Meet our Founder

About the founder 

David's story is weaved with legal troubles, residential care, foster care, and homelessness. 

Determined to make the most of that opportunity, and with the independence that came through emancipation, David pursued higher education and eventually earned a bachelor's degree from Niagara University. Drawing from both his life experiences and education, he committed himself to serving people facing difficult circumstances.

His professional journey began as a youth counselor in a residential treatment facility before serving as a disability rights advocate and later as a child protection caseworker with the local Department of Social Services. David eventually stepped into leadership, directing a Transitional Living Program with more than 54 housing units. There, he developed and implemented program policies while providing case management to individuals experiencing homelessness and other barriers. 

As David served in the field, he recognized a gap that he believed the Church was uniquely positioned to fill.  While there were many organizations that helped people, there were none that offered the services held by agencies, while giving people a barrier free environment where they could see, hear and potentially grow in the Christian faith.  While there were Christian organizations who served people, none were offering government funded programs that helped people while giving them this opportunity.  This is where the vision for a social services organization that offered this spiritual component at the core was born.  

The vision began gaining momentum in 2021 when David approached an established outreach ministry operating under a local church. He proposed creating a standalone nonprofit, not directly tied to a single congregation, to increase capacity, pursue grant funding, and better serve the community. Although the outreach leader supported the concept and presented it to the church's leadership, the church ultimately decided not to move forward.

In early 2022, David stepped forward in faith and shared this vision with the leaders of his church. They responded with the encouraging words, "You can do it, and we want to help!" Demonstrating that commitment, they connected David with their nonprofit attorney and fully funded the legal work required to establish Align Western New York and secure its 501(c)(3) status, laying the foundation for the ministry taking place today.

Today, David continues to lead Align Western New York with a simple conviction: every person is made in the image of God and deserves to experience both the practical love of their neighbors and the life changing hope found in Jesus Christ. Through strategic partnerships with churches, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, Align works to meet immediate needs while helping individuals and families pursue long term stability.

Beyond Western New York

In addition to leading Align Western New York, David and his wife, Shiena, are actively involved in ministry in Shiena's home country of the Philippines. Together they partner with MissionGo to support the work God is doing in both Western New York and the Philippines, seeking to share the hope of Christ through discipleship, community outreach, and practical acts of service.

Click on their MissionGO link below to learn more