Mission Statement

WNY Community Impact Collective empowers at-risk youth in Western New York—including those impacted by foster care and system involvement—through structured, hands-on programs that build real-world skills, confidence, and clear pathways toward income, independence, and long-term stability.

Vision Statement

We envision a Western New York where every young person—regardless of circumstance—has access to the skills, support, and opportunities needed to build a stable, independent, and self-defined future.

About Us

WNY Community Impact Collective is a nonprofit organization based in Buffalo, New York, dedicated to equipping at-risk youth with the tools they need to successfully transition into adulthood.

We serve youth ages 14–24 who face barriers such as economic hardship, limited access to mentorship, and lack of exposure to career and income opportunities. Many of the young people we work with are navigating environments where guidance is inconsistent and opportunities are limited.

Our approach is rooted in structured, hands-on programming that goes beyond awareness and focuses on application. We provide youth with opportunities to build confidence, practice real-world skills, and develop pathways toward income and independence.

Through programs like Level Up Lab and our cohort-based experiences, participants engage in activities such as mock interviews, resume development, business creation, and live presentations. These experiences are designed to move youth from uncertainty to clarity—helping them identify their strengths, explore opportunities, and take actionable steps toward their future.

We incorporate trauma-informed practices into our work to ensure that youth are supported in environments that recognize their experiences while still holding a clear focus on growth, accountability, and forward movement.

Our goal is not just to support youth—but to equip them with the skills, mindset, and access needed to change their trajectory.

Amercia Morris - Founder

Experience & Background

  • ✦ Youth program development and facilitation
  • ✦ Trauma-informed support and coaching
  • ✦ Working with behaviorally at-risk youth
  • ✦ Community engagement and mentorship

Meet the Founder

Amercia Morris

"I started this work because I know how close a young person can come to being pushed in the wrong direction."

Growing up in Buffalo, I was labeled "at-risk." I made mistakes, like many young people do, and I saw how quickly those moments can define your future without the right support.

What changed my path was access to guidance, accountability, and someone who saw my potential before I fully saw it myself.

Not every young person has that.

That reality is what led me to build WNY Community Impact Collective—not just as a response to the problem, but as a structured solution.

Today, our programs are designed to give youth what many never receive: real-world skills, consistent mentorship, and clear pathways toward income, confidence, and independence.

"This isn’t just about support—it’s about changing outcomes."