UPward Design For Life

We maintain a long waiting list of households in need of our service. From time to time, families borrow furniture from loved ones just to get by — as was the case with our recent client.

She is a middle‑aged woman rebuilding her life after domestic abuse. We’re honored to support this new chapter and give her the chance to return those borrowed items so we can furnish her home with gently used pieces that will truly be hers.

Our focus will be creating a comfortable living room and adding proper bedroom storage so she can enjoy a clutter‑free space where she can finally exhale.

We're so pleased that Melissa Kibler, ASM of Operations at the JCPenney at the McKinley Mall, reached out with an interest in coordinating a donation drive to support our mission!

You’ll find our donation bins at the mall entrance and near the JCPenney entrance. Each bin includes a list of the items we’re currently accepting.Thank you in advance for your generosity and support. 🫶🏾

Mission: We restore hope by transforming empty spaces into homes for those in need.

This week, we’re grateful for every chance to spread a little joy. A smile, a kind word, a small moment of light — it all matters.

Here’s to choosing joy and sharing it wherever we go. 💛✨

Look at those smiling faces! The second Design Challenge team project is underway with .inc! Rain or shine the challenge, and serving those in need continues. 💪🏾🌧🌞

Co-Presenting Sponsor: New Era Cap Foundation!

Hospitality, partnerships, and generosity at its best! Special thanks to Bob Karmazyn, General Manager at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Buffalo, for the complimentary stays for our client-familes who are benefiting from our Annual UPlift Design Challenge & Fundraiser!

Oh Goodie Bags and Gift Baskets, Explore & More Children's Museum and Bada Bing Buffalo, your in-kind gifts are enhancing this family's experience. Thank you! 🙌🏾

To the UDFL Fundraising Committee, your cash donations ensure this family doesn't have to spend a penny of their own resources to enjoy the day and evening in downtown Buffalo. 🥰

Tomorrow, the family will return home via Buffalo Limousine to see their newly furnished spaces designed by Moog Inc.!

5th Annual UPlift Design Challenge Co-Presenting Sponsor - New Era Cap Foundation!

https://www.upwarddesignforlife.org/uplift-design-challenge-fundraiser

With corporate supporters like Moser’s Auto Interiors, we’re getting closer to our $40K goal by July 31st — and closer to giving more families the safety, comfort, and stability they deserve.

This goal isn’t just about funding. It’s about children sleeping in real beds, parents rebuilding with dignity, and families finally feeling at home again. Every corporate contribution moves hope forward.

2026 Co-Presenting Sponsor - New Era Cap Foundation

https://www.upwarddesignforlife.org/uplift-design-challenge-fundraiser

We're still in fundraising mode with our 5th Annual UPlift Design Challenge & Fundraiser!

Special thanks to News 4 WIVB Buffalo, Daniel Holland, Dave Greber and Kelsey Anderson for taking time to interview our Executive Director and highlight UDFL, our mission, operations, and our UPlift Design Challenge fundraising goal.

You can watch the interview here:
https://youtu.be/QIhdry68KRs?si=wg1tYBntkER6sdcL

Our wonderful friend, Patrick, has once again opened his heart to our mission, gifting us with truly beautiful furniture, household items, rugs, and décor. The families coming up on our waiting list will be deeply blessed by his generosity.

There is something special about items given with love — they carry warmth, dignity, and a sense of new beginnings. Patrick’s kindness will soon become part of a family’s fresh start, filling their home with comfort and hope.

Thank you, Patrick, for pouring so much goodness into our community.

This week, we extend heartfelt gratitude to our corporate partners whose commitment strengthens our mission and expands what’s possible for our community. Your collaboration fuels hope, stability, and opportunity for the people we serve. Thank you for standing with us and uplifting others with purpose. 🙌🏾

"This installation has made my life much brighter."

We believe deeply that no senior in our community should spend their later years without the comfort and dignity of a furnished home. It was our joy to help our client settle into her new little “castle.”

Her space now reflects her — touched with her favorite color, purple, and flowers she loves so much. This isn’t just furniture. It’s comfort. It’s beauty. It’s home.