named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
1-On-1 Family Support
Personalized assistance from Family Support Specialists to help families navigate special education, early childhood services, transportation, and community programs for children with disabilities
Advocacy Training
Workshops teaching effective advocacy skills, meeting preparation, and negotiation strategies for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities
Online Learning Workshops
Self-paced online courses on topics including IEPs, 504 plans, sensory processing disorder, autism, behavior management, and transition planning for youth with disabilities
Transition Support
Programs focused on life after high school, including graduation options, guardianship, wills, trusts, and supported decision-making for young adults with developmental disabilities
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Special Education Support Services 2 activities
- Assistive technology servicesProvides evaluation, coordination, selection, purchase, and training for assistive technology devices to support students and families, integrated with therapeutic services as needed.
- Professional development and technical assistanceProvides technical assistance and professional development to families, community members, and education staff supporting students with disabilities from birth to age 21.
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Flexible Grants to Grassroots Organizations 1 activity
- Mini-grant program for community organizationsFunds mini-grants to community-based organizations through the REAL Transition Partners program to support youth and young adults with disabilities.
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Developmental Disability Service Coordination 1 activity
- One-on-one family support and navigation servicesProvides personalized, short-term support to families of children and young adults with developmental disabilities, including home, school, community, or online guidance on behavior challenges, special education, early intervention, mental health, and community programs. Includes assistance with OPWDD eligibility paperwork, self-direction budget management, and transition planning.
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Parent-Led Education Advocacy 1 activity
- Parent and family leadership development programOffers a training series for parents and family members on special education, IEP development, and advocacy, including an independent advocacy project and pathways to join the WNY Parent Leadership Network; program graduates have obtained professional credentials and leadership roles.
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Youth Development and Support Services 1 activity
- REAL Transition Partners initiativeProvides information, training, technical assistance, and support to youth and young adults with disabilities and their families through the REAL Transition Partners initiative, including co-designed services and mini-grants to community-based organizations.
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Peer-Led Mental Health Support Groups 1 activity
- Support groups and family connection activitiesFacilitates ongoing support groups for caregivers of individuals with disabilities, including a dedicated group for male caregivers, and organizes family meetups, coffee hours, and recreational events to foster peer connections and emotional support.
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Parenting Education and Support Programs 1 activity
- Workshops, training, and education for families and caregiversOffers a range of educational workshops and trainings for parents and caregivers on topics including IEPs vs. 504 plans, functional behavior assessments, CPS rights, school discipline, OPWDD self-directed services, adult transition services, pediatric constipation management, and advocacy skills. Includes online learning with sensory-motor activities and Spanish-language sessions.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$1.38M
Contributions & grants$1.38M100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$1040%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$1.58M
Program expenses79%
Admin / overhead17%
Fundraising4%
Salaries & benefits$1.22M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$1.24M
Cash$550K
Investments$0
Liabilities$848K
Net assets$396K
Liquid reserves4.2 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -0.4%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIMBERLY KADZIOLKA | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $88K |
board members · 11
- AMANDA N NEWTON JR — DIRECTOR
- CHARISE R COBBS JR — DIRECTOR
- DEWAN STROUD — DIRECTOR
- JASON PETKO — DIRECTOR
- JOHNSON JILL — TREASURER
- JULIEANNE BARBER — SECRETARY
- KEANA DONALDSON — DIRECTOR
- KRISTIN DUDEK — BOARD CHAIR
- LETITIA THOMAS — DIRECTOR
- MICHAEL CARDUS — VICE CHAIR
- MICHELLE HARTLEY-MCANDREW JR — DIRECTOR
relationships · 20
Who they work with
- Abbott Lanes Partner — Host venue for the bowling classes organized by Parent Network of WNY.
- Abbott Lanes Partner — Hosts bowling classes for individuals and families served by Parent Network of WNY.
- Advocacy Institute Partner — Resource partner providing products and services to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
- DDPC Government — Sponsors SDMNY, a project promoting supported decision-making that Parent Network of WNY highlights in its training.
- Erie County Assigned Counsel Program Partner — Partners to provide information on parental rights during CPS investigations through joint educational sessions.
- Federation for Children with Special Needs Partner — Jointly manages the REAL Transition Partners initiative.
- INCLUDEnyc Partner — Part of New York State Transition Partners, which jointly manages the REAL Transition Partners initiative.
- InTandem Partner — Graduate of Parent Network's program now serves as Family Peer Support Supervisor for InTandem.
- New York State Department of Education Government — Designates Parent Network of WNY as a Technical Assistance Parent Center and provides funding.
- New York State Education Department Government — Primary funder and partner in implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Blueprint for Improved Results for Students with Disabilities.
- New York State Education Department Government — State agency resource for curriculum, instruction, and advocacy related to special education.
- Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club Partner — Host site for the 4th Annual Recreational Festival.
- OPWDD Government — Funded by OPWDD to provide Family Support Services for school-age children and young adults with developmental disabilities.
- SPAN Parent Advocacy Network Partner — Jointly manages the REAL Transition Partners initiative.
- Starbridge Partner — Part of New York State Transition Partners, which jointly manages the REAL Transition Partners initiative.
- Starbridge Inc. Partner — Collaborates with Parent Network of WNY to deliver a webinar on Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavioral Intervention Plans.
- U.S. Department of Education Government — Funds Parent Network of WNY as a National Community Parent Resource Center under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- UBMD Pediatrics Sleep Center Partner — Provides expert presenters for workshops on sleep challenges and healthy sleep patterns for neurodivergent children.
- University at Buffalo Partner — Supplies expert presenters, such as Dr. Amanda B. Hassinger and Jennifer Felber, for health and wellness workshops.
- Wrightslaw Partner — Partner organization providing accurate, up-to-date information on special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.
strategies · 4
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.
- Family-Centered Capacity Buildingmethodology: family-centered_supportBy providing individualized support, education, and collaborative planning, families gain skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate service systems and advocate for their children—because empowered caregivers are better equipped to support their children’s development and access to services.
- Participatory Design for Systemic Relevancemethodology: participatory_designBy engaging families and individuals with disabilities as co-designers of services and regional practice models, the organization ensures programs are responsive and effective—because inclusion in design leads to greater ownership, relevance, and sustainability of services.
- Peer-Led Empowerment and Leadership Developmentmethodology: peer_led_empowermentBy leveraging peer-led support groups, lived-experience leadership, and peer learning models, the organization fosters emotional resilience, practical knowledge sharing, and advocacy capacity—because shared lived experience increases relatability, trust, and engagement in skill development.
- Systems Navigation as Empowermentmethodology: systems_navigationBy guiding families through complex eligibility and service systems (e.g., OPWDD, special education), the organization increases access to critical supports—because direct navigation support reduces systemic barriers and builds caregiver efficacy in securing services.