Author: Amy Miranti

  • Celebrating Over 100 Onboard Ambassadors

    Liftoff’s Onboard Network launched in January 2025 to create and engage a network of advocates from across Western New York. A year and a half later, we are excited to share that we have reached over 100 Onboard Ambassadors! Our Onboard Ambassadors come from all walks of life, from marketing mavens to early childhood professionals, parents and more. We have a great group that represents the diversity of the Western New York Region. Since its inception, we have expanded our network with representation from over 50 organizations spanning 10+ sectors including healthcare, philanthropy, education, public health, early childhood services, higher education, and nonprofit advocacy. Our Onboard Ambassadors span six counties in Western New York and cover a geographic footprint that spreads from Buffalo to Jamestown and Niagara Falls to Rochester.

    Liftoff’s Onboard Network launched in January 2025 to create and engage a network of advocates from across Western New York. A year and a half later, we are excited to share that we have reached over 100 Onboard Ambassadors! Our Onboard Ambassadors come from all walks of life, from marketing mavens to early childhood professionals, parents and more. We have a great group that represents the diversity of the Western New York Region. Since its inception, we have expanded our network with representation from over 50 organizations spanning 10+ sectors including healthcare, philanthropy, education, public health, early childhood services, higher education, and nonprofit advocacy. Our Onboard Ambassadors span six counties in Western New York and cover a geographic footprint that spreads from Buffalo to Jamestown and Niagara Falls to Rochester.

    We are truly thrilled to see what Onboard has become. What started as a blank canvas is now a vibrant community of leaders, all with the goal of ensuring our children are set up for success. 

    If you would like to join this incredible network of advocates and leaders, please sign up for Onboard today.

  • Webinar: Protection Beyond Prevention: Building a Stronger Response to Lead Poisoning in Early Childhood

    Please find Liftoff WNY’s, “Protection Beyond Prevention: Building a Stronger Response to Lead Poisoning in Early Childhood”. This session featured Breana Hargrave of Lead 716, Marc Hennig of Beyond Support Network, Mary Frances Bayer of Beyond Boundaries and Dr. Sarah Ventre of Western New York Children’s Environmental Health Center.

    This session discussed what a strong response to childhood lead poisoning should look like. We also explored an important opportunity to strengthen New York’s response: legislation that would provide automatic access to Early Intervention for children who have been lead poisoned.

  • Liftoff’s June 2026 Network News

  • Liftoff’s April 2026 Network News

  • Rural Realities: The State of Child Care in Rural WNY Webinar Recording

  • Liftoff’s February 2026 Network News

    Please find Liftoff’s February Network News. This month we are celebrating the release of our new report, created in collaboration with The Children’s Agenda on child care in rural Western New York. Additionally, we share our advocacy day wins and information on this years Week of the Young Child events.

  • Report Release: “Rural Realities: The State of Child Care in Rural Western New York”

    Child care has received increased attention across New York State, yet the realities facing rural communities remain largely overlooked. Persistent challenges in access, workforce stability, and funding equity continue to affect workforce participation, family stability, and long-term economic health. Please find our report created in partnership with The Children’s Agenda below.