Investing in the Next Generation: Congressman Kennedy Announces $2.9 Million in Federal Funding for The Service Collaborative of WNY’s Workforce Development Programs

Federal Award, Paired With $1,301,438 in Matching Funds, Brings Total Investment in Buffalo Service Corps, ABLE Early Childhood, and YouthBuild Buffalo to More Than $4.1 Million

AmeriCorps- and U.S. Department of Labor-Funded Programs Set to Launch This Fall, Serving Hundreds of Children, Youth, and Young Adults Across Western New York

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Standing outside of a new home constructed with the aid of the previous cohort of YouthBuild Buffalo participants, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) joined leadership from The Service Collaborative of WNY (TSC) to announce $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, the investments total 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 for Buffalo Service Corps and ABLE Early Childhood, and by the U.S. Department of Labor for YouthBuild Buffalo. All three programs are set to launch in Fall 2026.

"Investing in our young people and our workforce is one of the smartest investments Western New York can make," said Congressman Kennedy. "The Service Collaborative has spent years proving what strong programming, fiscal discipline, and community partnership can accomplish for our region. This funding will help hundreds of children, teenagers, and young adults across Erie and Niagara Counties build the skills, credentials, and confidence they need to succeed, while also helping their fellow community members. Western New Yorkers deserve exactly this kind of investment in their future, and I'm proud to help deliver it."

"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."

New York State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "For more than 30 years, The Service Collaborative has been changing lives by equipping young people and adults with the skills, training, and opportunities they need to build successful careers while strengthening our community. I was proud to secure $70,000 in State funding last year to support this important work, and I'm thrilled to see Congressman Kennedy and our federal partners recognize the tremendous value this organization brings to Western New York's workforce and economy."

"The Service Collaborative has earned a reputation for changing lives by creating pathways to education, workforce development, and public service," said Senator Jeremy Zellner. "I thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for securing this critical federal investment, which will strengthen programs that empower young people, build our workforce, and invest in the future of Western New York."

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, "By supporting organizations like The Service Collaborative, Buffalo Service Corps, ABLE Early Childhood, and YouthBuild Buffalo, we're helping young people gain valuable job skills, preparing future educators, and investing in the next generation of community leaders. Just as importantly, these programs are making a tangible difference here in Western New York, from building affordable homes to expanding educational opportunities and connecting residents with meaningful careers. I want to thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for his leadership in securing this critical federal funding and for continuing to champion investments that empower people, strengthen neighborhoods, and build a brighter future for Buffalo."

The ABLE Early Childhood program mobilizes AmeriCorps members to implement evidence-informed math interventions with small groups of 3- to 6-year-olds in Erie and Niagara counties. Forty AmeriCorps members will serve 290 students during the school year and in summer programming. Since its inception in 2019, ABLE Early Childhood has positively impacted more than 500 children from low-income households, addressing critical gaps in math readiness crucial for kindergarten preparedness.

The Buffalo Service Corps grant will engage 91 AmeriCorps members serving throughout Buffalo in environmental stewardship and career and workforce development activities. These members will assist with the landscaping of 705 acres of city parks and rain gardens, and the program's summer members will support community outreach efforts of local partners, delivering education on conservation and environmental stewardship topics to more than 1,000 individuals of all ages. The previous AmeriCorps cohort completed 46 work orders covering 128,923 square feet of rain gardens and bioswales, and members removed 4,971 pounds of debris from 32 parks covering 632 acres.

The YouthBuild Buffalo grant will serve 74 young adults through an integrated education and workforce development model that combines academic support, leadership development, and hands-on career training in construction, advanced manufacturing, and customer service/hospitality. In the first six months of 2026, YouthBuild Buffalo served 67 youth, with 99% completing an education or workforce credential and more than 63% placed into employment or higher education, including 16 additional completions, 13 industry-recognized credentials earned in customer service and advanced manufacturing, and 2 NYS High School Equivalency Diplomas.

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. Kennedy will continue to champion the federal investments that connect Western New York's children, youth, and young adults to the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.

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