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 […]

On August 7, the White House released a proposed rule (NPRM) that would change the standards governing Head Start. The proposal could increase classroom sizes, lower teacher qualification standards, weaken protections and supports for children with disabilities, and add paperwork barriers for families experiencing homelessness. These are not abstract regulatory changes. They affect real children, […]

Liftoff WNY I Network News I September 2026 Celebrating Over 100 Onboard Ambassadors! Hear from Our 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 […]

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.

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.

January 2025: Liftoff kicked off the year strong with the launch of our volunteer advocacy program, Onboard. Onboard is a flexible, inclusive pathway to early childhood advocacy that invites multi-sector partners to use their voice on behalf of young children. Learn more here. February 2025:  On February 11th, Liftoff WNY along with a bus full of […]

Please find Liftoff’s October Network News. This month we are celebrating some events we had in September including our “Strong Foundations” event, which discussed the connection between safe, stable housing and healthy child development. Additionally, we shared key takeaways from our “Building the Future” convening in which we gathered 60 early childhood professionals to discuss […]