Two Buffalo locations will offer culturally centered support, comfort, and connection.
Kelly Dumas
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Dumas R.I.S.E. Providers, Inc. (DRP) is preparing to open two Community Healing Spaces beginning November 2, 2026, providing welcoming places for individuals and families affected by the May 14, 2022 racist attack at Tops.
The Community Healing Spaces are made possible through funding from Buffalo Together.
As court proceedings related to the attack bring renewed attention to the tragedy, the spaces will offer culturally centered support for community members experiencing renewed grief, fear, anger, or other difficult emotions.
The Community Healing Spaces will be located at:
Dumas R.I.S.E. Providers, Inc. 100 Leroy Avenue, Suite 290, Buffalo, NY
Operating hours: Monday Friday, 2:00–6:00 p.m. Urban Christian Ministries 967 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY
Operating hours: Tuesday Thursday, 2:00–6:00 p.m.
“Being there in the immediate aftermath of 5/14 reinforced for me how important it is for people to have access to support from people who understand our community and experiences,” said Kelly Dumas, LCSW, Founder and CEO of Dumas R.I.S.E. Providers, Inc. “As court proceedings bring painful memories and emotions back to the surface, we want our neighbors to know they do not have to carry those feelings alone. These spaces offer a place to talk, share a meal, listen to music, or simply be around people who care. We are grateful to Buffalo Together for making this possible and investing in our community’s continued healing.”
Planned offerings include supportive conversations with mental health clinicians and peer support staff; individual check-ins and group conversations; connections to community resources; and quiet areas for reflection, meditation, and prayer.
Music, creative activities, meals, and refreshments will provide additional opportunities for youth, families, and neighbors to connect. A designated area is also planned for those who choose to follow available trial coverage with support nearby.
Community members may come for support, spend time with others, or simply have a place to sit and feel welcome. The goal is to meet people where they are and recognize that healing can happen through conversation, shared meals, music, reflection, and being together.
Dumas has more than 25 years of experience in mental health services, organizational leadership, and community advocacy. Following the May 14 tragedy, she created the Black Mental Health Response Team in collaboration with the Erie County Office of Mental Health. The response brought together Black mental health clinicians, clergy, and peer specialists to provide crisis counseling, spiritual support, and peer services at and around Tops and in surrounding communities. She also served as co-chair of the 5/14 mental health committee.
The Community Healing Spaces build on that work and DRP’s ongoing commit ment to expanding access to culturally centered mental health care and strengthening the workforce of clinicians of color.