Who We Are

Poured Into the Community.
Built on Purpose.

I Am Youth is a Buffalo, NY nonprofit organization committed to interrupting violence, empowering high-risk youth, and supporting the families and communities most impacted by gun violence.

Our Mission

Invest in Youth.
Not Violence.

I Am Youth exists to empower the Buffalo community to establish and maintain a nonviolent culture. We work directly with high-risk individuals, crime victims, and their families — providing mediation, mentorship, and wrap-around support services.

We believe that every young person deserves a chance — and that with the right guidance, love, and community, lives can be transformed. We pour into our youth before the streets do.

"Train up a child in the way they should go." — Proverbs 22:6

Our Story

Born from the Community.

I Am Youth was founded by Walter Ball out of a deep calling to serve the most vulnerable in our community. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of gun violence on families and youth in Buffalo, Walter committed his life to being part of the solution.

What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a recognized organization serving Buffalo and several surrounding areas — mediating disputes, mentoring youth, and walking alongside families through their darkest moments.

Our team shows up on the streets, in schools, at community events, and wherever they are needed — because we know that presence matters and that it doesn't have to end this way.

What Drives Us

Our Core Values

Love

We lead with love — for our youth, our families, and our community. Love is the foundation of everything we do.

Peace

We believe every life has value. We work tirelessly to interrupt violence and build a culture of peace in Buffalo.

Community

We are stronger together. We show up for our neighbors, our youth, and every family impacted by violence.

Healing

We create space for victims, families, and youth to heal — because healing is how communities move forward.

Leadership

Walter Ball

Founder & Director

Walter Ball founded I Am Youth out of a personal mission to protect Buffalo's youth and heal its communities. His work is rooted in faith, love, and an unshakeable belief that every young person deserves a future free from violence.

Walter and his team are on the ground every day — mediating conflicts, mentoring youth, and standing beside families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. His message is simple: it doesn't have to end this way.

(315) 750-5058

In Action