This past summer, Parent Network of WNY was thrilled to host three fellows from The University at Buffalo’s Social Impact Fellows program.
This program, a joint initiative between the UB School of Management, the School of Social Work, the School of Public Health, and the College of Arts and Sciences, pairs graduate students from diverse academic backgrounds with local organizations to address critical community needs. Parent Network of WNY, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families and individuals with special needs, was selected to be one of the organization host sites for June and July 2024.
At the core of the program is a shared mission to drive positive social change. UB Social Impact Fellows worked on projects designed by the host sites to explore need areas and implement innovative solutions that enhance the services provided by the organization. This collaboration goes beyond typical internships; it emphasizes the development of sustainable, long-term strategies that contribute to the organization’s mission. This partnership has brought positive, transformative outcomes, both for the Parent Network of WNY and the fellows who participate.
The three Social Impact Fellows placed at Parent Network of WNY were Ava Lockwood (School of Social Work), Prasiddhi Patel (School of Management) and Theo Ricardo (College of Arts and Sciences). Each fellow brought their own skills and talents to the organization and brought fresh perspectives, specialized skills, and a passion for social justice to the project. They were tasked with identifying families and children who would benefit from Parent Network of WNY’s services.
The fellows worked with staff from Parent Network of WNY and key community partners to redesign a community needs assessment. This assessment, which targets not only families of children with special needs, but also professionals and community members who can potentially benefit the plethora of programs Parent Network of WNY offers. This comprehensive assessment was rolled out over the summer and will close in November. The assessment can be found at the end of this post.
Results of the assessment will be analyzed and used to fine tune current programming, design new and innovative programming, and to seek out funding to support the important work being done to address the needs of the WNY community.
In August each Fellow team presented their projects at a public forum at Seneca One. We were very proud to see how well Ava, Prasiddhi, and Theo did representing Parent Network of WNY.
The benefits of the Social Impact Fellows program extend far beyond the organization—it was also a valuable experience for the students involved. Fellows gained invaluable hands-on experience working with a population that is often underserved and marginalized. By engaging directly with families and individuals with special needs, they developed a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by this community and learn how to be more effective advocates for vulnerable populations.
Through their work at Parent Network of WNY, the fellows were exposed to a wide range of real-world scenarios that challenged them to think critically and creatively. Whether they are social work students focusing on family advocacy or management students analyzing organizational processes, they gained essential skills that prepare them for future careers in nonprofit leadership, social entrepreneurship, and beyond.
The program also fostered a sense of civic responsibility and community engagement in the fellows, encouraging them to continue working for the public good, whether it is in their choice of work or volunteer opportunities. Many fellows describe the experience as transformative, as it deepens their commitment to creating meaningful social change and enhances their ability to collaborate with others to achieve it.
We were so thankful to have Ava, Prasiddhi, and Theo with us for the summer and we wish them great success in their future. We are incredibly appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of the University at Buffalo’s Social Impact Fellows program and look forward to future opportunities.
If you have not taken the Community Needs Assessment, you can access it here: https://tinyurl.com/y8hf54d6
We thank you for your participation!
