Buffalo Peacemakers: Who We Are
Youth Violence and Gang Intervention Program
Every Life Matters—Stopping Bullets Before They Fly
Our Street Engagement Team works late in high-risk neighborhoods, connecting with youth who are involved in gangs or crime. They help settle conflicts peacefully, guide youth towards positive paths, and offer mentorship. In our first six months we met hundreds of youth and created mentoring relationships with 62. We brought many of those into our youth mentorship program, including four who had been stealing cars.
From Struggles to Strength—Guiding Youth Toward a Brighter Future
Buffalo HEAT is more than just a program—it’s a lifeline for 50 at-risk youth, giving them the tools to rise above their challenges. Through Health, Empowerment, Attitude, and Teamwork, we create a safe space every school day from 4:30-7:30 PM, where young people can open up, heal, and grow. In restorative circles, they tackle real struggles—resolving conflicts at home, staying in school, coping with loneliness, and learning to be better friends. They share meals, stay active, hear from inspiring speakers, and give back to their community. What started as a summer initiative in 2022 has become a year-round movement—because when young people find hope, they refuse to let it go.
We’ve Been There—Now We’re Here to Help
Our mentors don’t just understand trauma—they’ve lived it. Many were once caught in the same cycles of violence, gangs, and incarceration. But they found a way out, and now they dedicate their lives to helping young people do the same. Their hard-earned street credibility builds trust, and their journey from struggle to strength inspires hope. Through trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and nonviolent conflict resolution, they meet youth where they are—guiding them with empathy, understanding, and the wisdom that only experience can bring.
Standing in the Aftermath—Healing Hearts, Restoring Hope
When violence shatters lives, we are there—offering comfort, preventing retaliation, and helping survivors rebuild. During the tragic 2022 mass shooting at the TOPS supermarket, we didn’t hesitate. We helped terrified shoppers escape, held grieving families close, and stood across the street every day, listening, supporting, and providing food and essentials. In another tragedy, when a single mother was killed, leaving four children behind, we stepped in—helping her sister gain custody, easing her fears, securing a van for transportation, and relocating her family to a safer home. In moments of crisis, we don’t just show up—we stay, we listen, and we help survivors find a way forward.
Protecting Our Kids—Because Every Journey Should Be a Safe One
Every school day, thousands of students cross neighborhood lines, rival territories, and tense intersections just to get to class. That’s why we run the Safe Passage Program, standing guard at ten high schools, five Metro stations, and the Central Library. Our mentors, connected by radio and working alongside Buffalo Police, de-escalate conflicts before they turn violent. When tensions rise, we step in—keeping students safe, preventing fights, and guiding youth toward peaceful resolutions. For many, just seeing the Peacemakers brings a sense of relief. Because no child should have to fear the path to their education.
Turning Chaos Into Calm—Keeping Our Community Safe
The Peacemakers were born out of crisis. In 2008, gunfire erupted at the Juneteenth Festival due to a gang dispute. Instead of letting fear take over, then-Lt. Steve Nichols called on Pastor Giles to rally volunteers for the next year’s event. That was just the beginning. Since then, we’ve been the quiet force behind the safety of high school basketball games, Thanksgiving Eve on Chippewa Street, and even intense public demonstrations. Now, with a presence at nearly 100 events a year, we don’t just show up—we ensure families, friends, and neighbors can gather without fear. Because every community deserves peace.
We create a safer Buffalo and Western New York.
Beyond our programs, we work to bring the community together by encouraging trust and cooperation between residents, local police, and helping organizations. We also help create safer environments around local businesses and at places like the Galleria Mall.
We embody God’s love.
The heart of our work is love. Every Peacemaker sees others as valuable. Almost all are believers who see each person as a child of God. Unfortunately, most at-risk youth we work with don’t feel good about themselves. They don’t feel valued or listened to by the world. They don’t expect that when they become an adult there will be a good place waiting for them where they can earn a living and make a positive contribution. Some don’t think they will live to be 25 years old. But we treat our youth with respect. We listen to them. And we help them believe they will succeed in life. They know that at least one centered adult believes in them and is there for them. And that makes all the difference!
Your Support Saves Lives—Together, We Make a Difference
While we are thankful for the grants and contracts that support our work, it’s the generosity of people like you that truly allows us to make an impact and survive. Your donations help us cover vital expenses, like replacing our old van that’s no longer roadworthy and providing food to those we meet who are in need. With your gifts, we can continue to improve our services and make sure we have the resources to reach more people. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer community—one that survives because of your support.
