For more than a century, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County has been a driving force for positive change across Western New York, bringing people together to address the community's most pressing needs. Through its work in health, financial stability, youth development, and community resiliency, the organization helps individuals and families overcome barriers, access critical resources, and build stronger futures. From maternal and child health programs to disaster response services, United Way's commitment to improving lives reaches thousands of neighbors every year.

United Way's impact is especially meaningful for ALICE households, hardworking individuals and families who struggle to make ends meet despite being employed. By providing workforce development, financial education, early childhood learning opportunities, literacy support, and crisis assistance, United Way empowers people of all ages to thrive. The Buffalo Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield are proud to recognize United Way of Buffalo & Erie County as a Highmark Community MVP for its unwavering dedication to strengthening our community and creating opportunities for every Western New Yorker to succeed.

For decades, The Belle Center has been a cornerstone of Buffalo's Lower West Side, providing innovative educational, social, and community-building services that empower children, youth, seniors, and families. Founded in honor of Father Vincent L. Belle, whose legacy of compassion and service continues to inspire its mission, the organization is committed to creating opportunities for all while celebrating the diverse cultures that make Western New York strong. Through its welcoming and inclusive environment, The Belle Center helps individuals unlock their potential and build a brighter future for themselves and their community.

The Belle Center's impact spans every stage of life, offering early childhood education, out-of-school and youth development programs, workforce training, food assistance, and senior wellness services. From supporting young learners and providing safe spaces for youth to develop leadership skills, to helping adults achieve career goals and ensuring seniors remain active and connected, The Belle Center meets critical community needs with compassion and dedication. The Buffalo Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield are proud to recognize The Belle Center as a Highmark Community MVP for its lasting commitment to strengthening families, fostering opportunity, and improving the quality of life for residents across Western New York.

For nearly four decades, the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York (BCN) has been a trusted source of education, support, and hope for individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. Founded in 1988 by breast cancer survivors, BCN was built on the belief that no one should face a diagnosis alone. Through compassionate, survivor-led programs, the organization provides guidance and encouragement from diagnosis through survivorship, helping thousands of Western New Yorkers navigate their breast cancer journey with confidence and support.

BCN's impact extends beyond emotional support, offering resources such as TLC Totes for newly diagnosed patients, peer mentoring, professionally facilitated support groups, restorative health and wellness programs, and advocacy for metastatic breast cancer research. The organization also remains committed to advancing awareness, prevention, and funding for life-saving research while supporting those living with metastatic breast cancer. The Buffalo Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield are proud to recognize the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York as a Highmark Community MVP for its unwavering dedication to empowering survivors, supporting families, and improving the lives of those affected by breast cancer throughout Western New York.

For more than a decade, the Seneca Street Community Development Corporation (CDC) has been a catalyst for positive change in Buffalo's Seneca-Babcock neighborhood, creating opportunities for children, teens, and families to thrive. Founded to address educational, social, and economic barriers, the organization provides a welcoming and supportive environment where young people can build confidence, develop new skills, and reach their full potential. Through strong partnerships with residents, schools, businesses, and community organizations, the Seneca Street CDC is helping strengthen the neighborhood and create brighter futures for the next generation.

The Seneca Street CDC's impact is felt year-round through free after-school and teen programs, summer enrichment opportunities, mentoring, tutoring, nutritious meals, and hands-on learning experiences. The organization also promotes healthy living and community engagement through initiatives such as its community garden, which provides families access to fresh produce and nutrition education. By empowering youth, supporting families, and fostering resilience and self-reliance, the Seneca Street CDC continues to transform lives and expand opportunities throughout the Seneca-Babcock community. The Buffalo Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield are proud to recognize the Seneca Street Community Development Corporation as a Highmark Community MVP for its dedication to helping local youth and families succeed.

For more than a decade, Blue Star Mothers of America Chapter NY7 has been a steadfast source of support for military service members, veterans, and their families throughout Western New York. Comprised of mothers whose children currently serve or have honorably served in the United States military, the organization is dedicated to honoring their sacrifice through service, outreach, and community engagement. Since its charter in 2010, the Buffalo-Niagara chapter has brought together Erie and Niagara County families to support one another while strengthening connections between local communities and those who serve our nation.

Through care package initiatives, volunteer events, and support programs for troops both overseas and at home, Blue Star Mothers NY7 provides comfort, encouragement, and tangible assistance to service members throughout the year. The chapter's signature "We Care Packages," filled with supplies and messages of appreciation, help remind deployed troops that their community stands behind them. The Buffalo Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield are proud to recognize Blue Star Mothers of America Chapter NY7 as a Highmark Community MVP for its unwavering commitment to honoring military families, supporting veterans, and uplifting those who serve our country.

For more than 50 years, Friends of Night People has been a lifeline for individuals and families experiencing poverty, homelessness, and hardship in Buffalo. Guided by a mission to provide food and necessities while preserving the dignity of every person served, the organization offers compassion, support, and hope to those facing some of life's greatest challenges. Through the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and community supporters, Friends of Night People ensures that essential assistance is available 365 days a year to those who need it most.

Friends of Night People's impact reaches thousands of Western New Yorkers through nutritious meals, homeless outreach, medical services, counseling, and access to critical resources. Serving more than 141,000 meals annually, the organization also connects individuals with health screenings, mental and behavioral health support, HIV testing, haircuts, and other services that help improve quality of life and promote self-sufficiency. The Buffalo Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield are proud to recognize Friends of Night People as a Highmark Community MVP for its unwavering commitment to serving vulnerable members of our community with dignity, compassion, and care.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace Buffalo is dedicated to ensuring that every child in Western New York has a safe, comfortable place to sleep. Through the power of volunteers, community partnerships, and generous donors, the organization builds and delivers handmade beds, mattresses, and bedding to children who would otherwise sleep on floors, couches, or other inadequate arrangements. Guided by the belief that a good night's sleep is essential to a child's health, education, and well-being, Sleep in Heavenly Peace provides a simple but life-changing resource for families in need.

Since launching its Buffalo chapter, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has mobilized hundreds of volunteers to build and deliver thousands of beds to local children, helping restore dignity, comfort, and hope to families throughout the region. By bringing together businesses, civic groups, and community members in hands-on service projects, the organization creates lasting impact both for the children it serves and the volunteers who support its mission. The Buffalo Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield are proud to recognize Sleep in Heavenly Peace Buffalo as a Highmark Community MVP for its commitment to ensuring that no child in our community sleeps without a bed of their own.

For nearly 50 years, SABAH has been enriching the lives of individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities across Western New York through adaptive education and therapeutic recreation. Serving more than 830 participants annually with the support of over 500 volunteers, SABAH empowers athletes to build confidence, independence, fitness, and social skills in a positive and inclusive environment. Through its commitment to helping every individual reach their full potential, SABAH creates opportunities for people of all abilities to thrive both on and off the playing field.

Through year-round adaptive programs including ice skating, hockey, soccer, volleyball, track and field, and specialized physical education, SABAH provides life-changing experiences that promote healthy lifestyles and personal growth. Its nationally unique School Day Adaptive Ice Skating program, along with recreational and therapeutic activities for children and adults, helps participants develop critical skills while fostering friendships, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. The Buffalo Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield are proud to recognize SABAH as a Highmark Community MVP for its extraordinary dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities and creating a more inclusive community for all.