The Foundry

First week of Afterschool for High Schoolers is officially DONE!

Our new crew wasted no time. In a single session, students went from a blank piece of fabric to a finished pillow, cut, sewn, stuffed, and done before pickup. We did a lot of team build challenges, and even some video content we'll be sharing over the next few weeks. That's the Foundry way: you walk in, you learn, and you make something real.

During our daily community circle, students shared their hottest takes. A few that had the whole room talking:

Adults drinking milk is weird 😂
Schools should give every Friday off. Pop music is NOT it. EPIC: The Musical is where it's at.

This program is all about stepping outside the classroom to get real-world experience, explore career paths, build professional skills, and learn what it means to be part of a working environment. It's made possible by New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Project Rise, Erie County Youth Bureau , and the Cullen Foundation, who make it possible for our youth to learn, grow, and find their voice.🙌

Week 1 showed us this group brings creativity, confidence, and zero fear of speaking their minds, which is exactly what makes a great team. 💪

One week down, so much more to build. Follow along to see what this group makes next!

Winter is coming 👀
Will you help us get ready?

Our garden needs to be tidied and our fence needs a bit of fixing.
We're looking for volunteers to help (skilled and non-skilled is perfectly fine!)

October 17th, 9-1pm

We'll have all sorts of projects, and then we'll feed you. Email us to rsvp.
Thank you for helping make The Foundry a special place!🥰

Do you have a koi pond?

We're looking for a long-term home for 7 koi fish we've raised from babies in our aquaponics system.

Email or message us about it, we can figure out delivery together!

Team building with FOUNDRYmade Assistants. Week 1 - reading instructions and assembling tables and chairs for our new coworking space.

Working through frustration when the assembly goes wrong and supporting your teammate as you problem solve together — key skills to have in the workplace!

Our FOUNDRYmade program employs youth and young adults in gaining real, hands on job experience while developing skills in communication and problem-solving that are important in today’s work environment .

To learn more: thefoundrybuffalo.org/foundrymade

Contact us if you have a metal fabrication project! Benches, bike racks, and more 🥰

Back at it! Instructor Paul getting started week 1 with students from OLV Human Services .

They’ll be learning the ropes in the woodshop and making cutting boards for sale in December.

Can you say perfect holiday gift anyone? 👀

Jump into October with a hands-on class! You’ll leave each class with something you’ve made, plus each orientation is the first step to access our makerspaces during Open Maker Hours.

To sign up: thefoundrybuffalo.org/classes

To learn about makerspace access: thefoundrybuffalo.org/makerspaces

If you know a middle schooler in Buffalo - please share these FREE classes!

Now through December we have all sorts of hands on STEAM classes that help you and your child explore different skills and careers. They’ll gain access to our creative tools and talented instructors and walk away with something cool!

Sign up today: thefoundrybuffalo.org/dreambuilders

Thank you to Foundation 214,Inc for making this possible ❤️

We love when our community reaches out and together we can find a solution!

Excited that Rawtools Buffalo had a vision and our tools plus amazing volunteers could make it happen 🥳🥰

Check out their work and their Picks for Peace project!

The final space in our Makerspace Series is the Textile Lab🧵 🪡

This lab is equipped with sewing machines, Cricut machines, and more available for the community to use. Whether it's someone coming in during our Open Maker Hours to hem pants or a student looking to design a new dress, this is a space where people of all skill levels are welcome. Simply sign up for an orientation to learn the basics of the space before working on your own during our Open Maker Hours held every Monday and Saturday.

Click here to sign up for an orientation: thefoundrybuffalo.org/classes

Check out this awesome new piece of art at The Foundry! This board was gifted to us by Wilfredo Gonzalez and Dianiz Roman Rodriguez from Artesanía Boricua Familiar for our Community Cookout and Celebration. Visitors had the chance to draw their faces on the board, creating a piece of art that combines community and creativity. Make sure to check out this community art project the next time you visit The Foundry!