named programs · 7 · from sources
What they call their work
Ordinary Resurrections
Youth-written and performed monologues sharing real-life stories of resilience, courage, and transformation, developed through writing and performance workshops.
Peace Club
After-school program for K–5th grade students focusing on literacy, academics, and emotional growth.
Restorative Justice Conferencing
City-wide restorative justice program for suspended students from Buffalo Public Schools, in partnership with Erie County and school officials.
Sanctuary Soaps & Fragrances
Youth-run small business producing handmade soaps, lotions, and candles, teaching chemistry, math, and business skills.
Theater For All
Annual theater program featuring Shakespeare and social justice monologues, ensemble work, and public speaking, open to all high school students in Buffalo.
Workforce Continuum
Job readiness and employment training for teens, including internships and small business employment in jewelry, soaps, and bike repair.
Zieani Jewelry
Youth-run artisan jewelry business providing training in design, sales, and business management for young women.
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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After-School Academic and Enrichment Programs 1 activity
- Educational and academic support programs for youthOffers educational programming including Peace Club for elementary students, after-hours academics, literacy support, college preparation, and individualized weekly schedules tailored to student needs and aspirations to support youth in under-resourced neighborhoods.
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Gun Violence Prevention & Intervention 1 activity
- Restorative conferencing for suspended studentsOperates as one of four city-wide Restorative Conferencing sites in Buffalo, implementing a national best practice model for students referred by Buffalo Public Schools and community members, providing a safe and empowering environment grounded in Trauma Informed Care principles.
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Youth Theater Arts Education 1 activity
- Youth theater and arts programRuns a year-round theater program for high school students across Buffalo, including annual auditions, a city-wide cast representing over a dozen ethnicities, and the production of full-length plays such as Shakespeare with modern thematic emphasis on resilience; includes training in ensemble work, creativity, personal development, and storytelling through original monologues based on lived experiences.
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Youth Workforce Readiness Programs 1 activity
- Youth workforce development and job readiness trainingProvides comprehensive job readiness training for youth aged 12–18, including soft skills such as teamwork, punctuality, and professional communication, and employs program graduates in internal roles such as tutors, janitorial staff, and phone operators.
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Youth Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy Education 1 activity
- Youth-operated small businessesOperates three youth-run businesses—Zieani Jewelry, Sanctuary Soaps & Fragrances, and City Bikes—that provide advanced employment and business skills development; includes a two-tiered apprenticeship model for young women, product creation (jewelry, soap, lotions, candles), and deployment of youth designers to community events and sales gatherings.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$544K
Contributions & grants$537K99%
Program service revenue$1K0%
Investment income$6K1%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$620K
Program expenses86%
Admin / overhead5%
Fundraising9%
Salaries & benefits$436K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$658K
Cash$647K
Investments$0
Liabilities$5K
Net assets$652K
Liquid reserves12.5 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -17.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIANN TAKENS | BOARD MEMBER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $119K |
board members · 10
- BARBARA BONO — BOARD MEMBER
- DEMARIO ALEXANDER — BOARD MEMBER (FROM 01/2024)
- JOANNE BENDER — BOARD MEMBER/TREASURER/INTERIM CHAIR
- KAREN CUMMINGS — BOARD MEMBER/SECRETARY
- KAYLA BOWDEN — BOARD MEMBER
- KYLE CLARKE — BOARD MEMBER (FROM 06/2024)
- MARGARITA SANCHEZ — BOARD MEMBER
- NANCY KLEIN — BOARD MEMBER
- REBECCA SCHAEFFER — BOARD MEMBER
- RHONDA SAUNDERS — BOARD MEMBER
relationships · 32
Who they work with
- BPS high-schools Partner — Source of participants for annual auditions and theater program.
- Buffalo Common Council Government — Recognized by the Buffalo Common Council for its work with youth.
- Buffalo Public Schools Partner — Refers suspended students to POTC for restorative conferencing services.
- Buffalo State Partner — Higher education partner contributing to youth and community programs.
- Buffalo, NY Network — Community location where programs are delivered
- Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Funder — Community foundation providing grants for youth and family services.
- Daemen College Partner — Higher education partner supporting youth programs and community engagement.
- ECMC Partner — Collaborates with healthcare professionals, as referenced by Dr. Rebecca Schaeffer of ECMC, who endorses the organization's impact.
- Erie Community College Partner — Higher education partner engaged in community youth initiatives.
- Erie County Medical Center Partner — Healthcare partner collaborating on youth and family wellness initiatives.
- Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition Partner — Collaborates with POTC to implement restorative conferencing for suspended students in Buffalo.
- Erie County Youth Bureau Government — Government agency providing funding and collaborative support for youth programs.
- John R. Oishei Foundation Funder — Foundation providing financial support for youth and community programs.
- KeyBank Foundation Funder — Corporate foundation supporting youth and community programs.
- M & T Charitable Foundation Funder — Corporate foundation funding community-based youth initiatives.
- New York State Council for the Arts Funder — State arts council funding artistic and cultural programming for youth.
- Niagara University Partner — Higher education and artistic partner supporting youth and theater programs.
- PUSH Buffalo Partner — Community partner collaborating on youth and neighborhood initiatives in Buffalo's West Side.
- Restorative Justice of Erie County Partner — Partner organization collaborating on restorative justice programming for youth.
- Say Yes! Buffalo Partner — Community partner in education and youth support initiatives.
- Slow Roll Buffalo/GoBikes Partner — Community partner engaging youth through biking and outdoor activities.
- The Buffalo News Partner — Cited as a source on the organization's website, indicating media partnership or coverage.
- The Buffalo News Partner — Partner organization cited as a source for stories or content.
- The Buffalo News Partner — Source cited in the document, suggesting media collaboration or coverage of organizational activities.
- The Buffalo News Partner — Source cited on the webpage for information about the program.
- The Buffalo News Partner — Source cited on the website for program information.
- The Department of Justice Government — Source cited in the document, indicating a potential affiliation or reference point for program context.
- Ujima Company, Inc. Partner — Artistic and community partner supporting youth development through cultural programming.
- United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Partner — Community and funding partner supporting youth and family services in Erie County.
- University of Buffalo Partner — Higher education partner involved in community and youth development efforts.
+ 2 more
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Arts as a Vehicle for Personal and Community Transformationmethodology: arts_for_transformationBy using ensemble theater, storytelling, and the arts, the organization enables youth to process trauma, build skills, and engage their communities, because creative expression fosters emotional risk-taking, collaboration, and empowerment in ways that traditional formats cannot.
- Faith-Based, Holistic Youth Developmentmethodology: holistic_youth_developmentBy combining faith-based mentoring with education, arts, advocacy, and personal transformation, the organization empowers youth to break cycles of poverty and become leaders, because integrated, values-driven programming strengthens identity, purpose, and community belonging.
- Restorative Justice for Community and Individual Transformationmethodology: restorative_justiceBy using restorative justice practices, the organization repairs harm and rebuilds relationships among youth and communities, because inclusive, cooperative processes address root causes of conflict and foster accountability, healing, and systemic change.
- Tiered Workforce and Entrepreneurial Developmentmethodology: tiered_workforce_developmentBy progressing youth through stages of job readiness, apprenticeship, and business experience—particularly through artisan production and collectives—the organization builds economic self-sufficiency, because structured, skill-based pathways combined with real-world enterprise foster long-term employability and ownership.
- Trauma-Informed and Relational Care Frameworkmethodology: trauma_informed_careBy integrating trauma-informed care and relational approaches, the organization creates safe, empowering environments that promote healing and personal agency among youth, because recognizing trauma and fostering emotional connection are foundational to recovery and growth.