Our work is not possible without the support of our partners, sponsors and donors. Together we are able to restore hope, dignity and independence, to those in need, in the Buffalo Niagara region.
What our human services partner agencies are saying:
“One of our missions here at Carolyn’s House is to empower our clients through the transition from homelessness to a safe, stable future. UPward Design for Life, Corp. has been tremendously helpful in assisting us with this, as they help to bring comfort and ease to our clients moving into permanent housing. Many of our clients come to us with nothing so when it is time to make the transition, the stress of how they are going to afford furniture grows heavier. Since 2021, UDFL has helped to take this burden off of them so they can feel confident and excited for their fresh start.”
Carolyn’s House Staff - Carolyn’s House-a program of the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier
“I just want to thank you and your volunteers for the amazing work you did for our client this past weekend. I saw the transformation on Facebook and it was truly impressive. That was followed up by our client reaching out to her case manager and letting her know how grateful she was for all of you and all that you did. So thank you all, for all you do!”
Tiffany Pavone, JD - Former Administrator of Victim Services & Advocacy Programs - Community Services for Every1
“Thank you for your generous gifts to a family of three enrolled in our DV Rapid Rehousing Program from Hispanos Unidos De Buffalo. You went above and beyond of what a donation looks like. It was an amazing experience watching the look on the face of our client. Priceless! You fully furnished the place and made it look like out of a magazine. The attention to detail gives these families hope and assurance that their existence has meaning. This family is in the process of bettering their lifestyle through healing and guidance, and you help make that possible. We are extremely grateful!”
Susan Santiago, Rapid Rehousing Case Manager - Hispanos Unidos De Buffalo
“We see approximately 2,000 new clients every year. This is a public health crisis and housing is one of the biggest barriers when it comes to leaving an abuser. That’s where your beautifully conceived not-for-profit comes in! It’s critical to a survivor’s journey to hope, healing and a safe haven.”
Mary Travers Murphy, Past Chief Executive Officer - Family Justice Center
referring human services PARTNER AGENCIES
client referral Form
By becoming one of our Non-Profit Partner Agencies, you will be further assisting your current clients, by referring them to UPward Design For Life, for assistance with having their residence fully furnished. Individuals are unable to receive our services without a client referral form first being sent to us. Please email us at support@upwarddesignforlife.org to request a Client Referral Form.
in-kind Partners - Past & Present
Contributing Artists & Designers
Thanks to a community of skilled and talented creatives, we are able to refurbish donated furnishings and provide custom paintings, to the families we serve. We’re fortunate to have had the following artisans donate their time, talents and creations, to support our cause!
words from some of our Wonderful Donors
“My family was really big on having dinners together and so I have this vision of our dining room table being set up, and having a family meal and talking about their day and learning from each other and that’s what we used to do. And so to me, I’m paying it forward in some ways. ”
“Dear Dionne -
Thank you so much. It was really wonderful to meet you and your children on Saturday. I am so happy that I chose your organization to donate my furniture and other items to. It warms my heart to know that a family or individual will enjoy them as they start on their new journey or path or are perhaps getting back up on their feet after a tough go of things.
I’m a retired clinical social worker/psychotherapist (30 years in the mental health field specializing in trauma treatment) so I used to be the person contacting organizations similar to yours on behalf of the clients I worked with. I’m glad to know you are assisting those in need who are building a life for themselves and their families.
It was truly an awesome experience and I look forward to working with you again when I am ready to donate more items.
Again, many thanks!
”
“This dresser belonged to my grandparents and then my mom since she was a kid. Seeing it look so beautiful and it going to a deserving home meant so much to my mom. Thank you for all you do!”
““I donated this beautiful dresser to a non-for-profit organization called UPward Design for Life. They take furniture donations for families in need. Little did I know that it would go to a woman who is a domestic violence survivor. I’m so glad I paid it forward so that she can now enjoy this gorgeous piece. If you have good furniture that you would prefer to go to a good home, please consider UDFL. It can literally be life changing for a good family. These individuals need to be uplifted and know that there is light in the midst of a storm and having a place to come home to = peace.””
