Help Empower Buffalo Teens Through Fashion!

This summer marks the 4th year of the Buffalo Summer Youth Sewing Styling & Fashion Photography Class—a one-of-a-kind creative program housed at the Grant Street Neighborhood Center on Buffalo’s West Side.

We’re raising $8,200 to give 14–19-year-old youth a hands-on introduction to the fashion industry—an opportunity rarely accessible to teens in our region.

Why This Program Matters

Western New York offers very few opportunities for young people to explore the world of fashion. Our program bridges that gap—introducing teens to skills and career paths in sewing, fashion styling, creative concept development, and fashion photography.

By opening their eyes to real careers—from stylists to tailors to editorial photographers—we empower youth to see the industry as a real and reachable future. Many participants join us through summer youth programs or open community enrollment, and they come from diverse backgrounds all across Buffalo.

What Your Donation Supports

Every dollar helps us provide:

Sewing machines, fabric, tools, and equipment

Stipends for volunteers and instructors

Nutritious meals and snacks from local vendors

Workshop giveaways – like letting students keep the tools and machines they learn on!

A safe, inspiring environment where creativity and confidence thrive

Thanks to past donations, we’ve already given away hundreds of sewing machines. A fully funded summer means we can continue putting tools directly into teens’ hands—and futures.

Why I Started This Work

In 2015, I ruptured my Achilles tendon and began volunteering at an afterschool program on Buffalo’s East Side. I met a group of girls who called themselves the “Fashion Club.” I barely knew how to sew—but I showed up, learned with them, and found myself completely inspired.

Their passion pushed me to study fashion at Buffalo State a year later. Since then, I’ve traveled and lived all over the world through fashion—but I always knew I owed it to those girls, and all youth like them, to bring it all back home.

Now, I’m building the kind of program I wish I’d had at 14.

How You Can Help

Whether you can give $10 or $1,000, your support makes a direct difference. You're not just donating—you’re investing in the confidence, skills, and dreams of Buffalo teens.

Donate today. Share this campaign. Let’s inspire the next generation together.

With gratitude,

Rashaad Holley

Teaching Artist