Toth Scott and Mary Thomas Tomaka in Brian* and Martha Newman in honor honor of Patti and THANK YOU Townson of Harry and Phyllis Dominic Montaldi Newman Jennifer B. Tritto Beth Vandenberg and Dr. Francisco and Dr. Mary Schohn in Dennis Walczyk in honor Janet Vasquez honor of Betsy Behrend of Luke Bradley Rust Matthew Venhaus Drs. Mary Schohn and SAY YES BUFFALO Connie and Jack Walsh Larry Lantinga in honor LEGACY SOCIETY of Ruby June Behrend Edward and Claire White Anonymous (4) Cort and Denise Williams Thomas Tomaka in honor of David and Janet and Wayne Jeri Brooks Wisbaum Kevin Wyckof
David and Susan Zebro Angel Donor Anne Saldanha, Say Yes Scholarship Board Member Hon. Hugh Scott and Angel Donor Ruth Bryant. Mr. Michael Zeisler The Reverend Vicki Zust Alex Montante Linda Ray James C. Schwegler IN HONOR Nadia M. Moore Diane Roblin Carole and Joseph Tish Brady and Paul Sedita Allison D. Newman David and Joan Rogers Cesana in honor of Scott and Mary Aaron and Ayelet Rosen Kevin and Gail Sexton David and Jennifer Rust Newman Stephen and Judith Keith and Stacey Rowe Molly and Rob Greene Shanley Sanford and Nan and Craig Rung in honor of Emily Margery Nobel John and Susan Siskar David and Jennifer Rust Wyckof Donald and Jane Adrienne and S. Marcus David Sabath Beverly Jones, in Ogilvie Stanfll Devin Lamar Sanford honor of Carsheenah Alphonso and Marcia Joyce Stilson Melinda R. Saran S. Jackson and Diane O’Neil-White Joell A. Stubbe McLaughlin Say Yes Bufalo Melvin A. Parker, Michael and Marsha Leadership Team Tony and Kate Masiello Esq. and Jennifer Joy Sullivan J. Parker Robert A. Scharf in honor of Dr. Steve and Nicole Swift Elizabeth Conant and Frederick and Lisa Pierce and Dr. Lawrence Van Heusen Diana Jo Syracuse Ms. Camille Cox Nancy Pilcher Jake and Katie Mr. and Mrs. Orrin Dr. Harry and Phyllis Bob and Kathy Pollock Schneider D. Tobbe Newman in honor Angel Donor Ross Eckert at the Bright Spots Dr. Kevin and Merle Susan B. Schoellkopf Nancy Tobin and of Mary and Scott video premier. Pranikof David* B. Filvarof Newman, Allison Drs. Jefrey and Lawrence Quinn Newman, Tineke Chan Susan Schwartz LindaMarie and Michael Todd and Eric Newman
*deceased 33 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community Greater Bufalo Say Yes to Education Peter C. Cornell Trust Simple Gifts Fund James H. Cummings Statler Foundation Foundation, Inc. The Raul and Toni D-B Trust Vazquez Foundation Paul P. Dosberg Vogt Family Foundation Foundation Weissman Family East Hill Foundation Foundation Robert J. and Martha The Margaret L. B. Fierle Foundation Wendt Foundation Josephine Goodyear Western New York Foundation Foundation Angel Donor Mary Wilson of The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Hunt Charitable The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Board Member Steve Swift Foundation with Emerson High School students. Foundation Foundation with his wife Nicole; The Swifts are also Angel Donors. Foundation for Jewish Zeron Foundation IN MEMORIAM Adam Sandecki in Philanthropies Memory of Anita BUSINESSES AND City of Bufalo M&T Bank Jefrey Adams, in memory Joy Family Foundation of Clarence E. and Audrey Sandecki ORGANIZATIONS CTG Moog Inc. C. Adams Richard Tobe and Susan The Seymour H. Knox Anonymous (1) Curbell, Inc. Norton Rose Foundation, Inc. Daytuan & Betsy B. Tobe, in memory of Adams Actuarial LLC Delaware North Fulbright Canada LLP Antonetti, in memory Arnold B. Gardner Kenneth L. and Bank of America Companies, Inc. Print2Web, LLC of Ines Serrano Rivera & Katherine G. Koessler FOUNDATIONS Dopkins & Company, LLP Rich Family Foundation Alberta Gibson Family Foundation Bank of America Sandhill Investment In Memory of Janet Board Anonymous (2) Kreher Family Fund Employee Giving Eastman Foundation Program Management Sue S. Gardner, in Amgis Foundation Patrick P. Lee Foundation eDoctrina Corporation Barnes & Noble -Amherst Sinatra & Company memory of Arnold B. The Baird Foundation Stanford Lipsey Evans Bank Gardner Real Estate The Balbach Family Philanthropic Fund Barnes & Noble - First Niagara Foundation Cutler and Julie Greene, Westbury, NY Friends of Crystal Foundation Marks Family Foundation Gerald Kelly Capital in memory of Finley R. Peoples-Stokes Bell Trust BlueCross BlueShield Corporation Greene, Jr. Nyamekye Foundation of Western New York The Unitarian Universalist Richard W. Bowen Fund Gibraltar Industries Diana Morrow Johnson, The John R. Oishei Bufalo Sabres Church of Bufalo Children’s Foundation of in memory of Dr. Cherita Foundation Foundation John Somers/Harmac Univera Healthcare M. Johnson-Morrow Erie County, Inc. Medical Products, Inc. The Pierce Family Bufalo Teachers Walsh Dufeld Diana Morrow Johnson, Chur Family Foundation Charitable Foundation Federation KeyBank Foundation Companies, Inc. in memory of Eli Morrow The Louis P. Ciminelli Frank G. Raichle Lawley Insurance When Seconds Count, Inc. The Nyamekye The Church of Family Foundation Foundation Lougen, Valenti, Foundation, in memory Western New York Winthrop Financial Saldanha Family of Gregoria Daniel Community Citizens Bank Bookbinder, & WPO Ontario/SW-7 Foundation for Foundation Weintraub LLP Foundation Zenner and Ritter, Inc.
34 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community Angel Donors Sue Gardner and Gail and Bruce Johnstone. Key Bank Foundation Chair and CEO, Margot James Copeland, presenting $1,000,000 to the Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Fund with graduating seniors at Bufalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts.
Bank of America presenting $10,000 to the Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Fund at Erie Community College. Ben Packer (ECC), Kevin Murphy (Bank of America), ECC Student Kyle Salley, Angel Donor and Say Yes Bufalo Scholarship Board Member Howard Rich, of Angel Donor Rich Family Foundation, with elementary Nancy Davis, Laura Dolan (Bank of America) and David Rust (Say Yes Bufalo). students from Dr. George E. Blackman School.
35 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community VALENCIA POWELL Parent
“I always knew that Galen would go to college,” said Valencia Galen, a 2015 graduate of Frederick Law Olmsted School is Powell, mother of Say Yes Bufalo Scholar Galen Powell. currently a freshman at Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, New “I believed without a doubt, a way would be made possible York. He works seasonally at Canalside when he’s home from somehow.” school and the summer before his freshman year, he worked full-time in order to pay his dorm expenses at college, biking Valencia Powell met tough times as she steadfastly raised across town everyday, in the heat of summer and sometimes her son into the young man he’s become today. “After in the rain to get back and forth to work. leaving Florida to move to Bufalo when Galen was 14, we were homeless for some time,” she shared. “It was a struggle Said Valencia, “I’m so proud of my son and the man he’s to fnd employment, get on my feet and provide the basic becoming.” needs of food and shelter for my son.” Faced with adversity, Valencia instilled strong values of the importance of education and perseverance in her son. “I attended college myself and understand the importance of furthering your education after high school,” she said. “We never gave up, and through it all, I knew it would work out for the best.” Learning about Say Yes Bufalo and the scholarship opportunities for which Galen was eligible was a life changing moment for mother and son. “The Say Yes program reinvigorated the hopes and the dreams I’ve always had for him,” she said. “Through Say Yes, Galen now has the opportunity to pursue his college dreams and for that I am forever grateful.” RIGHT: Galen Powell and mother Valencia Powell
36 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community 37 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community OUR STAFF ADMINISTRATIVE SCHOOLBASED
Esther Annan Michael Lynch Tereka Baltimore Kari Cunningham Danielle Galenski Director of Data and Family Support Burgard High School Discovery School Stanley Makowski ECC Evaluation Specialist Supervisor Alexander Brady LaToya Cunningham Stefan Gallucci Daytuan Antonetti Eric Maldonado West Hertel Academy Middle Early College Dr. George E. Blackman Family Support Compliance Supervisor Amanda Brown High School ECC Specialist Supervisor Nadia Moore Bufalo Elementary Laurie Farinacci Hector Gil Betsy Behrend Sr. Director of School of Technology Futures Academy Bufalo Academy of Sr. Director of Operations and LeRondra Byrd Lydia Fernandez Visual & Performing Arts Operations and Programs Early Childhood Center Frank A. Sedita Wilbert Green Communications Allison Newman Johanna Caplan Academy Academy Programs Daniel Cross-Viola Scholarship Director Houghton Academy Michelle Frederick Sarah Hanley Family Support Tanice Pendergrass Thomas Cranston Dr. Lydia T. Wright Math, Science, Specialist Supervisor Family Support City Honors School School of Excellence Technology Preparatory Marissa Desiderio Specialist Supervisor School Family Support Daniel Robertson Katherine Hilliman Specialist Supervisor Scholar Mentoring Waterfront Elementary Mark Gawronski Supervisor School Program Coordinator/ David Rust Maggie Hoeltke Ofce Manager Executive Director Hillery Park Elementary Daphne Inman Gellenia Smallwood Lakia Hopkins Communications Scholarship Coordinator Highgate Heights Supervisor Emily Wyckof Nikia Jackson Sylvia Lloyd Director of Development Community-Based Family Support Family Support Specialist Supervisor Specialist Michael Katilus Southside Elementary Say Yes Bufalo administrative staf at summer partner thank you event
38 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community Jon Krol Elizabeth Minns Amanda Paul Dr. Charles Drew Dr. Charles R. Drew A Hamlin Park Science Magnet Street Annex Elementary Amanda Kulinski Kevin Modlmayer Stephanie Peete Lorraine Elementary School 81 Harriet Ross Tubman Aaron Lowinger Andrea Moyer Mariana Perez Community School Southside Elementary Herman Badillo Kelly Luce Kimberly Mullins Bilingual Academy Dr. Antonia Pantoja Bilingual Center La Tanya Pitts Community School Melanie O’Donnell Olmsted Elementary Courtney MacVie South Park High School Rachel Pszonak William J. Grabiarz Chanda O’Donnell de Native American Development Director Emily Wyckof and Program Director School of Excellence Esther Annan Ramirez Magnet School Danielle Maurice D’Youville Porter Leah Rush International School Campus School East High School Molly Wade Marissa Wolf Frederick Law Olmsted Harvey Austin School Katie McClain-Meeder Ta-Tanisha Palmer Anilton Semedo Lafayette High School Roosevelt Early Occupational Technology Aungalique Wallace Randall Womack Childhood Center Center North Park Academy International Justin Metcalf Preparatory School Leonardo da Vinci High School Dalisha Simmons Ashley Watson Early Childhood Center Riverside Institute of Kelly Ziegler-Smith West Hertel Academy Joell Stubbe Technology Hutchinson Central Chinequia Williams Technical High School Emerson School of Tifany Swink Hospitality Bennett Park Montessori Hope Tuck Lovejoy Discovery School Say Yes Bufalo school-based staf (L-R): Kevin Modlmayer, Thomas Cranston and Stefan Gallucci
39 | SAY YES BUFFALO 2015 Report to the Community SAY YES BUFFALO 712 MAIN STREET BUFFALO NY 14202 T: 7162475310 E: BUFFALOSAYYESTOEDUCATION.ORG W: SAYYESBUFFALO.ORG