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Self-Sufficiency, Education & Employment

Over the past half-century, it has become increasingly difficult for many people to obtain a quality education and find jobs that allow them to be self-sufficient. As a result, the city has experienced increased poverty, rising to 26.9% in 2005.

The Foundation's efforts to combat this substantial rise in poverty will focus on enabling Buffalo Niagara area residents—particularly low-income residents and those with less education—to obtain a solid and/or higher level of education and acquire jobs that allow them to support themselves and their families. 

Our target outcomes in the Supporting Self-Sufficiency, Education & Employment focus area are: 

• More students are prepared to succeed in early childhood education opportunities
• More families have access to quality alternative educational programs and settings

• More students graduate from high school and move on to college or vocational training

• Literacy rates are higher across all ages

• More people gain access to financial management information and tools
• More residents have opportunities for entry-level or enhanced employment  
• More people have access to expanded public or private transportation
• Emergency assistance for families and individuals exists and is accessible (including food, clothing and shelter)

We plan to obtain these outcomes by supporting: 

• The evaluation of existing job training programs and/or the identification of new approaches that demonstrate potential
• Effective local job training programs aligned with opportunities in emerging industries
• The use of the Self-Sufficiency Standard (SSS) among nonprofits, funders and public agencies
• Asset-building programs such as tax preparation sites, Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) for savings and micro enterprise efforts
• Delivery of quality literacy services to low-wage workers and job seekers
• Employment and literacy programs for non English speaking populations
• Programs related to workplace literacy and employment opportunities
• Evidence-based financial literacy programs

• Efforts to build parenting skills and educate parents regarding child development  
• School-readiness programs and evidence-based programs that promote quality early childhood education 

• Evidence-based programs that increase student retention
• High-need (low-retention) schools and students 
• Programs that provide for different learning styles and needs  
• College preparation and retention programs; mentoring/on-the-job skills enhancement and entrepreneurial training programs, particularly those that provide participants with skills that allow them to earn a “living wage”

Note: For information on Oishei scholarship programs, click here.