Here are just a few of the helpful transformations we have been able to create and testimonials from the clients we have been fortunate to serve.

 

Client #87 - Referred by Hispanics United of Buffalo

“This apartment is stunning. So beautiful and inspiring, thank you again for such a gorgeous interior design. There are no words to express how much it fills my soul with hope. It is confirmation that God recognized my prayers and my deep desire to have a peaceful environment where I can use all my gifts to help others and advance my personal goals.

It is a long way from taking a bus filled with angst in search of a great escape. I fled with nothing. Thank you so much for being the vessel for hope and dignity.
”
— WB

Client #85 - Referred by Hispanics United of Buffalo

Client #78 - Referred by YWCA of Niagara Frontier - Carolyn’s House

“I’m so excited. More excited for my kids. A place and things that are ours finally. Thank you so much. As a mother of 5, I didn’t know how I would be able to completely furnish a house and pay for moving. You are making this possible for my family and I thank you so much.” ”
— KP

Client #77 - Referred by Say Yes Buffalo

“Oh, boy. I can now enjoy having my family and friends over and not have to worry about them not feeling comfortable and same with myself. I can sit in my living room and watch tv.”
— JR

Client #71 - Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House

Client #69 - Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House

““Ever since I got a bed my body is not sore. I look forward to going home each day just to relax in a beautiful, peaceful environment, not just going there to live. Our apartment is so beautiful. I wake up late nights and just walk through and just smile. My place looks like one of those places in the home magazine. Both my room and my daughter’s room look like they are from a hotel. My daughter and I were shocked when we saw that all of Miss Dionne’s volunteers were ladies. These ladies rock. They are a force to be wreckoned with. They were so nice and sweet. Beautiful job ladies! They went above and beyond. I wish everyone could receive Miss Dionne’s service.””
— CC

Client #68 - Referred by Hispanics United of Buffalo

Client #67 Referred by Buffalo City Mission - Cornerstone Manor

“This was the biggest help I ever got from anyone. I thank God and all of the people from UPward Design for Life. Thank you.”
— AH

Client #66 Referred by Buffalo City Mission-Cornerstone Manor

Client #65 Referred by Buffalo City Mission

Client #62 Referred by Hispanics United of Buffalo

Client #60 Referred by YWCA of the Niagara Frontier - Carolyn’s House

“I love everything. I am at peace. I feel free.”
— DM

Client #58 Referred by Hispanics United of Buffalo

Client #57 Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House

“Wow! UPward Design for Life have surpassed my expectations. They are just a blessing to me and my children. My children are so happy. Thank you so much for everything!”
— KR

Client #56 Referred by BestSelf

Client-Family #55 Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House

Client-Family #53 Referred by YWCA of Niagara Frontier - Carolyn’s House

“UPward Design for Life has my deepest thanks and gratitude for their help. It lifted an enormous concern for my family and made us so proud of the living room and dining room. They are my favorite areas. Thanks.”
— N.T.

Client-Family #50 Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House

“UPward Design for Life has made a huge positive impact on our lives. We are very thankful. We cannot thank you enough.”
— S.C.

Client-Family #48 Referred by Buffalo City Mission - Cornerstone Manor

Client-Family #47 Referred by Community Services for Every 1

Client-Family #45 - Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House DV Rapid Rehousing Program

Client-Family #41 Referred by Child & Family Services-Haven House & Hispanics United of Buffalo

“I am so grateful for UPward Design. I would sleep with my children on the floor. We would keep our food outside in the snow. Thank you very much. I am truly speechless. May God bless you all and your families””
— HA

Client-Family #40 Referred by Western New York Independent Living

“I was very happy with UDFL and the love they brought to my home. The world is a much better place with people like them.”
— SK

Client-Family #39 Referred by GBUAHN

Client-Family #38 Referred by Child & Family Services-Haven House

Client-Family #37 Referred by Western New York Independent Living

“Again I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you so much. You just don’t know what you’ve done to my heart and my life. I’m just so grateful. Again thank you, have a blessed day and be safe.”
— GC

Client-Family #34 Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House

“You are such a blessing. I love everything. I feel like so much stress has been lifted off of me. ”
— NH

Client-Family #33 Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House

“This is like a completely different house. It looks so nice. Thank you so much.”
— VW

A Special Project~

Addy’s Room - We were asked to be a part of a very special design project for 11-year-old Addison Cannon and her beautiful family. Addison (Addy) is one of about 10 people in the world who suffers from a rare gene mutation commonly known at UBTF. UBTF mimics Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, which causes progressive neuromuscular decline in adults. Like adults with ALS, Addy began as typical: walking, talking, eating, playing. But then she began to decline. The family’s primary goal is to just love on Addy and make her as comfortable as possible.

Our design goal was to work with the family to turn Addy’s room into a bright and cheery space. Addy has a lot of medical equipment and supplies so we also needed a better storage option, to organize everything and keep it neatly tucked away behind cabinet doors, in order to prevent the room from being cluttered. Additional shelving and storage options for the closet, where mom, Christine, also keeps her clothes, in addition to a small recliner that can be used for Christine and husband, Joel, to sleep when extra overnight attention is required for Addy were also needed. To the Cannon family, Addy is their sunshine. So it was requested that a painting of a sun was incorporated into the space.

Day one consisted of removing most of the items from Addy’s room and then painting the space. Addy’s two younger sisters Raegan and Megan both picked the exact same color of yellow, for the room! It’s called Glad Yellow. Day two was about finishing touches; hanging shelves, framing Addy’s artwork, which is above her bed, framing and hanging artwork, from Addy’s fellow classmates, wall decals and the sunshine mural painted by Imani Williamson. Finally moving in the new donated recliner, rearranging the dresser and bringing in the gently used storage cabinet which was also donated and in fantastic condition. Paint was donated by Sherwin Williams. Thank you to Andre, Andre Jr. and Diane for your assistance! We made a great team!

We are very grateful to have been asked to be a part of this wonderful project, for a really wonderful and loving family. To the secret team, from whom this request was extended, SPECIAL THANKS for all that you all are doing to bring joy to families.

There was also a final unexpected twist to this story that brought Dionne, daughter Imani and Addy’s mom, Christine, to tears. Dionne had visited the Cannon residence a few times prior to starting the project. Dionne was there all day painting on Day one of the project. But it wasn’t until she brought Imani, on the second day, to paint the sun mural, that Christine became curious about something. When Dionne entered the home she introduced her daughter Imani. Then they went on to begin working. A few minutes later Christine walks into the bedroom to ask if Imani had ever attended Community Charter School. As soon as she asked, Dionne immediately knew. She asked what her maiden name was and as soon as Christine told her, Dionne burst into tears and hugged Christine. She told her how much she loved her and what an awesome teacher she was. Then Imani cried and hugged Christine. Turns out that Christine was Imani’s 2nd grade teacher and they didn’t make the connection until Imani, now 23-years-old, arrived on day two of the project. How amazing is that?!! Full circle experience!

To learn more about Addy’s and the Cannon family journey visit their blog here: https://sunshineforaddy.wordpress.com

Client-Family #30 Referred by Baker Victory Services

“We would like to thank you and your team for doing an amazing job making our house into a home. We really appreciate everything you guys have done! And once again thank you for everything!
”
— TH

Client-Family #21 Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House

“OMG! I love it! I’m in tears. Thanks so much.”
— TC

Client-Family #19 Referred by Erie County Dept. of Social Services

Client-Family #17 Referred by Oishei Healthy Kids

“I just want to say thank you for everything. You guys did an incredible job and we will always be grateful. God bless you and your family once again. Thank you so much.”
— MP

Client-Family #15 Referred by Buffalo City Mission - Cornerstone Manor

Client-Family #14 Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House

“Ms. Dionne, I just wanna say thank you so much. I’m so grateful for what you and your volunteers have done for me and my girls.
”
— AA

Client-Family #12 Referred by Buffalo City Mission - Cornerstone Manor

“Living in this place with nothing was very hard on me and my daughter, she’s 14. It’s already making me feel like I have a real home.”
— EB

Client-Family #11 Referred by My Place Home Shelter

“I’m going to get emotional. Thank you so much.”
— CM

Client-Family #10 Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House

“It feels so real. Thank you so much!”
— MD

Client-Family #8 Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House

“It looks so different. It finally feels like home.”
— SC

Client-Family #7 Referred by Endeavor Health

“It’s wonderful. It’s been an improvement to my environment and my life.”
— SV

A Special Project~

The Family Justice Center - A special design project took place in the office of the Family Justice Center, in Buffalo, NY, in memory of a wonderful young woman, Angela Moss.  Angela lost her life to domestic violence, in 2012.  The family's request was for the space to have a theme which included the things Angela liked most, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, red, polka dots and panda bears.  This room will be used by other domestic violence victims as a place of refuge, comfort and a moment of peace as they seek assistance.  UPward Design For Life is truly honored to have been asked to be part of the design process to bring the family's vision to life.

Client-Family #4 Referred by Child & Family Services - Haven House

Client-Family #3 Referred by Erie County Dept. of Social Services

“I am so appreciative how you helped my family. I wouldn’t have been able to furnish my house without you. Or it would have taken forever. Now I can do stuff for the kids and myself instead of stressing out about the things I couldn’t get. The kids are so happy our house is nice. Thank you so much for everything, from the bottom of my heart.”
— LM

Client-Family #2 Referred by APIC

“My bedroom looks like a hotel room!”
— AM

Contact us at:  716-698-7966

Email us at: support@upwarddesignforlife.org

or donations@upwarddesignforlife.org

Mail us at:  P.O. Box 327 Buffalo, NY  14215