The Service Collaborative of WNY (TSC) is proud to announce the award of $2,895,322 in federal funding, leveraged by an additional $1,301,438 in matching funds, to support three of the organization's flagship workforce development initiatives. Together, these investments represent more than $4.1 million dedicated to preparing the next generation of workers and community leaders throughout Western New York. The funding includes grants awarded by AmeriCorps (Corporation for National and Community Service) for Buffalo Service Corps and ABLE Early Childhood, and by the U.S. Department of Labor for YouthBuild Buffalo. All three programs will launch in Fall 2026.

"In a year when federal funding nationwide has been anything but certain, we set out to submit the strongest applications in our organization's history — and we delivered," said Kate Sarata, Executive Director of The Service Collaborative of WNY. "This recognition speaks to what TSC does best: exceptional programming, fiscal discipline, and operational excellence. We take our role as stewards of federal investment seriously — and we've proven we're worthy of it."

What This Funding Makes Possible

TSC's programs are built on a simple, proven framework: Stabilize. Develop. Launch. Every participant — anyone seeking support to become better than yesterday — moves through this pathway toward greater independence, skill-building, and long-term opportunity.

Starting this fall, the new funding will support:

ABLE Early Childhood — 40 AmeriCorps members delivering evidence-informed math interventions to 290 students ages 3–6 across Erie and Niagara counties. Since its launch in 2019, ABLE Early Childhood has reached more than 500 children from low-income households, closing critical gaps in math readiness ahead of kindergarten.

Buffalo Service Corps — 91 AmeriCorps members engaged in environmental stewardship and career and workforce development, including landscaping 705 acres of city parks and rain gardens and delivering conservation education to more than 1,000 community members through summer outreach. The previous cohort completed 46 work orders for the Buffalo Sewer Authority covering 128,923 sq. ft. of rain gardens and bioswales, and removed 4,971 lbs. of debris from 32 parks spanning 632 acres.

YouthBuild Buffalo — 74 young adults served through an integrated education and workforce model combining academic support, leadership development, and hands-on career training in construction, advanced manufacturing, and customer service/hospitality.

The Track Record Behind the Award

This level of federal investment doesn't happen by accident — it reflects a track record of results. In just the first half of 2026, TSC's members and participants put in the work that made this recognition possible.

Nearly 140 young adults applied to join Buffalo Service Corps this year, and the members who came on board kept a 89% retention rate through their first phase of service — earning credentials in OSHA 10, CPR/AED/First Aid, Stop the Bleed, Narcan, and Trauma Informed Care along the way. They put those skills to work outdoors, too, tending to 17 city parks across more than 500 acres, clearing nearly 10,000 pounds of debris, prepping five public pools for summer, and restoring 21 raingardens alongside the Buffalo Sewer Authority.

YouthBuild Buffalo kept its own momentum going. Sixty-seven young people came through programming this year, with virtually all of them completing an education or workforce credential and posting a measurable skills gain. Thirteen earned industry-recognized credentials in customer service and advanced manufacturing, two completed their high school equivalency diplomas, and the crew kept building — literally, continuing construction on a new home at 580 Hopkins St. while also showing up for East Buffalo's Day of Service and Remembrance and working through workshops on financial literacy, employability, and mental health.

ABLE Early Childhood kept its focus on the region's youngest learners, reaching 106 students with math, ELA, and social-emotional support this summer across four charter schools. Two-thirds of ABLE's members went on to find employment after their service, and nearly nine in ten said the experience shaped both their professional growth and their future career goals.

And the community-facing side of TSC's work kept pace. Beds4Buffalo — fueled by a generous lumber donation from Baillie Lumber — built and distributed more than 300 twin beds to children in need, powered by 255 volunteers giving over 750 hours of their time. MLK Day of Service 2026 brought out 170 more volunteers for 530 hours of service, collecting 9,600 pounds of food and goods for neighbors across the region.

Looking Ahead

These awards reinforce TSC's long-standing commitment to building a stronger Western New York by addressing workforce needs while strengthening communities through service. By connecting individuals to education, industry-recognized credentials, employment opportunities, and civic engagement, The Service Collaborative continues to invest in people who will shape the future of the region. As Buffalo Service Corps, ABLE Early Childhood, and YouthBuild Buffalo prepare to launch this fall, this investment ensures TSC can keep stabilizing individuals, developing their skills, and launching them toward stronger futures.