Coretta Scott King said “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” At The Community Place of Greater Rochester “neighbors helping neighbors” have strengthened the Rochester community for over one hundred years “one person, one family at a time.” I had the honor, and fun, to interview Rich Redding, Development Coordinator about this very special non-profit.
“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” Albert Schweitzer
The Community Place of Greater Rochester was founded in 2001 from a merger of The Lewis Street Center, the Genesee Settlement House, and the Eastside Community Center. These settlement houses were founded to support immigrant populations with language and customs, help impoverished urban neighborhoods, and provide safe places for children, basically helping every facet of the neighborhood. The Community Place has continued this tradition and mission to help families meet their “basic needs, promote health, wellness, and education, while enhancing personal and social development, improve literacy and build community.” By sharing services they continued to build a strong community ecosystem and provide more services to individuals, families, and the Rochester community.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Over eighty people work at The Community Place of Greater Rochester and the volunteers are many, often focused on specific projects. This wonderful staff and volunteers love this community they serve. Many times former recipients of services have become employees of The Community Place. This mighty non-profit agency was founded on the “belief that everyone should enjoy the same health, economic, and social opportunities no matter who they are or where they live.” The Community Place utilizes their support and services to help every facet of the neighborhood by meeting basic needs and giving a helping hand. This non-profit’s compassion is embraced by all who work and volunteer there. They meet people where they are at, are place based by being located in the neighborhoods they serve, and often employ people who live in their neighborhoods. Investing in the people and the community to strengthen individuals, families, and the Rochester area. What is good for the community is good for The Community Place.
“All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors—in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” Fred Rogers
The Community Place programs are rich and varied. Aging Services programs include the Senior Center, Care Management Services, Foster Grandparent Program, and the Senior Companion Program. Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Services there are The Sky’s the Limit, Family Outreach, Parenting Skills, Supported Employment, Family Reimbursement Program, and Community Habitation. Family Services provide families with “the tools they need to become self-sufficient.” Prevention Services is “designed to prevent and reduce substance use and problem gambling amongst children and adolescents.” Early Childhood and Youth Services focus on “the holistic development of toddlers, children, and young adults in areas of education, workforce, personal, social and emotional” to build skills and promote preparation for the next phase of life. Programs include the Community Learning Center, Summer Learning Center, and Summer Youth Employment. A partnership with the Rochester City School District and the Student and Family Support Services coordinates “external services” for the students and families at Northeast/Northwest Preparatory Schools.Threshold Learning Center, Universal Pre-Kindergarten, and the Family Daycare Program helps to educate and support children, teens, and families. The Community Place is purposeful in taking actions to partner with existing programs to share space and services so when opportunities arise to do so they work diligently to make it happen. The connections between individuals and families who participate in the programs are strong and deep. Alumni groups continue to connect and have reunions.
“Ubuntu – I am because we are, and because we are, you are.” Elizabeth Nyamayaro
With honor and joy we shine the Kindness Champion spotlight on the AMAZING The Community Place of Greater Rochester. Where neighbors help neighbors one person, and one family at a time, creating a stronger community and city. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesome to the world.
For more information on the The Community Place of Greater Rochester here is their information:
Website: https://www.communityplace.org/
Twitter: @CommPlaceGR https://twitter.com/Commplacegr
Facebook: @TheCommunityPlaceofGreaterRochester,Inc. https://www.facebook.com/communityplace
Instagram: @commplacegr https://www.instagram.com/commplacegr/
LinkedIn: @TheCommunityPlaceofGreaterRochester https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-community-place-of-greater-rochester/
