Press Releases

Learn more about the region’s early childhood priorities from Liftoff’s commissioned research and publications from Network partners.

  • Announcing Help Me Grow WNY’s Strategic Framework and Leadership Team

    CCNY, Inc. in partnership with Liftoff WNY are pleased to share, after an extensive planning process, Help Me Grow WNY’s new Strategic Framework and leadership staff.

  • Statewide coalition releases framework to scale up child care as NY re-opens and set a path to a stronger, more equitable future.

    Parent, early childhood, education, civil rights, business, and health organizations call on state to invest in strengthening child care system for infants and toddlers. “It is absolutely critical that we stabilize our child care system and support struggling parents,” said Rachel P. Bonsignore, director of Liftoff Western New York. “Child care affordability and accessibility must be given priority as we look to rebuild as a state and a region. Without adequate investment, we’ll see more child care closures, potentially permanent ones. These impacts would be devastating and threaten the well-being of our children and families and our economic recovery.”

  • Liftoff Year in Review 2021

    This report was commissioned by Liftoff.

    2021 was a great year for Liftoff WNY. We fine-tuned our strategic advocacy agendas, launched Liftoff’s social media, grew our team, and established a new partnership with Help Me Grow WNY. To learn more, we invite you to read through our Year in Review 2021 below.

  • Looking toward the future: A review of WNY’s Early Childhood System

    This report was commissioned by Liftoff.

    To better understand how the region serves its youngest residents, Liftoff and partners across Western New York engaged Public Sector Consultants to provide an outside, objective review of early childhood systems and programs in the region.

  • Early Childhood Collaboration in WNY: Collaborative Efforts to Improve Systems and Outcomes for Young Children

    This report was commissioned by Liftoff.

    Liftoff: WNY Early Childhood Funders for Change engaged CGR to study how organizations across Western New York collaborate to improve outcomes for the region’s youngest residents. The observations provide issues and options for Liftoff to consider as it plans its next steps in promoting screenings, quality childcare and transportation for families with young children. 

  • Renewing Our Pledge: A Path to Ending Lead Poisoning of Buffalo’s Most Vulnerable Citizens

    This report was not commissioned by Liftoff.

    While lead is potentially harmful to individuals at any age, it is especially dangerous for children under the age of six. In extreme cases, lead exposure can result in organ failure and death. The good news is that lead poisoning is  preventable and eradicating lead from our community is possible.

  • The State of New York’s Children

    This report was not commissioned by Liftoff.

    New York is home to more than four million children. The Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy provides a look into the state’s children, who are rich in their diversity, on the basis of economic security, health, child welfare, early care and education.