Deepening Our Commitment

By Esther Annan, The John R. Oishei Foundation

A Community Rich in Strength

The East Side of Buffalo is more than just a collection of neighborhoods. It is a vibrant tapestry of history and culture. As someone who has lived, worked, and volunteered in this community for over 20 years, I have witnessed its heart and soul on a daily basis. Whether it’s the family-owned businesses that anchor the neighborhood, the block clubs that unite us, or the unshakable spirit of residents working for change, this community is rich in strength, innovation, and determination.

As a social worker by trade and a lifelong learner, my work with the Oishei Foundation has always been guided by relationships. These relationships lead us to go the extra mile—not just with financial resources, but by leveraging all the tools at our disposal to bring our vision of a thriving, prosperous community for all to reality.

Centering Community Voice 

Philanthropy has often prioritized institutional perspectives over community expertise, but we’re committed to changing that. At Oishei, centering community voice means asking, “What do you need, and how can we support you in achieving it?”

This shift starts with truly listening. Communities know their challenges and solutions best, and when they drive decision-making, the outcomes are more effective and sustainable.

Take the example of a grocery store. In the past, organizations might have taken charge—choosing the location, hiring developers, and unveiling a new store. But did the store meet the community’s actual needs? Did it reflect their priorities? Centering community voice ensures that the people who live in the neighborhood—not outsiders—shape those decisions..

This approach demands trust. Decades of unfulfilled promises have left many skeptical. That’s why showing up consistently, listening without judgment, and following through are core to our work. Trust isn’t given—it’s earned.

Disciplined Collaboration: The Commitment to Show Up

Collaboration is a word that gets used often, but for us, it’s not just a buzzword—it’s a discipline. At Oishei, collaboration is more than an approach; it’s a commitment. It’s about showing up fully and consistently, regardless of the circumstances.

This kind of collaboration is not transactional. It’s not about checking boxes or completing a checklist of meetings or partnerships. Instead, it’s about forging relationships rooted in trust and mutual accountability. This means:

• Being present: Whether in person or virtually, make it a point to show up ready to listen, contribute, and act.
• Following through: Promises are kept, even when the road gets tough.
• Sharing the work: If I can’t be there, someone else steps in to keep the momentum and the work going.
• Staying consistent: Investing the time and effort that it takes to build trust.

True collaboration requires grace, flexibility, and persistence, and in my experience, the hardest conversations often lead to the most meaningful breakthroughs. At Oishei, we strive to listen without retraumatizing, respect lived experiences, and practice trauma-informed philanthropy. 

A Vision for Impact

When Dr. King spoke of a Beloved Community, he was talking about a society governed not by violence, division, or conflict, but by love. I believe that it is our collective duty to build our Beloved Community - a place we are all cared for and have equal opportunity and choice.  And I believe that we can do it if we work together. 

We envision vibrant, thriving neighborhoods shaped by the dreams of their residents. The journey ahead won’t be easy—hopelessness and skepticism are deeply rooted—but we believe that through integrity, consistency, and shared purpose, we can make meaningful progress.

We are at the beginning of our journey to center community voice and commit to disciplined collaboration. We know we have much to learn, and we continue to balance learning with taking action, joining the great work already happening, and taking the next step. We are committed to open and transparent work in our community, and we invite you to follow our social media channels, sign up for our newsletter, and watch our website for ongoing information about our areas of focus. 

Finally, whether you are a partner, supporter, or resident, we need you on this journey. We need your ideas, your experiences, and your energy to keep us focused and aligned with our mission. My hope and my goal is that when we look back and see the changes we’ve made—because I know we WILL change things— we'll agree: we did this together.