Meet our Founder

About the founder 

David Barto's story begins with a youth marked by residential care, foster care, legal troubles, and then homelessness.  After running away from foster care, he returned home, but his actions quickly strained that opportunity. Eventually, living on his own, he once again found himself in legal trouble. Thankfully, his attorney negotiated a deal that required him to earn his GED as a condition for dismissing his charges.  

Seizing the opportunity - and the benefits of being emancipated - David pursued higher education and eventually earned a bachelor’s degree from Niagara University, committed to a career serving vulnerable populations. His professional journey began as a youth counselor at a residential treatment facility, followed by roles as a disability rights advocate and then a child protection caseworker with the local Department of Social Services. In this role, he investigated child welfare cases, worked closely with the courts, and ensured the safety of children in daycares, foster homes, and family settings.  David later stepped into leadership roles, managing a Transitional Living Program with over 54 units. There he developed and implemented program policies and provided case management for individuals. While doing so, he was encouraged to add the spiritual component, giving people repeated opportunities to hear, see and respond to the Gospel. 

The vision for Align was born along this journey. In early 2022, after hearing the encouraging words from his church leadership—"You can do it, and we want to help!"—David shared his vision of providing Christ-centered solutions in the Niagara Frontier region, focused on housing, healthcare, education, and employment.  With their support, Align Western New York obtained its 501(c)(3) status, laying the foundation for the work being done today. This pivotal moment helped bring David’s vision to life—transforming lives, restoring hope, and offering lasting solutions, beginning in his hometown of Niagara Falls.

In addition to the work with Align in WNY, David and his wife, Shiena, are also involved in ministry in Shiena's home country, the Philippines.  They have partnered with MissionGo to support the work God is doing both in WNY and in the Philippines.  

Click on their MissionGO link below to learn more