BUFFALO, NY – SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 – WNY Compassion Connection (WNYCC), a peer support grief center for children, teens, families, and adults that opened its doors in April 2024, has been named one of the Top 5 nonprofit organizations in the Northeast region for Chick-fil-A’s 2027 True Inspiration Awards.
The Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards recognize nonprofit organizations making a meaningful difference in their communities. Through the program, Chick-fil-A Operators nominate local nonprofits whose work demonstrates a commitment to serving others and creating positive change.
Being named among the Top 5 nonprofits in the Northeast is a significant recognition of WNY Compassion Connection’s ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and families throughout Western New York who are navigating grief and loss.
“To me, this is what a community is supposed to do. When people are going through some of the darkest moments of their lives, we surround them, we care for them, and we remind them that they’re not alone,” said Andrew Privitera, owner/operator of Chick-fil-A Losson Road in Buffalo who nominated WNY Compassion Connection.
As a nonprofit nominated for a Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award, our community has the opportunity to help WNY Compassion Connection receive a grant from the organization.
Beginning September 1st, community members can vote for WNY Compassion Connection through the Chick-fil-A One App to determine the amount of funds received, which could be up to $200,000.
“We knew from the start that our grief center would become all that it should be through the support and embrace of this community,” said Gwen Mysiak, CEO and co-founder of WNYCC. “Grief support isn’t nice; it is imperative. One in eleven children in Erie County will lose a parent or sibling before the age of 18. Bereaved youth are at much higher risk of every adverse life outcome. This nomination and opportunity honors our important mission as we strive to bring compassion and support to our region’s grieving children and families. We hope our community will rally to get out the vote, so that we can strengthen our promise that no one has to grieve alone.”
It’s simple to vote:
WNYCC is an expanded service of the nonprofit P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative’s “Ultimate Compassion” program for any origin of loss. All programs and grief literacy training are offered at no cost.
For more information:
Leah Rogers
WNYCC Grief Relations Coordinator
leah@wnycompassionconnection.org
716-783-5517
Website by Luminus
