Western New York Community Resource Directory
SUPPORT FOR ALL OF YOUR FAMILY NEEDS
Western New York Community Resource Directory Connecting Individuals, Families, and Communities to Resources Across Western New York
This directory is designed to help individuals and families find services, support, and opportunities throughout Western New York. Whether you are seeking healthcare, mental health support, food assistance, housing resources, educational opportunities, employment services, legal assistance, or community programs, this guide connects you with trusted organizations dedicated to improving quality of life and strengthening our community.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. For mental health, emotional distress, or suicide prevention support, call or text 988.
DIRECTORY CATEGORIES
🚨 Emergency & Crisis Services
Immediate help, crisis intervention, emergency shelter, and urgent support services.
🩺 Healthcare & Medical Services
Healthcare providers, hospitals, health education, insurance resources, medical specialty care, and preventive health services.
🧠 Mental Health & Recovery
Mental health counseling, substance use treatment, recovery services, support groups, and wellness resources.
🍎 Food Assistance & Basic Needs
Food programs, meal assistance, clothing resources, hygiene support, and other essential needs.
🏠 Housing, Accessibility & Independent Living
Housing support, accessibility modifications, independent living services, home furnishings, and utility assistance resources.
👨👩👧 Family, Youth & Parenting Services
Programs supporting children, youth, parents, caregivers, and family well-being.
📚 Education, Literacy & Lifelong Learning
Educational programs, literacy services, tutoring, workforce preparation, and lifelong learning opportunities.
💼 Employment, Career Training & Economic Empowerment
Career development, workforce training, job readiness, financial stability, and economic advancement resources.
👵 Senior Services, Caregiving & Disability Support
Programs and services supporting older adults, caregivers, individuals with disabilities, and those requiring long-term support.
🎖 Veterans Services
Healthcare, counseling, benefits assistance, and support services for veterans and military families.
⚖️ Legal Assistance & Advocacy
Legal aid, civil rights advocacy, community empowerment, and access-to-justice resources.
🌍 Community, Advocacy, Recreation & Culture
Community organizations, civic engagement, arts, recreation, environmental initiatives, and cultural enrichment opportunities.
HOW TO USE THIS DIRECTORY
Each organization listing includes:
📞 Phone Number
📍 Address (when available)
🌐 Website
📝 Brief Description of Services
Many organizations provide services that overlap multiple categories. Listings are placed in the category that best reflects their primary mission and services.
We encourage you to contact organizations directly for current hours, eligibility requirements, and available programs.
Together, these organizations help build healthier families, stronger neighborhoods, and a more connected Western New York.
🚨 Emergency & Crisis Services
For immediate help and urgent support
Best Self Behavioral Health
(716) 884-0700
https://www.bestselfwny.org/contact-us/
Whether you know the services you need, or you don’t even know where to start—you’ve come to the right place. Our caring staff is here 24/7 to listen to your story and match you with the right services.
Spectrum Cares
(716) 882-4357 YOUTH UNDER 18 Crisis Services
(716) 834-3131 ADULTS
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 Addiction Hotline: (716) 831-7007
Child and Family Services
(716) 842-2750
330 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, New York 14202
Nurturing a healthy and more equitable Western New York for the benefit of current and future generations.
Compass House 24-hr Crisis:
(716) 886-0935
EMERGENCY SHELTER: 370 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 RESOURCE CENTER: 1451 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14209
For five decades, Compass House has been one of the nation’s oldest shelter and service providers for youth, offering shelter, counseling, and so much more. From a warm bed and hot meals to caring words, Compass House is here when you need us, 24 hours a day, and 365 days a year.
🩺 Healthcare & Medical Services
Physical health, medical care, screenings, and healthcare access
AHEC WNY (Area Health Education Center)
(716) 835-9358
https://www.erieniagaraahec.org
100 Leroy Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214
To advance health opportunities by empowering our communities with education, advocacy, and resources, creating pathways to better health outcomes and opportunities in healthcare.
Alzheimer’s Association
1-800-272-3900
6400 Sheridan Drive, Suite 320, Amherst, NY
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
American Cancer Society
1-800-227-2345
We are a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
American Heart Association
(716) 448-3000
Catholic Medical Partners
(716) 862-2488
https://www.catholicmedicalpartners.org/s/
To create a high-performing health care system that can continuously improve the delivery of health care to the populations we service and to demonstrate improvements in the patient experience, preventative health, care and treatment of patients with high burden of illness and to lower the cost trend.
Connect Life
(716) 529-4270
4444 Bryant and Stratton Way, Williamsville, NY, 14221
“To educate the community, inspire donation, and connect lives”
ECMC (Erie County Medical Center)
(716) 898-3000
https://www.ecmc.edu/ 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY, 14215
Endeavor Health Services
(716) 895-6700
1526 Walden Avenue, Suite 400 Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Promote wellness and recovery through an array of mental health and alcohol and substance use treatment, education, and support services
Erie County Cancer Services Program
(716) 858-7376
https://www3.erie.gov/cancerservices/
95 Franklin St. Room 950 Buffalo, NY 14202
Evergreen Health
(716) 847-2441
206 S. Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14222
Emphasizes enriching the health and well-being of every life it touches, serving as a community-owned health system that provides equitable access to comprehensive care, services, and programs delivered by skilled professionals in a safe environment
Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo
(716) 686-8000
https://www.hospicebuffalo.com/
225 Como Park Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14227
To provide care, support, advocacy and education to people in Erie County impacted by serious illness and loss.
Independent Health Insurance
(716) 631-3001
https://www.independenthealth.com/home
Kalos Health
1-800-894-2464
We are committed to empowering our members to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle that supports their personal goals. Kalos Health is committed to ensuring our members have access to quality care and services when and where they need it. We serve our members across varied cultures and communities, enabling them to be independent, because there is no place like home.
Kevin Guest House
(716) 882-1818
782 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203
To provide a comfortable and supportive home away from home for patients and their families traveling for medical care.
Prime Care Coordination
(716)392-4812
450 Corporate Parkway, Buffalo, NY, 14226
Partnering with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to receive the services and support they need to live their lives in the most meaningful way.
Rosia B. Mobile Phlebotomy Services
(716)939-1776
https://www.rosiabphlebotomy.com/
40 Gardenville Parkway W, West Seneca, NY 14224
highly accurate and organized in collecting, preparing, and storing blood samples
Roswell Park Hospital
(716) 845-2300 / 1-800-ROSWELL
665 Elm Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203
Strives to eliminate cancer’s grip on society by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope.
The Grand Healthcare System
(716) 833-7600
https://thegrandhealthcare.com/contact/
70 East Sunrise Highway, Suite 605, Valley Stream, NY 11581
The Grand Healthcare System is a network of high profile; state-of-the-art facilities designed for advanced rehabilitation and nursing.
UB Health on Wheels
(716) 829-5550
https://www.buffalo.edu/wheels.html
UB School of Nursing
(716) 829-2533
https://nursing.buffalo.edu/news-events.html
US Renal Care
(716)891-7429
2861 Harlem RD, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225
U.S. Renal Care is committed to helping you live well while on dialysis
VA Western New York Healthcare System
(716) 834-9200
https://www.va.gov/western-new-york-health-care/
3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14215
Offer’s options to timely, quality services for Veterans through care and respect for one’s physical, psychological, and spiritual health
🧠 Mental Health & Recovery
Mental health, counseling, substance use recovery, and emotional wellness
BestSelf Behavioral Health
(716) 884-0700
https://www.bestselfwny.org/contact-us/
Whether you know the services you need or you don’t even know where to start—you’ve come to the right place. Our caring staff is here 24/7 to listen to your story and match you with the right services.
Spectrum Cares
(716) 882-4357 YOUTH UNDER 18 Crisis Services
(716) 834-3131 ADULTS
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 Addiction Hotline: (716) 831-7007
Compass House 24-hr Crisis:
(716) 886-0935
EMERGENCY SHELTER: 370 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 RESOURCE CENTER: 1451 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14209
For five decades, Compass House stands as one of the nation’s oldest shelter and service providers for youth, offering shelter, counseling, and so much more. From a warm bed and hot meals to caring words, Compass House is here when you need us, 24-hours a day, and 365 days a year.
Endeavor Health Services
(716) 895-6700
1526 Walden Avenue, Suite 400 Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Promote wellness and recovery through an array of mental health and alcohol and substance use treatment, education, and support services
Erie County Dept. of Social Services
(716) 858-8000
https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/
95 Franklin Street, 8th Floor Buffalo, New York 14202
Horizon Health Alliance
(716) 831-1800
699 Hertel Avenue, Suite 350 Buffalo, NY 14207
Together for Recovery. Changing Lives. Saving Lives.
NAMI Buffalo & Erie County
(716) 226-6264
https://www.namibuffalony.org/
737 Delaware Ave Suite 217, Buffalo, NY 14209
We foster hope through compassionate support, advocacy, education, and awareness so that all impacted by mental illness are empowered to live their most fulfilling lives.
New Directions Youth and Family Services
(716) 514-2030
https://www.fosteringgood.org/
4511 Harlem RD, Amherst, NY, 14226
New Directions’ mission is to foster resilient, self-reliant families and permanence for at-risk children in the shortest time possible, by promotion safe, respectful, responsible and goal-directed behavior.
Resource Council of WNY
(716) 783-8259
https://www.facebook.com/TheRCWNY?_rdr
347 East Ferry Street, BUffalo, NY, 14208
The mission of the Resource Council of WNY is to empower youth, adults, and families by providing access to programs and services that strengthen, uplift, and enrich our Buffalo community.
Veterans Center of Buffalo (Vet Center)
(716) 862-7350
https://www.va.gov/buffalo-vet-center/
2929 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY, 14227
Our services include counseling for needs such as readjustment, depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). We can also connect you with more support in the VA and your community.
🍎 Food Assistance & Basic Needs
Food, clothing, meals, hygiene, and essential living supports
Buffalo Go Green
Feed More WNY
(716) 852-1305
100 James E. Casey Dr. Buffalo, NY 14206
FeedMore WNY’s mission is to offer dignity, hope and a brighter future by providing nutritious food, friendship and skills training to our Western New York neighbors in need
Friends of Night People
(716) 884-5375
https://www.friendsofnightpeople.com/
394 Hudson Street Buffalo, NY 14201
Our mission is to provide food and necessities to address the effects and impact of poverty
Harvest House
(716) 894-8449
https://www.harvesthousebuffalo.org/
175 Jefferson Avenue, NY, 14210
That all communities will have access to the resources and connections that sustain and enhance their lives.
Haircuts for Those in Need
716-201-0287
https://haircutsforthoseinneed.org/
78 Cranbrook Road, Tonawanda, NY, 14150
“When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good the opportunities are endless!”
Healthy Community Store Initiative
(716)858-7690
https://www3.erie.gov/health/healthy-your-neighborhood
95 Franklin Street Buffalo, NY 14202
A collaborative program designed to improve access to fresh, affordable, and nutritious food in underserved communities by supporting local stores and educating residents.
Lasagna Love
Our mission is to feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities. Through our neighbor-to-neighbor movement, we connect volunteer lasagna chefs who want to help with individuals and families in need, providing home-cooked lasagnas made with love.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
(315)294-0674
https://shpbeds.org/chapter/ny-buffalo/
80 Earhart Drive, Williamsville, NY, 14221
“No Kid Sleeps On The Floor In Our Town”
St. Brian’s Clothier
https://www.facebook.com/stbrianclothiers/about
STEPS² Program
https://cunyisph.org/steps2-study/
The central mission of the CUNY ISPH is to improve population health and reduce global health disparities by translating research into sustainable, cost-effective interventions, policies, and implementation strategies informed by rigorous study of disease drivers, health system gaps, and the broader political, economic, social, environmental, and demographic factors that shape health outcomes.
🏠 Housing, Accessibility & Independent Living
Housing support, home modifications, and independent living resources
Caring Environments LLC
(716) 848-9706
https://www.facebook.com/caringenvironments/
Remodels homes to make them accessible for people with disabilities
Ever Dry NY
(716) 897-1380
EverDry Waterproofing’s mission is to deliver the most cost‑effective, permanent solution using high‑quality materials and expert workmanship
Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo
(716) 686-8000
https://www.hospicebuffalo.com/
225 Como Park Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14227
To provide care, support, advocacy and education to people in Erie County impacted by serious illness and loss.
Kevin Guest House
(716) 882-1818
782 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203
To provide a comfortable and supportive home away from home for patients and their families traveling for medical care.
Prime Care Coordination
(716)392-4812
450 Corporate Parkway, Buffalo, NY, 14226
Partnering with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to receive the services and support they need to live their lives in the most meaningful way.
The Tool Library
(716) 510-1745
https://thetoollibrary.org/ 2626 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14214
Gives community members access to thousands of tools, free educational programming, and a community of doers and makers.
UPwardDesignforLife
https://www.facebook.com/UPwardDesignForLife/
Restores dignity, hope, and independence to individuals and families in need by fully furnishing their residences with donated items. They believe that a safe, comfortable, and functional home is the foundation for stability and well-being, and they work to ensure every person they serve can rest peacefully in a space they are proud to call home.
👨👩👧 Family, Youth & Parenting Services
Programs that support children, youth, parents, and families
Big Brothers Big Sisters
(716) 873-5833
100 River Rock Drive, Suite 104 Buffalo, NY, 14207
Big Brothers Big Sisters creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships between volunteer mentors (Bigs) and children ages 6 through young adulthood (Littles) in Erie County, Niagara County, and Cattaraugus County of New York State.
Child and Family Services
(716) 842-2750
330 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, New York 14202
Nurturing a healthy and more equitable Western New York for the benefit of current and future generations.
City of Buffalo Animal Shelter
(716) 851-5711
https://friendsofcbas.org/find-us
380 N. Oak Street Buffalo, New York 14203
Erie County Dept. of Social Services
(716) 858-8000
https://www3.erie.gov/socialservices/
95 Franklin Street, 8th Floor Buffalo, New York 14202
EPIC – Every Person Influences Children
(716) 332-4100
https://www.epicforchildren.org/
1021 Broadway Street, Buffalo, NY 14212
Strengthening families and building community to raise children who make a positive impact in the world.
Foster Grandparent Program (Catholic Charities)
(716) 856-4494
https://aging.ny.gov/foster-grandparents-program-fgp
Justice League of WNY
bhttps://justiceleagueofwny.com/contact-us/
The Justice League of WNY is dedicated to providing our communities with inspiring actions using causeplay: costuming for a cause; to impact families, both directly, and with investments in other charitable children’s organizations that share our vision.
New Directions Youth and Family Services
(716) 514-2030
https://www.fosteringgood.org/
4511 Harlem RD, Amherst, NY, 14226
New Directions’ mission is to foster resilient, self-reliant families and permanence for at-risk children in the shortest time possible, by promotion safe, respectful, responsible and goal-directed behavior.
Police Athletic League of Buffalo
(716) 851-4480
https://www.buffalony.gov/1178/Police-Athletic-League-of-Buffalo-Inc
65 Niagara Square, 21st floor, Buffalo, NY 14202
“The Mission of PAL is to improve the immediate and future quality of life for youth; by providing academic enrichment and recreational programming in collaboration with law enforcement.”
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
(315)294-0674
https://shpbeds.org/chapter/ny-buffalo/
80 Earhart Drive, Williamsville, NY, 14221
“No Kid Sleeps On The Floor In Our Town”
📚 Education, Literacy & Lifelong Learning
Learning opportunities for children, youth, and adults
Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center
(716) 645-1900
https://www.buffalo.edu/eoc/about-us.html
555 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203
Get Water Wise Buffalo
(716) 847-1065
https://getwaterwisebuffalo.org/en/
https://www.facebook.com/LGWaterWise
Get Water Wise is an official Affordable Water Program Assistance Tool for city of Buffalo residents.
Lead716
(716)874-7200
2049 George Urban BLVD, Depew, NY, 14043
LEAD716 is working to mitigate these negative effects on a child’s cognitive ability, during a critical time in brain development
Library – Bookmobile (B&ECPL)
(716) 858-8900
https://www.buffalolib.org/mobile-services/bookmobile
Literacy Buffalo Niagara
(716) 876-8991
1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203
To develop literacy skills by providing free tutoring in Erie and Niagara counties through engagement and training of diverse community volunteers
Open Buffalo (716)
243-8777
1327 Jefferson Avenue, Upper Buffalo, NY 14208
Our mission is to advance racial, economic, and ecological justice. We do so through skill building, network connecting, and activating leadership opportunities. Our goal is for all communities in Western New York to thrive free from discrimination and poverty.
UB Health on Wheels
(716) 829-5550
https://www.buffalo.edu/wheels.html
UB School of Nursing
(716) 829-2533
https://nursing.buffalo.edu/news-events.html
💼 Employment, Career Training & Economic Empowerment
Workforce development, job readiness, and career pathways
Buffalo Army Recruiting Company
(716) 847-0180
Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center
(716) 645-1900
https://www.buffalo.edu/eoc/about-us.html
555 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203
Buffalo Urban League
(716) 250-2400
15 Genesee Street Buffalo, NY 14203-1405
To help African Americans and others in underserved communities achieve their highest true social parity, economic self-reliance, power, and civil rights. The League promotes economic empowerment through education and job training, housing and community development, workforce development, entrepreneurship, health, and quality of life.
Most Alive LLC
63 Burnside Dr, Tonawanda, NY 14150
I’m a professional coach who helps people figure out what they actually want and stop talking themselves out of it.
Northland Workforce Training Center
(716) 436-3229
683 Northland Ave, Buffalo, NY 14211
Northland Workforce Training Center prepares a skilled, diverse workforce for advanced manufacturing and clean energy careers through hands-on training and industry-focused education partnerships.
👵 Senior Services, Caregiving & Disability Support
Resources for older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities
Alzheimer’s Association
1-800-272-3900
6400 Sheridan Drive, Suite 320, Amherst, NY
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
GuildCare (Lighthouse Guild)
(716) 885-8041
https://lighthouseguild.org/healthcare-services/adult-day-health-care/
1170 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14209
Lighthouse Guild is dedicated to providing exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals.
Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo
(716) 686-8000
https://www.hospicebuffalo.com/
225 Como Park Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14227
To provide care, support, advocacy and education to people in Erie County impacted by serious illness and loss.
Kalos Health
1-800-894-2464
We are committed to empowering our members to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle that supports their personal goals. Kalos Health is committed to ensuring our members have access to quality care and services when and where they need it. We serve our members across varied cultures and communities, enabling them to be independent, because there is no place like home.
New York Caring Majority
(716)436-3229
https://www.nycaringmajority.org/
Prime Care Coordination
(716)392-4812
450 Corporate Parkway, Buffalo, NY, 14226
Partnering with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to receive the services and support they need to live their lives in the most meaningful way.
🎖 Veterans Services
Healthcare, counseling, and support for veterans and military families
VA Western New York Healthcare System
(716) 834-9200
https://www.va.gov/western-new-york-health-care/
3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14215
Offer’s options to timely, quality services for Veterans through care and respect for one’s physical, psychological, and spiritual health
Veterans Center of Buffalo (Vet Center)
(716) 862-7350
https://www.va.gov/buffalo-vet-center/
2929 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY, 14227
Our services include counseling for needs such as readjustment, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). We can also connect you with more support in the VA and your community.
🌍 Community, Advocacy, Recreation & Culture
Community engagement, civic participation, arts, recreation, and quality of life
AKG Art Museum
(716) 882-8700
1285 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14222
Buffalo Go Green
Buffalo Museum of Science
(716) 896-5200
1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo, NY, 14211
Colored Girls Bike Too / Holistic Cycles
Instagram @coloredgirlsbiketoo
1353 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14208
Black women‑led, radical cycling organization that centers mobility liberation through advocacy for mobility justice in marginalized communities. Its mission is to promote the healing and empowerment of Black women (cis and trans), Black gender non‑binary people, and other people of color by bike
Go Bike Buffalo
(716) 997-9823
313 Broadway ST, Buffalo, NY, 14204
Promote active mobility options, the proliferation of bikes into the hands of every Western New York resident who wants or needs one, and the construction and maintenance of trails and greenways, as well as the design and construction of complete streets in the region
Justice League of WNY
bhttps://justiceleagueofwny.com/contact-us/
The Justice League of WNY provides our communities with inspiring actions using cause play: costuming for a cause; to impact families, both directly, and with investments in other charitable children’s organizations that share our vision.
Legal Aid Bureau /Legal Assistance of WNY
(716) 853-9555
290 Main Street, Suite 400, Buffalo NY, 14202
Provide’s access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children, and families in the Western New York Community through quality legal representation and assistance
Open Buffalo
(716) 243-8777
1327 Jefferson Avenue, Upper Buffalo, NY 14208
Our mission is to advance racial, economic, and ecological justice. We do so through skill building, network connecting, and activating leadership opportunities. Our goal is for all communities in Western New York to thrive free from discrimination and poverty.
Partnership for the Public Good
(716) 852-4617
1464 Main ST, Buffalo, NY 14209
Partnership for the Public Good, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to help build a more just, sustainable, and culturally vibrant community through action-oriented research, policy development, and citizen engagement.
Resource Council of WNY
(716) 783-8259
https://www.facebook.com/TheRCWNY?_
347 East Ferry Street, Buffalo, NY, 14208
The mission of the Resource Council of WNY is to empower youth, adults, and families by providing access to programs and services that strengthen, uplift, and enrich our Buffalo community.
VOICE Buffalo
(716) 842-6571
2495 Main ST. Suite 547, Buffalo, NY, 14214
VOICE advances racial justice and equity in Western New York by empowering diverse communities through political education, collective action, and advocacy for equitable access and representation
We R Buffalo Strong
https://www.facebook.com/groups/172966276870464/
West Side Community Services
(716) 884-6616
161 Vermon Street, Buffalo, NY, 14213
West Side Community Services fosters the stability, security, and well-being of our vibrant and dynamic community by engaging, connecting, and supporting its residents.
WNY Women’s Foundation
(716) 852-6743
https://www.wnywomensfoundation.org/
741 Main Street Buffalo, NY, 14203
The WNY Women’s Foundation transforms systems, culture, and policy to create opportunities for each woman to thrive.