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About the founder
David's story is marked by legal troubles, residential care, foster care, and homelessness. At 17 years old, he once again found himself in legal trouble. Thankfully, his attorney negotiated an agreement that required David to earn his GED in exchange for having the charges dismissed.
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. The organization also gave him the freedom to incorporate a spiritual component, providing people with repeated opportunities to hear, see, and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As David continued serving in this field, he recognized a gap that he believed the Church was uniquely positioned to fill. From that conviction, the vision for a Christ-centered social services organization that would unite churches to serve together was born.
That 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.
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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
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