The Buffalo Promise Neighborhood (BPN) encompasses a 97-block area of approximately 12,000 residents, including 3,000 children ages 0-18. In five census block groups flanking Bailey Avenue, roughly two out of five residents are of school age, or about double the city-wide rate. The neighborhood faces many challenges, with high rates of poverty, crime, blight and teen pregnancy. But this is also a neighborhood bounding with promise, including dedicated community stakeholders, a commitment to education reform and rich physical, cultural and economic assets. BPN is a unique public/private partnership funded by the U.S. Department of Education seeking to improve academic performance at the neighborhood’s schools while revitalizing the surrounding community. Through the collaboration and commitment of local leaders in education, business, community services, philanthropy, healthcare and government, BPN is creating a sustainable model for neighborhood revitalization by improving the educational and developmental outcomes of children. To further these efforts, in 2012 BPN received a competitive grant from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Administration’s Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) program to develop and implement community-oriented strategies to increase neighborhood safety and neighborhood quality of life.

Buffalo Promise Neighborhood website

Promise Neighborhoods, US Department of Education website