Building People. Reclaiming Places. Rewriting Legacies.

The RARE Place, Inc. builds economic and leadership infrastructure for underestimated communities in Buffalo, New York, rooted in the belief that the people closest to the problem already hold the power to solve it.

Under the leadership of founder and Executive Director Talia Johnson-Huff, our work has grown from school-based programming and community support into a network connecting small businesses, contractors, procurement professionals and organizations committed to expanding opportunity. We focus on practical tools, trusted relationships and opportunities people can use to move forward.

Our story

Opportunity begins with access. Growth requires support.

More than a decade of work, each chapter built on the one before it.

Practical education, delivered by people who've done the work.

1. 01
   Our roots · Since 2014

   Preparing young people for what comes next

   We've worked with students in Buffalo public and charter schools, including Bennett High School, East High School, Burgard High School and Tapestry Charter School, with programming in early-stage entrepreneurship, healthy decision-making, financial literacy, career and college planning, exposure to skilled trades, and leadership and personal development.

   At Bennett High School, The RARE Program was offered as a half-credit course in place of study hall, giving students structured time to prepare for their futures.

   At Tapestry Charter School, we provided weekly programming for fifth-grade girls in response to a need for greater student support, confidence and healthy peer relationships.

2. 02
   Workforce & skilled trades

   Pathways to work and stability

   Our work has supported veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals and people experiencing homelessness through connections to employment, resources and skilled trades training. Moving forward often takes more than information — it takes access to people, resources and support that make the next step possible.

3. 03
   Small business capacity building

   Building business readiness

   Today we bring together a broad network of contractors, procurement professionals, business owners and community partners to help small and diverse businesses prepare for opportunities — including through the Buffalo Niagara MWBE & SDVOB Capacity Building Cohort.

4. 04
   Since 2024

   The Training Day Conference

   The conference extends this work by bringing practical education and business connections into one room — small and diverse businesses alongside buyers, contractors, trainers and community partners.

5. 05
   In development

   Our next chapter: a permanent space

   We're working toward securing a building or dedicated space where we can expand training, business development and community services.

   See how you can help →

Each program connects people to the same four things: practical education, trusted relationships, real resources and the next opportunity.

The Readiness Standard™ is a separate program owned by Talia Huff / MWBE Constructors, Inc., and is not a program of The RARE Place, Inc.