© 2026 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace St.
Buffalo, NY 14202

Toronto Address:
130 Queens Quay E.
Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5A 0P6


Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Differing shades of blue wavering throughout the image
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Voices of Hope and Advocacy

Background from left to right: red, then a vertical, thick white stripe in the middle, then black. from left to right: WN logo in the top corner, "VOICES OF HOPE AND ADVOCACY" in white text and "T#301" in black text over the red and then photos of Judy Torres and Sharon Sanford on the right over the black.

On this episode of What’s Next?, we focus on advocacy and community support for those facing trauma and health challenges in Western New York. Judy Torres, Director of Domestic Violence Services at Hispanic United of Buffalo, speaks about the rise in domestic violence and the importance of helping survivors navigate systems designed to protect them. Then, Sharon Sanford of the Sadie Strong Project shares how her organization empowers women affected by breast cancer through awareness, resources, and hope.

What's Next? 2025
Latest Episodes
  • On this episode of What’s Next?, Dr. Marcus Watson, Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Buffalo State University, discusses the history of Juneteenth, its significance in the American story, and why understanding this history remains important today.
  • On this episode of What’s Next?, contributor Saladin Allah speaks with Charlynn Rivera of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and Danessia Scott-Warren of the Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope about social justice, community engagement, advocacy, and civic participation.
  • On this episode of What’s Next? TaJuan Williams, author of Doscriosta, shares his personal journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and discusses the challenges of overcoming addiction, incarceration, and unresolved trauma.
  • On this episode of What’s Next?, we explore the Adult Critical Time Intervention (CTI) program and how it works to reduce homelessness, prevent rehospitalization, and connect individuals with essential services including housing, transportation, nutrition, and behavioral health treatment.
  • In the final installment of What’s Next?’s three-part anniversary series marking four years since the May 14 Tops mass shooting, the focus shifts from promises to outcomes.
  • (CORRECTION) Part two of What’s Next?’s three-part anniversary series examining the aftermath of the May 14 Tops mass shooting focuses on the distribution and impact of millions of dollars raised to support Buffalo’s East Side.
  • In part one of a three-part anniversary series marking four years since the May 14 Tops mass shooting, What’s Next? examines the nearly 100 million dollars pledged to support Buffalo’s East Side and the families impacted by the tragedy.
  • On this episode of What’s Next?, Kelley Clem of Hospice Buffalo and Palliative Care Buffalo explains the differences between the two forms of care and why early intervention can improve quality of life for patients living with chronic illness.
  • On this episode of What’s Next?, Anne Ryan, Executive Director of Read to Succeed Buffalo, discusses the importance of teaching reading from birth through third grade and the impact of programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
  • As Buffalo approaches the fourth anniversary of the May 14 Tops mass shooting, this episode of What’s Next? centers on reflection, accountability, and community dialogue.