The Grigg Lewis Foundation is dedicated to supporting and strengthening local nonprofits in Niagara County, not only through grant funding but also as advocates of local agencies’ missions. The Foundation wants to champion local nonprofits in the region that have made considerable impacts in Niagara County. These nonprofits are actively engaged in the community and bring unique programs and/or services to the community. The Foundation is proud to support those who are working to enhance our community.
Challenger Learning Center ONE
The Challenger Learning Center ONE is a community-focused non-profit organization located in Lockport and dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of both youth and adults. By using space exploration as a central theme, they provide distinctive learning opportunities that elevate students’ expectations for success and cultivate a lasting passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), ultimately inspiring careers in these fields.
They offer a variety of programs throughout the year, catering to diverse interests and age groups. Events and programs are regularly updated, many of which are available after school, in the evenings, and on weekends. Through Challenger Learning Center, community members can experience planetarium shows, space mission simulations, after-school programs, summer camps geared towards STEAM learning, and LEGO robotics and architecture programs. Many of their programs and activities are geared towards groups, which has given them the capability to host field trips for local school districts. Challenger is also available to host homeschooling groups, scout troops, youth groups, athletic teams, and birthday parties. All space missions and planetariums are by appointment only.
Challenger Learning Center’s knowledgeable staff has been committed to introducing people of all ages to STEAM and acting as a resource to the community. For more information about supporting Challenger Learning Center, go to https://www.clclockport.org/support-our-mission.
WAHI Studio, Inc.
WAHI Studio, Inc., established in 2020 by Executive Director and lead art instructor Jess Tomaino, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art education center located in Lockport, NY. The organization is dedicated to art education, mental health, and community engagement. As a resource for creative programming, WAHI Studio collaborates with various organizations across Western New York to offer art-based activities. They also focus on teaching self-care and coping strategies for anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief through creativity.
Their offerings include after-school art programs, summer programs, one-on-one lessons, art journaling, and personalized creative mentorships both at their studio and in partnership with other organizations. Activities provided range from throw painting and watercolor to jewelry making, spin art, clay art, collaging, stamping and more. WAHI Studio also hosts off-site pop-up art events for team-building, special occasions, and campus activities for local colleges. WAHI Studio provides free after-school activities to Lockport teens in 7th-12th grade through the Lockport Spokes program. Additionally, they have teamed up with Lockport Main Street to organize the annual Lockport Chalk Walk festival, where artists of all ages come together to showcase and share their artwork with the community.
WAHI Studio has been a glimmer of positivity in the Lockport community and has given many young people the opportunity to express themselves artistically for free or at low cost. You can also donate to the organization on their Givebutter page at https://givebutter.com/PpEEY8.
JT Sports & Recreation
Professional MMA fighter Joe Taylor dreamed of bringing health and wellness to youth in the Lockport, NY community. Through his dream, he formed the nonprofit organization JT Sports and Recreation in 2023. Founded on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy, active life, JT Sports and Recreation offers a variety of programs designed to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and social engagement. From fitness classes to youth programs, their mission is to empower local youth with the skills and confidence they need to thrive into adulthood.
Fitness activities are available and accessible to all youth. They work to connect with all community members who walk through their front door. At JT Sports and Recreation, participants can experience a full gym, kickboxing, meditation, acrobatics, a smoothie bar, and more. As a partner in the Lockport Spokes program, JT Sports and Recreation provides free after-school activities for Lockport students in 7th-12th grade. Lockport Spokes is available Monday-Friday from 3:00-5:00 PM. Students are not only able to participate in fun activities but can relax and work on homework in their space.
JT Sports and Recreation will soon be expanding to a new location at 322 Hawley Street in Lockport. They are dedicated to providing a safe and positive experience for all Lockport youth. For more information about supporting JT Sports and Recreation, you can go to their Facebook page. You can also donate to the organization on their GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/171fe5f9.
Camp Happiness
Since 2008, Camp Happiness has been a beacon of community spirit and positivity for campers and volunteers. It has become a true camp of happiness, with many campers being able to safely participate in activities in a supportive environment. As a traditional one-week day camp experience, people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities from Niagara County aged 12 to 90 can have uninterrupted fun. Camp is offered at Cambria, NY Fire Hall through the volunteer efforts of the Lockport Elks Lodge #41. Many volunteers have been with the organization since its start and are dedicated to providing a great experience for all campers.
Camp activities are available and accessible to all participants with campers being divided into age and/or ability-appropriate groups. Programming is conducted by experienced Intandem and Empower employees. Trained Elks Lodge #41 and community volunteers are also available to assist with camp operations and activities. During the five days of camp, participants experience activities such as music, horticulture projects, arts and crafts, karaoke, water games, cornhole, face painting, field sports, and more. Lunch, prizes, and transportation to and from central locations across Niagara County are also provided. With 150 guest campers being impacted each year, Camp Happiness is an example of the power of community and compassion.
Many donors have provided charitable support and donations for this unique camp to be experienced by individuals with developmental disabilities both now and in the future. For more information about supporting or volunteering at Camp Happiness, you can learn more under “Sponsors” on the Camp Happiness website.
Wish Lists
Along with championing agencies in Niagara County, we are sharing the wish lists of local organizations. We’d like to encourage you to review their lists and support these agencies in any way possible. Click on each agency logo to learn more!
