Buffalo, NYEIN 20-4230463Economic DevelopmentBusiness and IndustryFinanical Services
When you donate to WEDI:
You help people like business owner Cassandra, a participant in WEDI's Entrepreneurial Assistance Center Program (EAC). She attended the EAC program in Fall 2024 and found it incredibly informative. In March 2025, she established Yired Eldercare Concierge Services, LLC. This business provides 24/7 senior care, allowing our aging population to age in place in smaller community housing rather than in large commercial nursing homes. Additionally, she is in the process of preparing a caregiver training course to help meet the demand for care for this vulnerable population.
You help Emily, a student in WEDI's education program. Emily was recognized with the Most Improved Award at this year’s end-of-year celebration in recognition of her outstanding academic and personal growth. She advanced multiple literacy levels throughout the year and raised her ELA grade from an 86 in the first marking period to a 97 by the third. In addition to her academic success, Emily has become a positive role model, consistently showing kindness, teamwork, and a willingness to help others.
You help Rebecca, another EAC participant and owner of Melted Moresels Bakehouse. She found the program to be a positive experience as she develops different aspects of her business. The live workshops provide her with an opportunity to listen to experts in the field. She found the atmosphere of this program to be very supportive. She said both Antionette and Purnima, WEDI employees, were available for any questions or clarity necessary to navigate through the program. It was lovely meeting in person to discuss and work on the business model canvas and work through different parts of it as a team. Her only regret is not finding out about the EAC program sooner.
You help Suweida, another student who has shown growth throughout the school year. Though she came into ENERGY this year as a Kindergartener already able to read and write very well, she has moved from level A at the beginning of the year to level E by the end, demonstrating literacy skills significantly above grade level.
Give through WEDI’s Give 716 campaign today and help turn dreams into businesses, education into opportunity, and potential into success.
We need your investment to make our programs even better. WEDI’s dual focus areas of Education and Economic Development work in tandem to tackle systemic inequities that affect Buffalo’s underserved residents, many of whom are people of color. By supporting youth to succeed in school and powering entrepreneurs to launch, sustain, and grow small businesses, WEDI is helping to create a more equitable Buffalo.
Learn more here.