Friends of Lighthouse: Who We Are 

Friends of Lighthouse is the nonprofit branch of Lighthouse Schools, created to extend our mission beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community. We support families through a Two-Generation Approach, offering high-quality early learning for young children and responsive support for the adults who care for them.

Our work is grounded in trust, empathy, and collaboration because we understand that lasting change happens in the context of strong relationships. We partner with families, not just to provide services, but to walk alongside them with respect, compassion, and belief in their potential.

Friends of Lighthouse

  • What We Do

    We offer inclusive, trauma-informed programming that reflects the lived experiences and cultural strengths of the families we serve. Our focus areas include:

    ·       Early Childhood Education: High-quality learning experiences for children from birth to five

    ·       Family Classes & Coaching: Parenting support, caregiver education, and community building

    ·       Mental Health & Disability Support: Referrals, partnerships, and inclusive practices that center dignity and access

    ·       Resource Navigation: Connection to stable housing, food security, healthcare, and employment opportunities

  • Who We Serve

    Over 90% of the families we support live below 85% of New York State’s median income. Many are navigating housing instability, poverty, and trauma. We offer a space where families are seen, heard, and valued; we meet their unique needs with warmth, flexibility, and care.

  • Our Approach

    At Friends of Lighthouse, we don’t just deliver services - we nurture relationships. We believe that:

    ·       Trust is built through transparency, consistency, and mutual respect.

    ·       Diversity makes us stronger, and inclusion is foundational to justice.

    ·       Supporting children means supporting the adults who love them.

    We meet families with open hearts, open minds, and the unwavering belief that when we walk together, we all grow.

Join Us in Strengthening Buffalo’s Families

At Friends of Lighthouse, every dollar, every partnership, and every act of generosity helps us walk alongside families with care, respect, and purpose. When you support our work, you’re investing in a more compassionate, connected Buffalo.

Whether you’re an individual donor, a local business, or a community organization, there’s a place for you in our circle of support. Together, we can ensure that children and families have access to the education, stability, and community they deserve.

Interested in partnering with us?

Whether you’re a parent looking for support and guidance or an organization looking to partner with us, we’d love to hear from you!