SERVE BUFFALO is the City’s initiative to harness the power of volunteerism while encouraging civic engagement among Buffalonians. The initiative consists of two distinct AmeriCorps VISTA programs : Project M.O.V.E. (Mobilizing Opportunities for Volunteer Experiences) and Love Your Block.
The City of Buffalo was awarded a grant worth $900,000 by the Corporation of Community and National Service (CNCS) to bring 13 AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members to eradicate poverty and promote civic engagement.
The AmeriCorps VISTA program was created in 1965 by the late president John F. Kennedy and is designed to fight poverty in America’s urban areas, essentially acting as a “domestic peace corps.” The program creates opportunities for individuals to fight poverty in low income areas by engaging all types of Americans in service. VISTA members do this by encouraging volunteer service at the local level, generating the commitment of private sector resources, and strengthening local agencies and organizations that serve low-income communities.
Mayor Byron W. Brown and the City of Buffalo are proud to be called an AmeriCity and host young professionals eager to help solve the city’s most pressing issues. The City of Buffalo is committed to a culture of volunteerism, kindness, and servant leadership.
