A local organization is dedicated to transforming empty spaces into homes and changing Western New Yorkers' lives along the way.

WIVBTV Channel 4 - Sweet Buffalo

November 13, 2023

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EeFI9OKyDfE

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A local organization is dedicated to transforming empty spaces into homes and changing Western New Yorkers’ lives along the way.

UPward Design for Life is a nonprofit that fully furnishes empty homes for community members who cannot afford furniture. The organization’s clients include people transitioning out of homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, veterans, refugees, children and adults who have aged out of the foster care system.

“The whole purpose is to uplift our community through this work to give people a sense of home as they’re starting over and rebuilding their lives,” said Dionne Williamson, UPward Design for Life’s founder.

Williamson said while everyone’s definition of home is different, a home should have all the essentials needed to live a healthy and productive life, and many in the community do not have those resources.

Lamy Lee is one of the clients who Willamson’s organization has served.

“It was a lot like being on one of those home design TV shows,” Lee said. “I left my home for a couple hours and I came back, it was just beautiful. It helped me a lot … I feel motivated, inspired to do better.”

Now, Williamson is inviting the community to help. The need for UPward Design for Life’s services, Sweet Buffalo’s Kimberly LaRussa said, is overwhelming and there is currently a six-month waiting list.

Community members can help by donating gently used furniture, donating funds or volunteering with the organization.

You can learn more about Williamson’s work at UPward Design for Life’s website here.

Williamson, Lee and LaRussa joined News 4 at 7 Monday to talk about the organization’s mission and how you can help on this week’s Sweet Buffalo Monday segment. Watch the full interview in the video player above.

UPward Design for Life takes 1st Place in the Next Generation United 2022 Pitch10 competition!

UPward Design for Life was one of ten local organizations invited to compete in the United Way’s Next Generation United Pitch10 competition on Thursday, November 3rd at Seneca One Pitch10 is NGU’s marquee event where 10 WNY-based organizations are selected and given the chance to create unique connections with the NGU young professional community and compete for a series of grants to further activate their missions. UDFL was in great company with some amazing organizations.

Thanks to the support of voters in the audience, UDFL took first place for the $10,000 win, second place was Arbol ($5,000) and third place was Every Bottom Covered ($2,500)! Congratulations to all the pitching organizations, for the incredible work you’re doing in our community! Special thanks to Next Generation United and all the sponsors who’s support helped make this event happen!

Madden Tournament to raise funds for UPward Design for Life

https://www.wkbw.com/am-buffalo/madden-tournament-to-raise-funds-for-upward-design-for-life

There is nothing better than businesses coming together to help a cause that helps those in need. That is exactly what is happening on October 25th at Sonic located at 3601 Union Road, Cheektowaga NY 14225.Pat Matthew from SLOT(Sports Leaders of Tomorrow), Rachelle Keller, the Director of Marketing for Sonic and Shaq Lawson from the Buffalo Bills are putting on a Madden Tournament to raise funds for Upward Design for Life. Dionne Williamson is the founder and Executive Director of this great organization that furnishes homes for those that are domestic violence survivors, refugees, individuals transitioning from homeless shelters, children, veterans, individuals with physical and developmental disabilities and young adults aging out of foster care . Dionne knows they are helping people in the part of their lives where it’s needed the most. Anyone that donates between today and Sunday October 23rd, will get entered in the raffle for a PS5 and Bills tickets. For more information or to donate, please visit: https://www.upwarddesignforlife.org/

For more details on how to sign up visit Sonic’s FB page here: https://fb.me/e/3JwVpCqGT

One Day...Two Awards

We congratulate our Executive Director & Founder, Dionne Williamson, for receiving both the Buffalo Business First Women of Influence Award, in the Inspiration Category, as well as the Community Service Award, from the Western New York Minority Bar Foundation, on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Congratulations to all the awardees!

Three Teams Compete to Furnish Homes for Local Non-Profit

https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/buffalo/three-companies-to-compete-to-furnish-home-for-local-nonprofit/

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A local nonprofit that tries to turn empty lots into homes has just announced plans to host a design challenge and fundraiser later this year.

UPward Design for Life is working on furnishing a home for one lucky family in need. Three local companies will compete to decide who will refurbish the house. The companies that will compete are AP Professionals of Western New York, Ingram Micro, and Mid-City Office Furniture.

The competition gets underway in September. To learn more about UPward Design for Life, click here.

Donated Items Help Turn Spaces Into Homes for Local Families By Madeleine Kates

https://buffalohealthyliving.com/upward-design-for-life/

There is no better way to begin the task of spring cleaning than by donating gently used or new home items to UPward Design for Life (UDFL). Founded by interior design consultant Dionne Williamson, UDFL reinvents the concept of starting over by creating safe, clean, and beautifully furnished spaces for Western New York families in need. Beginning with UDFL’s first client in March 2018, the organization has set a goal of furnishing 100 homes each year.

UDFL’s referrals come from local partner agencies, such as Child & Family Services, Gateway Longview, BestSelf Behavioral Health, and others. Individuals who receive home transformations include domestic violence survivors with young children, veterans, refugees, individuals with disabilities, and young adults aging out of the foster care system.

Williamson says that UDFL is restoring hope to these individuals by transforming empty living spaces into homes. She explains, “Each space is unique, and so is each family, inspiring UDFL and its volunteers to furnish each home in a way that respects and honors both the space and the family. Additionally, since each project is completed within two to three hours, there is little interference in our clients’ daily lives.”

Each furniture installation process begins with placing donated furniture and décor to create magazine-ready spaces, without the need for home renovation. Donated items must be in good condition, clean, and pre-approved. Scheduled donation drop-offs are by appointment only in the Life Storage parking lot where UDFL houses its donations. Appointments are also available for pick-up of larger items.

There is currently a three- to six-month waiting list for UDFL’s services, which the organization hopes to shorten. The best way to help them to accomplish that is by making a financial donation, volunteering, donating furnishings, and spreading the word to help raise community awareness. In addition to the need for a larger storage space, items most requested include beds, pillows and other bedding, pots and pans, gently used furniture, and household items such as extension cords, light bulbs, and toiletries. A complete list of items needed is available at the “Take Action” section UDFL’s website at www.upwarddesignforlife.org.

Williamson also encourages anyone who has a philanthropic goal and a love for their community to empower themselves to make a difference, saying, “You never know where life may take you, or the positive impact you can have on those around you.” The organization also welcomes collaborations with anyone or any organization whose message and services align with their mission and core values.

For more information visit, www.upwarddesignforlife.org. Contact UPward Design for Life at 716-698-7966, at support@upwarddesignforlife.org, or donations@upwarddesignforlife.org. Reach them by mail at P.O. Box 327, Buffalo, NY 14215. To see some amazing client space transformations, check out upwarddesignforlife on Facebook and Instagram.

Madeleine Kates is a senior at Niagara University studying Life Sciences, Psychology, and Environmental Science.

Albright-Knox - Sunday Insights: Dionne Williamson of UPward Design for Life on In These Truths

Sunday, March 20, 2022 ● 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

FREE for members
FREE with Pay-What-You-Wish admission
Albright-Knox Northland

Join Dionne Williamson, President and Founder of UPward Design for Life, for a discussion about the special exhibition In These Truths and her organization’s work to support community members and enable them to live with hope, dignity, and independence.

Please review our Courtesy Code and reserve your visit date and time prior to your arrival.

About the Speaker

Photo by KC Kratt

Dionne Williamson is a lifelong native of Western New York. After graduating from high school, she enlisted into the Army Reserves before attending Medaille College, then began her career in sales and customer service. She has more than 30 years of professional sales experience, including 17 years of destination marketing sales at Visit Buffalo Niagara. Williamson has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and believes in taking chances on her dreams. She is currently the President and Founder of UPward Design for Life, Corp. (UDFL), a non-profit organization that furnishes homes and transforms lives for individuals and families transitioning from shelters into their own homes. UDFL serves Erie and Niagara Counties. Williamson is community-driven and has spent many years serving on various Boards and volunteering her time on community beautification projects with local grassroots organizations. She enjoys the hands-on approach to tackling projects while staying connected to and engaging with those in need of a helping hand. She is a wife to a wonderful and supportive husband and mother of two amazing daughters and a son.

About the Exhibition

In These Truths is an exhibition of works by Black cultural producers, co-curated by two of Buffalo’s most influential, charismatic, and insightful artists, Edreys Wajed and Aitina Fareed-Cooke, in collaboration with Curator of Public Art Aaron Ott. This invitational exhibition focuses on Black artists, emerging and established, who, through a wide range of mediums, provoke and reconsider, defy and embrace, test and talk about our shared reality. 

About the Series

On select Sundays at 2:30 pm, community members relate their work and experience to the art on view in special exhibitions at Albright-Knox Northland. View Full Schedule

Hope Rises: Transforming homes and lives

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Friday morning, we got to hear about how UPward Design for Life is helping bring light to the lives of people who have hit hard times.

The company’s founder, Dionne Williamson, joined us on Wake Up, alongside Hope Rises’ Kate Glaser.

In the videos above and below, hear how Williamson accomplishes her mission of furnishing homes and transforming lives.

https://www.wivb.com/wake-up/hope-rises-transforming-homes-and-lives/

Dionne Williamson, CEO & Founder of UPward Design for Life (center) with Kate Glaser of Hope Rises and Mel Orlins - WIVB TV News 4 Anchor

A Mission to Transform Houses into Homes for the Region's Needest

The Buffalo News - Sponsored by Independent Health

Volunteer Barbara Leggett and UDFL CEO Dionne Williamson carry the last items during a recent move.

In November, a small team of volunteers pulled up in front of a residence and began unloading furniture. The family calling this place home had been living here for six months with few furnishings.

Supported by donors, volunteers and a board of respected professionals, UPward Design for Life (UDFL) uses design savvy, gently used furniture, color and other key ingredients to turn newly settled spaces into cozy homes.

“The home's resident is a domestic violence survivor,” shared Dionne Williamson, CEO and Founder of UDFL. “If our organization wasn’t involved, this young family may not have warm beds or a table where they can eat dinner together.”

Williamson has always been interested in design. After almost two decades as the National Sales Director for Visit Buffalo Niagara, she earned certification from New York Institute of Art and Design. She dabbled in interior work but knew she would prefer to help those in need with her eye for design.

Dionne Williamson leads a team of volunteers through each move.

Photography / John Normile

“Your surroundings have such an impact. Do you wake up feeling good about your life? Is your home creating a warm and positive atmosphere? Is it set up for family meals with space to spend quality time together? These things influence us mentally and emotionally,” said Williamson.

UPward Design for Life partners with almost two dozen respected community entities such as Erie County Social Services and the Buffalo City Mission. These groups reach out to UDFL when they are working to rehome a refugee family, domestic abuse survivor, or child who has aged out of foster care.

While many local entities work to supply housing to those in need, none of them are set up to furnish and thoughtfully decorate the homes they source. With a backlog of almost twenty on its current wait list, Williamson looks forward to the day UDFL can serve everyone who needs them.

“We recently completed our three-to-five-year strategic plan with the goal of serving 100 households annually. We aren't there yet, but we plan to get there to meet the community’s need,” said Board Chair Melonya Johnson.

Donations of furniture, decorative items, labor, and money go a long way with this small organization. Independent Health’s “Nominate Your Favorite Charity” campaign recently recognized UPward Design for Life with a $650 donation as one of 65 Western New York charities the project is highlighting.

“We rely on cash donations to source things we can’t provide gently used. For example, mattresses and pillows must be purchased brand new. New homes also need extension cords, light bulbs, and curtain rods,” said Williamson. “Receiving donations like this one really helps us help these families.”

If you have items, time or dollars to donate to UPward Design for Life visit upwarddesignforlife.org. If you’d like to nominate another charity for consideration, click here. Independent Health’s “Nominate Your Favorite Charity” runs until the end of Medicare Open Enrollment Season, December 7.

Life Storage Blog

Life Stories - UPward Design for LifeBy Emily Pumm

Life Stories - UPward Design for Life

By Emily Pumm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm2j2AlGiqc

Dionne Williamson is a woman of many talents. She’s the National Sales Director for Visit Buffalo Niagara and the founder of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization UPward Design for Life. Based in Buffalo, New York, UPward Design For Life collects gently used furniture items from the community and uses them to furnish the homes of those in need, including domestic violence survivors, refugees, and veterans. Since its inception, UPward Design for Life has been able to assist over 35 families in creating a sense of safety at home. 

As a proud partner of UPward Design for Life, we sat down with Dionne to learn more about the incredible work being done through her organization.

What first sparked your interest in interior design?

Dionne Williamson: I love interior design. I’ve always had an interest in it and my Mother played a big role in that. She always made our home feel very warm, welcoming, safe, and beautiful. Her mentality was that no matter where you come from, or how much money you have or don’t have, you keep a clean house. Growing up, my Saturday mornings were sometimes spent with a bucket of hot soapy water and a rag washing the walls and woodwork. My Dad worked at Bethlehem Steel for over 35 years and on the side he would do paint projects for people. Because of my parents, I grew up with a great appreciation for home and how special it is to have a safe, warm environment.

What inspired you to start UPward Design for Life?

DW: Over the years, I’ve used my own creativity to create nice spaces for myself in my own home. I became a certified interior design consultant and I started an interior design business, but it didn’t really work out as well as I would have hoped. I found out about an organization in Detroit that was doing something similar [to what UPward Design for Life is doing now] and I thought, “This is it. This is what I’m supposed to be doing.” So I reached out to the organization to see if they would bring that concept to Buffalo, but no one got back to me. I sat on the idea for, I don’t know, maybe two, three years, and then one day I said, “You know what Dionne, just go for it.” I’ve had businesses before, but never a nonprofit, and so I thought, “I’m just going to give it a try.” I believe in living without regrets.

Life Storage - Dionne, Andre Jr. and Malia loading Life Storage van 1.jpg

What did it take to get UPward Design for Life off the ground?

DW: When we started out, it was my family and I. I did my research and I networked with people. I told a few people about my idea and I got support along the way. We signed on volunteers relatively quickly. A lot of things I had to learn as I went along. What was most important was developing a relationship with our partner agencies. I wanted the agencies to trust me because they’re basically handing over their clients to us for services, so I started off by creating the website. I wanted to make sure that I told enough information about myself because I wanted them to know that they could trust the work that we were doing, and that we were going to respect their clients and take good care of them. As we started to develop those relationships, then the referrals started coming in. We started gaining more of a following on social media and word started to travel.

What does a typical day for UPward Design for Life look like?

DW: When a client is referred to us, I schedule a home visit with them at their apartment. That gives me an opportunity to go in, see their space, take measurements, and get an idea of what they really need. Then, I reach out to our volunteers via email and say, “We have a project coming up, who’s available?” and people sign up. Then, I look over all of our items in storage. We have two storage units at Life Storage. We’ve maintained one unit and then earlier this year, we picked up a second unit just because the donations are coming in so fast. If there’s something that the family really needs that we don’t have, I will reach out to the community and say, “Hey, I need such and such for an upcoming family. Does anyone have anything that they can donate?” And sure enough, nine times out of ten, the community comes through and we’re able to provide these families with the things that they need. The morning of, I usually have the volunteers meet us at the Life Storage unit. We have volunteers who will load their personal vehicles with items like lamps, décor, and things like that. Then, we head over to the residence and we try to get the job done within two hours. It depends on the size of the project and how many volunteers we have on staff.

What brought you to Life Storage for your storage needs?

DW: When we started, we actually started storing the donations in my home. Our living room was loaded with dressers. In the laundry room, there were microwaves stacked on top of each other. It was crazy. I had converted our garage into a storage unit. Then, it just got to be way too much. And so I had one of my coworkers from my day job say, “You know what? I know someone at Life Storage. Maybe they can help you.” I did and luckily I was able to get space at a Life Storage unit. I moved the items out of my living room area and into the Life Storage unit. The service from day one has always been great. If I didn’t feel as if I was being treated with respect or care, I wouldn’t be here. The staff has been wonderful.

What is the typical reaction your client’s have when they see their new space?

DW: It runs the gamut from jumping up and down to tears of joy. The best part is to see a child’s face. When they walk into their bedroom that was once empty and maybe they were sleeping on the floor, and now they have their own bed and a fully finished bedroom with beautiful pictures on the wall, their face says it all. We work with a lot of domestic violence survivors, especially women with children who have come through some very, very difficult challenges. And so nine times out of ten, the majority of the clients are super humble. They’re super grateful for everything that we’ve been able to provide. It just makes me feel so good to know that I’m doing something far greater than me.

How important is a well designed home on someone’s well being?

DW: Design is everything. I think we are deeply impacted by our surroundings, whether we pay attention to it or not, just like we’re impacted by the weather sometimes. So when you are already struggling, and then you come home and your home is empty… you have nothing to sleep on, you have nothing to sit on it… it’s not going to bring you joy. You’re stressed about the fact that you don’t have anything in your home and for your children. So we place things accordingly, and in an instant it changes how a family feels, because now they know this is one less thing they have to worry about. These are all material things, but they really can make a difference and a strong impact on your life and your family’s life.

How can someone get involved with UPward Design for Life?

DW: We engage with our community on a regular basis through social media. That’s where we keep them in the loop with what we’re doing or what projects we’re working on. If we need assistance, we’re always reaching out to the community. We’re very grateful for our community and supporters. Our volunteers, our financial donors, those who donate their furnishings to us, they all play a significant role in the work that we do and they are all a part of our story.

To become a part of the UPward Design for Life community, follow their Facebook account or check out their website.

Building A Better Buffalo

https://bizj.us/1q9fmh

When Dionne Williamson takes calls for her day job, she works to sell the region and highlighting why it’s a great place to work and live.

Screenshot_20210326-110643_Chrome.jpg

As national sales director and a certified diversity meeting professional with Visit Buffalo Niagara, Williamson has spent the last 17 years helping to attract visitors.

But her passion is helping people who already live here start over as founder/CEO of UPward Design for Life Corp. The nonprofit furnishes and decorates homes for individuals and families making a fresh start at rebuilding their lives.

“It’s furnishings and making a space feel like a home, but we’re giving people hope and hope is a powerful thing,” she said.

A Lackawanna native, Williamson served in the U.S. Army before earning a degree in business administration from Medaille College. But she also had a passion for crafts and design, even running her own greeting card business for six years.

As a child she watched her parents stretch every dollar for their five children in a one-income household. Her father worked at Bethlehem Steel for 34 years, painting houses on the side. Her mom ran the house, insisting on a very clean, orderly home that was always nicely decorated, often with finds from Goodwill.

“I learned early the impact of your surroundings, but you don’t have to spend a lot,” she said. “I love to paint — it’s a perfect way of changing your environment and it’s not expensive to do.”

Later, when she started volunteering with the Family Justice Center, she saw women and families who needed a change but lacked resources to make it happen.

She modeled the organization after one in Detroit she saw on social media.

“I had started an interior design business and felt like it just wasn’t the same thing, it wasn’t addressing a real need,” she said. “I wanted to serve people who could not really afford the services of an interior designer.”

Clients are referred from community organizations. Williamson starts with a home visit, where she takes measurements and gets a sense of what they need.

That often includes curtains, area rugs and lamps as well as dishes, glassware and small appliances like toasters and blenders. Every member of the family gets a bed with new mattresses, pillows and linen.

On the day of the installation, Williamson relies on volunteers and donated items, refurnishing apartments in two to three hours.

Since the first install in 2018, the organization has helped 42 families. Things slowed down during the pandemic, but UPward is back on track with a goal of serving two families each month.

“Many times people say it’s like HGTV but it’s so much deeper than that: We’re dealing with individuals who have gone through some tremendous challenges,” she said. “We’re giving their sense of dignity back. Home is everything.”

Dionne Williamson

Community: Founder/CEO of UPward Design for Life Corp.

Day job: Visit Buffalo Niagara, national sales director/certified diversity meeting professional

Favorite superhero: Harriet Tubman

Self-description: Loving

What keeps you up at night: Nothing really keeps me up at night: As long as I know my family is safe, I have nothing to stress about.

Good Neighbors: UPward Design For Life

Dionne Williamson takes donations of gently used furniture and household items, and transforms the homes - and lives - of people in need of a fresh start.

Author: Melissa Holmes

Dionne at storage unit.jpg

Published: 5:19 AM EST January 27, 2021

https://www.wgrz.com/article/life/people/good-neighbors/good-neighbors-upward-furniture-donations/71-88c3e9ac-1f62-4137-bad5-fcb6c2075fca

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Dionne Williamson is a National Sales Director for Visit Buffalo Niagara full-time, but in her spare time, she wanted to use her passion and talents to help people.

"I have a passion for interior design and I love helping people so this was the perfect combination," said Williamson, who is also a Certified Interior Design Consultant.

Four years ago, Williamson established UPward Design for Life, with the goal of "furnishing homes and transforming lives for those in need." She collects donations of gently used furniture, décor and household items from the community. Once a member agency refers a client, Williamson and her volunteers get to work, turning a living space into a home. 

 "We actually go in and place the furniture, we hang the pictures and curtains, and lay down areas rugs and accent pieces just to make it feel complete and like a home," said Williamson.

They serve anyone transitioning from a shelter, domestic violence survivors, refugees, veterans, young people aging out of foster care, and individuals looking for a fresh start. 

"So it's a perfect opportunity to take other people's used items and repurpose them for a greater good for another family who needs them," she said. 

Mettra Thompson of Cheektowaga escaped a dangerous relationship and recently transitioned out of a shelter for abused women. She's trying to get back on her feet but she doesn't have the means to furnish her new apartment.

"My abuser messed up a lot of my things, and I didn't have a bed and was sleeping on my couch," Thompson said.

The shelter referred Thompson to UPward Design for Life, and last weekend Williamson and her children delivered a couch, bed, mattress, dresser, linens, curtains, décor, and hand-painted artwork. They set it all up and transformed Williamson's apartment.

"There's a caring heart out there. And Dionne is one of them. She's an angel. I've got a bed to sleep in. It's just a blessing for me."

What the recipients get is much more than just a home makeover- it's dignity, worthiness, and the confidence to start anew.

"You want to feel good about the place that you call home and it's wonderful to be able to give people that feeling," said Williamson.

If you're interested in donating items, making a monetary donation, volunteering or helping in other ways, please visit UPwardDesignForLife.org. 

UPward Design for Life Receives Grant Award from the Josephine Goodyear Foundation

UPward Design for Life, Corp. is beyond thrilled and grateful to have received a grant award of $5,000 through the generosity of the Josephine Goodyear Foundation at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo! This grant is designated to assist with operational expenses including truck rentals and mattress purchases, for families in need.

“The pandemic is causing additional hardship, for individuals and families who were already in need. This grant award is more important than ever,” says Dionne Williamson, President and Founder. This is the second grant UDFL has received since beginning operations in January of 2018. Dionne and the UDFL Board of Directors are appreciative of the Josephine Goodyear Foundation’s support.

UPward Design for Life teams up with Beds For Buffalo!

On Saturday, October 10, 2020, UPward Design for Life - UDFL finally teamed up with Beds For Buffalo to serve a family in need. COVID-19 prevented previous plans, for both organizations to work together back in March, so both were pleased to finally have this opportunity. The Beds For Buffalo project is offered through The Service Collaborative and will build 200 twin beds, for children in need by engaging students, corporate teams and community volunteers. The Service Collaborative of WNY will distribute completed beds through identified community partners that serve families surviving poverty. https://www.tscwny.org/Beds-for-Buffalo

This most recent UPward Design for Life - UDFL project involved serving a mother and five children ages 5-12. Although UDFL provides beds and new mattresses for children, the valuable partnership with Beds For Buffalo will now allow UDFL to take the financial savings and apply to other program expenses.

“We were delighted to finally deliver beds to children in our community and partner with such a meaningful organization.” said Adam Bartoszek, Director of VolunteerWNY. “It was wonderful to finally team up!  The kids loved their beds!  It brought such big smiles to their faces.  Mission accomplished!  Looking forward to working together again very soon.” said Dionne Williamson, President and Founder of UDFL.