Sometimes the most impactful moments in life happen when you least expect them. A simple question like, “Can I get a group hug?” from a six-year-old can melt your heart and leave you with an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment.
That was the case for us at FARM during the UPlift Design Challenge hosted by UPward Design For Life (UDFL), an incredible non-profit based in Buffalo, NY.
If you’re not familiar, UPward Design For Life has a beautiful mission: to restore hope by transforming empty spaces into homes. They work with survivors of domestic violence and families transitioning from shelters, helping them turn bare rooms into fully furnished spaces filled with comfort, dignity, and love. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be a part of such meaningful work right here in our community.
A Rewarding Challenge Like No Other
Participating in a challenge can feel daunting, but not with the UPlift Design Challenge. From our first visit at the donation center to the final reveal, every step was filled with joy. Our team got the chance to strategize, select goods, and install everything with care on installation day. One of our team members summed it up perfectly:
“No exaggeration, the UPlift Design Challenge was the most rewarding volunteer experience I’ve ever had. You see the immediate impact of your work on a family, and every step is well thought out. From onboarding to installation day, every part of the process was polished and fun, thanks to Dionne Williamson’s tireless efforts. The Challenge didn’t feel like a challenge—it felt like a privilege.”
Another added perk? It was an incredible bonding experience for us as a team. We walked away feeling closer to each other and, more importantly, knowing that the families we helped could now start a new chapter in their lives.
The Results Are In!
FARM was honored to place 3rd in the 2024 UPlift Design Challenge, alongside some amazing organizations like The Sokody Sales Team at Howard Hannah Real Estate and Ingram Micro.
While our competitive spirits were alive and well, at the end of the day this event was about much more than just winning. It was about coming together as a community to make a positive difference in the lives of those in need.
And for the best part … Together, the challenge raised $23,500, which will go a long way in helping UDFL continue its life-changing work.
About UDFL: Transforming Spaces, Restoring Hope
UPward Design For Life is not your average non-profit. They specialize in something truly unique. After families transition from shelters into housing, they are often left without the resources to furnish their new homes. That’s where UDFL steps in, transforming empty spaces into fully furnished homes complete with everything from kitchen appliances to bedding, decor, and more. Their work restores not just homes, but dignity and independence to families.
The great thing is, it’s all done with conscious care. UDFL only accepts high-quality donated items because they believe every family should feel proud of their new space.
How You Can Help
UDFL thrives on community support, and there are so many ways you can get involved. Here are just a few:
- Donate: Gently used furniture, household goods, and small appliances can make a huge difference.
- Volunteer: From helping with furniture installations to organizing donations, your time and skills can help advance UDFL’s mission.
- Make a Financial Gift: Your financial support goes a long way in covering the costs of these amazing transformations.
- Share: Spread the word! The more people who know about UDFL, the more support this incredible organization will receive.
A Lasting Impact
We at FARM can’t express enough how impactful this experience was for us, not only professionally but personally. Seeing the joy on the faces of the family we helped was the ultimate reward. As one grateful recipient of UDFL’s services put it:
“I am so appreciative of how you helped my family. I wouldn’t have been able to furnish my house without you. Now, I can do stuff for the kids and myself instead of stressing about the things I couldn’t get. The kids are so happy our house is nice. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.“
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a difference in the WNY community, consider supporting UPward Design For Life. Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word, your efforts will be contributing to an organization that restores hope, transforms lives, and turns simple houses into loving homes.
In the end, that’s what it’s all about—helping others start their next chapter with dignity and pride, all thanks to a little bit of design magic.
