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Torrey Washington is a dedicated community leader, public servant, and advocate for equitable growth across Buffalo. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Erie County Democratic Committee, where he leads strategic efforts to strengthen civic engagement, support emerging leaders, and build coalitions that reflect the diversity of Erie County.
Before stepping into this political leadership role, Torrey spent over a decade in the financial services industry, most recently as a Vice President at Citi, where he focused on transformation strategy and operational excellence. His professional journey has always been rooted in service—beginning with roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Marion County Election Board, and as Deputy Political Director for a U.S. Senate campaign.
A proud husband and father of four, Torrey and his wife Marissa, a Family Court Magistrate in Erie County, are raising their family in the Town of Tonawanda. Deeply committed to creating generational wealth, opportunity, and access for communities of color, Torrey brings both lived experience and professional insight to the work of the Delavan Grider Community Center. His leadership on the board reflects a passion for youth development, economic inclusion, and building sustainable partnerships that uplift Buffalo’s East Side.
The Delavan Grider Community Center (DGCC) has always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, I always felt a connection to the building, even before I had the chance to step inside. It always seemed like the DGCC was so full of life. As a child, I heard so much about the fun programs, basketball games, and after-school activities happening there, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was missing out on something special. Passing by, I would often see people of all ages coming and going, and it always felt like the DGCC was alive with energy and purpose.
As I got older, that feeling never quite left me, so when the opportunity finally came to step foot inside, I didn’t hesitate. What started as a brief visit to drop off some items quickly turned into a two-hour conversation with Ms. Candace, who welcomed me with open arms. She shared an opportunity to join the Board, which I had seen before but wasn’t sure I was ready for. With her encouragement and support, I decided to apply that very night.
For the past decade, I’ve worked as a Community Advocate, connecting children and families to resources and fighting for students’ rights to fair and equal education. Throughout my work, I’ve always believed in the power of community and the importance of taking action when opportunities to improve the lives of others arise. The DGCC embodies this same spirit—constantly listening to the needs of the community and doing whatever it takes to make a positive impact.
Since accepting the board position, my involvement with the DGCC has been nothing short of amazing. The sense of community, love, and support is unlike anything I’ve experienced, and I encourage all to stop in and experience the same! I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a vibrant, ever-evolving space, and I’m excited for the work we’ll continue to do together in the future.
Taylor Norton, Community Advocate
My story started when I was asked to join the board during the pandemic in 2021. My soror, Kelly Wofford, was the secretary at the time and she felt I would be a great addition to the board – so I put my application in! After the panel interview, I was extended the opportunity to join the board and became a member. Since joining, I have recruited members to serve alongside me, including – Eishawn Camp, Synta Adams and Torrey Washington. I have made connections within the community to support the center, especially the tutoring program, and promoted the programming and fundraising campaigns.
Once the pandemic came to an end and we all were able to return back to work/school, I had a dilemma. The child care agency that provided before and after school care for my youngest son no longer was going to provide that service for us so I had to find one asap. I had to assume the responsibility of getting my child off the school bus everyday. This was a struggle because I work full time and his school ended at 2 and I had to be at his bus stop by 3 when I worked until 5.
I did my best to get him off the bus on time for about 3 months and it was not working so I needed a place asap. Ms. Candace was able to get the afterschool program back up and running at the Center and I was able to sign him up. Since then it’s been such a huge relief and my son is learning so many amazing things!
His homework gets completed daily, he cooks, sews, does art activities, learns about agriculture and the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables, trains on how to play basketball, and attends the summer school. As well as has made friends and has a place where he belongs and is as accepted for him.
Aimiamia Amadasu-McCray
Dr. Kate Shands Haq, co-founder, Vice President of Operations and Curriculum Development of Mother Earth Literacies, LLC, has been a professional educator since 1985. She taught in urban and rural schools in Western New York, primarily as an elementary classroom teacher and literacy coach, for 30 years. As co-founder at Mother Earth Literacies, Kate works with her partner, Dr. Monica Miles, in support of nonprofits and educators. Passionate about the creation of interdisciplinary equity-focused, place-based curriculum for educators and learners, Kate’s research interests include youth civic engagement, environmental justice education, and critical literacies. Kate and her husband Kushnood raised three sons in the city of Buffalo and she has been a child and parent advocate over many years. The Delavan-Grider Community Center holds a special place in Kate's heart and she is honored to sit on the Board of Directors as Secretary. Kate can be reached at kate@motherearthliteracies.com
Dr. Kate Haq, Co- Founder & VP, Mother Earth Literacies
My journey with the Delavan Grider Community Center started off slow but evolved into a heartfelt mission. My first impactful contact with the center occurred in 2020 when I organized a food drive in collaboration with a statewide fraternal organization to help support seniors who depended on the Center during the COVID -19 pandemic. During this challenging time, I also became active in my local block club, later utilizing the Center as a monthly meeting space. I began to spend more time at the Center, and through this experience, I built relationships with other community members and staff, working together to find ways to assist those in the community who might not know how to seek help or where to begin tackling their concerns.
I have dedicated both my personal life and professional career to public service, and the Community Center stands as our hub and a beacon of empowerment, serving the public needs. Under the leadership of Executive Director Candace Moppins, the center’s mission aligns with my values, making my involvement feel natural. My commitment has grown, leading me to join the Executive Board. I am proud to have utilized the services and programs offered by the community center and actively recommend and send my neighbors to the center.
As someone who was raised in the Delavan/Grider community, raised my family, and continues to live in the community, I am deeply dedicated to its sustainability and ensuring the Delavan – Grider Community Center continues to serve as our community hub, providing quality services and a safe haven for all who live nearby.
Angie Davis Leveritte – President, Norfolk Ave Block Club #1
Candace S. Moppins, daughter of Sharon Pender-Gidney and Drexel Gidney, and the late Roderick O. Moppins Sr., is a cherished mom, sister, granddaughter, aunt, nurse, and mentor. Her journey began at the Diocesan Educational Campus and continued through her graduation from Villa Maria Academy. In high school, Candace’s passion for nursing ignited, leading her to become a Licensed Practical Nurse and graduate from Trocaire College. Candace’s early career included significant roles at Sheehan Memorial Hospital, Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Episcopal General Homecare, and Erie County Medical Center, as well as private duty nursing. After the birth of her son and the adoption of her three daughters, she sought more flexible employment and found her calling in community-based work.
As the Housing Director at F.L.A.R.E., Candace discovered her true purpose: to assist, support, and mentor families within the community. This mission brought her to the Delavan Grider Community Center, where she now serves as the Executive Director. In her role, Candace has been a steadfast advocate for the community, using her outgoing, supportive, and nurturing nature to foster an inclusive environment. Her primary goal has been to ensure the center functions as a vital asset to the neighborhood. Under her leadership, and with the dedicated efforts of her staff and the Board of Directors, the center has secured numerous programs and funding.
The Delavan Grider Community Center now offers a wide range of services, including yoga, senior programming, summer youth enrichment, and support for parents with children with special needs. The center also hosts Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, STEM Club, Alcoholics Anonymous, health and wellness activities, dance classes, cooking classes, and more. Collaborations with organizations such as Spectrum Cable Services, Key Bank, Buffalo Grow Green, and Every Bottom Covered have been crucial to these efforts. Candace describes her role at the center as “challenging but worthwhile and rewarding,” and she firmly believes that “you must be the start of change you want to see.” Her dedication has earned her several accolades, including the Elizabeth E. Anglim Advocacy Award, the Coalition of Adoption and Foster Family Agencies award, the Unlimited Possibilities Overcoming Poverty Ministry Incorporated award, the Paradigm Service award from The Black Association of Black Social Workers, and the Still I Rise, No More Tears Community Service Award.
A proud member of Tabernacle of Praise, Candace is guided by her faith under Pastor Charles and First Lady Rachel McCarley. She takes immense pride in her children: Keith, a Buffalo Police Officer; LeAnn and Evelyn, who are pursuing their dreams; and Alanna, a freshman at South Carolina State University. Her family and community are equally proud of her remarkable achievements.
I appreciate the center and the role it has played in my life. The programming provided by the Center really helped to raise my son in a safe environment where he was able to grow, learn and most importantly play! I discovered the after school program and summer camp when I needed it the most. Having safe, affordable childcare while finishing my Bachelor’s and then going on for a Master’s degree was critical to my development as a professional.
The Center was also critical in protecting my young adult children from Covid. We all – me, my daughter and son all got vaccinated as a family for the initial and booster shot. And although my daughter contracted covid, she was able to come through it alive which I believe is a result of easy access to an immunization site. I am truly grateful for the services and support provided by the Center as a community and board member.
~Adrienne Garr
