The wide range of programs and services we provide help teenagers confront the demands and pressures they face every day. We work directly with dozens of organizations and area schools to help our community's young people directly face these challenges. Programs and services include:
The Community Place provides youth and family support services to students who participate in CPGR youth programs. Referrals are made by CPGR program staff, any Monroe County school or agency staff, community agencies, parents and students. Services are based on the premise that all youth should be provided opportunities and exposure to college readiness, vocational skill development, etc. to prepare them for success by age 21. Among the services provided by CPGR are monitoring student attendance and reducing absenteeism and truancy, development of life skills, job readiness training, esteem-building, academic support, etc. A Masters prepared Social Worker provides counseling support to youth and their families when therapeutic care is required. One of our operating principles is “Parents as Partners” which ensures that as providers we do not act in the role of parents but serve as partners. In addition to our own services, links are made with other community agencies and resources to assist our clients. Workshops are also conducted for parents on parenting, life skills, and other relevant topics that improve the lives of children we serve. One such workshop utilizes the Effective Black Parenting curriculum. For more information or to make a referral, contact Isaac Collins, MSW at 585-288-0021 or icollins@communityplace.org.
This program is available to all secondary students at Dr. Freddie Thomas High School. The program is located at 57 Central Park and is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Students receive homework assistance each day and tutoring in mathematics and English language arts by certified teachers three days per week. In addition, participants have the opportunity to develop computer skills, as well as instruction in arts, crafts, and cooking. Students’ leadership skills are further developed through service learning and community service projects. Wednesdays are devoted to field trips and project-based activities. Students must attend the program for 30 days in order to be officially enrolled. For more information, contact Leonard Brock, director, Leadership and Character Development, at 585-288-0021 or lbrock@communityplace.org.
Tutoring services are available free of charge to students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and who attend schools designated as low-performing schools. Certified teachers provide tutoring in mathematics, reading and English language arts to small groups of students (1-4) for three hours per week. Students are pre-tested to determine skill areas to be improved. A plan of action is developed in conjunction with the students’ teachers, the student, and parent(s), and progress is measured weekly. Instruction is delivered using the computer-based programs Accelerated Math and Accelerated Reader, and/ or direct instruction. Incentives are given to students who attend the program regularly. The tutoring services are provided at three locations: 145 Parsells Avenue, 500 Carter Street, and 57 Central Park from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00 p.m. Schools may be used when most convenient for students and their families. For more information or to register for tutoring, contact Leonard Brock, director, Leadership and Character Development, at 585-288-0021 or lbrock@communityplace.org.
The Community Place of Greater Rochester Inc. is the lead agency for the Student Support Centers at Dr. Freddie Thomas High School and Frederick Douglass Preparatory School. Referrals for services are made by school and agency staff, parents and other community agencies. Among the services provided are mental health, pregnancy prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, esteem building, academic support, conflict resolution, job readiness, and life skills. Students receive these services in both individual sessions with service providers and in group settings. The Student Support Centers are open from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. For more information or to complete a referral for services, contract Isaac Collins, MSW at 585-288-0021 or icollins@communityplace.org.
The Beacon Centers at CPGR offer a diverse portfolio of programs offered when children are not in school (during school vacations or after the school day) that vary by location at 145 Parsells Avenue (14609) and 57 Central Park (14605). Consistent with the Rochester City School District’s calendar, after school programs are offered Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 145 Parsells and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at 57 Central Park when school is in session. When school is not in session, the hours are generally 1:00-5:00 p.m. at 145 Parsells only. Program times vary by age to ensure that activities are age and stage appropriate.
All programs and services are offered in a structured environment and children and their families are required to register in advance of participating. Outreach staff are available to visit homes for those families that are unable to come into the agency to complete the necessary paperwork and to meet the staff.
While the programs vary at each site, all offer activities such as: homework assistance; reading clubs; self-esteem exercises; sports; leadership development; workshops; and field trips.
Exciting program additions include our newly refurbished computer labs, a teen lounge, and a home economics center. For additional information, contact Leonard Brock, director, Leadership and Character Development, at 585-288-0021 or lbrock@communityplace.org.
Our Traveling Summer Camp, offered to youth ages 4-14 on weekdays during the summer, provides a variety of activities including: trips; swimming; hiking; games; arts and crafts; music; computer training; and nutritious meals. The staff-to-child ratio is 1:10 and a nutritious breakfast and lunch are provided each day at no additional cost. Campers take field trips to exciting place all around Rochester and Monroe County. Limited transportation is provided from all program sites throughout the northeast section of Rochester. Registration begins in February and payment plans are offered at that time. For additional information, contact Leonard Brock, director, Leadership and Character Development, at 585-288-0021 or lbrock@communityplace.org.
Our organized sports programs provide youth with the opportunity to participate in seasonal sports in a structured environment. This program is comprehensive and addresses physical development, academic enrichment, and character development. The sports activities vary depending on the season. Among the options are: basketball, baseball, football, soccer, swimming and cheerleading. Youth are required to participate in academic support and social skills development activities. Parents are required to work closely with participants at home to maintain academic performance and to reinforce the skills and techniques taught to the child. Our sports program partners with other community-based organizations, including: Catholic Youth Organization (CYO); Flower City Soccer; The Rochester Rams; Boys and Girls Club- RBI; and The 16th Ward Baseball Association. For additional information, contact Leonard Brock, director, Leadership and Character Development, at 585-288-0021 or lbrock@communityplace.org.
During the summer months several employment opportunities are provided for youth ages 14 and older to gain valuable skills through classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Traditionally efforts have targeted introducing young women to careers that are not traditional to women, and for youth that attend summer school and are only able to work a fraction of the regular work day. Generally, the programs run for a six-week period immediately following the July 4th weekend. Programs are either income-restricted or have minimum academic performance standards. Youth interested in participating should inquire between April and June. Limited opportunities are available for students interested in volunteering. For additional information, contact Isaac Collins, MSW at 585.288.0021 or icollins@communityplace.org.
The Youth Adult Partnership Project brings together youth and adults stakeholders from Sector 8 in the City of Rochester to plan and implement activities that will improve the quality of life within Sector 8. Youth are trained and taught leadership skills as well as provided opportunities to participate in government and community processes. For more information contact Leonard Brock, director, Leadership and Character Development, at 585-288-0021 or lbrock@communityplace.org.
Rochester Step-Off is a comprehensive youth development program that operates from September until June. Each year nearly 600 students from public and private schools across Monroe County, grades 7 though 12, participate in the program. The program utilizes stepping as a vehicle for encouraging students to develop and succeed in five key program areas:
- Academic Performance: a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Physical Development: both ability to perform physical activities as well as exercise discipline.
- Cultural Competence: tolerance, acknowledgement, and acceptance of differences as well as understanding and honoring the rich heritage of stepping.
- Character Development: understanding and exemplifying character, values, and conduct consistent of a step team member.
- Civic Engagement: understanding and exemplifying an understanding of their role, responsibilities, and impact on the society in which they live
The ultimate goal is to substantially impact the percentage of participants that enroll in college or a secondary educational program. To that end, academic performance is the first priority as is the provision of financial support to further educational pursuits. Upon satisfactorily meeting the program requirements which include participation in academic support, community services, and character building activities, students are able to apply for scholarships and monetary awards to be used for financial support for higher education and qualified students can compete at the annual Rochester Step-Off held at the Blue Cross Arena. The program is supported by a network of nearly 100 volunteers. For additional information, contact Patricia Mason, director, Rochester Step-Off, at 585-288-0021 or pmason@communityplace.org. You may visit www.rochesterstepoff.org to view past years’ participants, supporters, and award winners.
The Male Mentoring Program provides young men participating in the Rochester Step-Off Program an opportunity to receive direct mentoring and access to male life models with related experiences to explore issues they face daily and to identify and take action on solutions. One major goal is to help young men become critical thinkers and understand personal accountability and the direct relationship between choices and the impact of those choices. In addition academic support and activities are provided though weekend study programs. For additional information, contact Patricia Mason, director, Rochester Step-Off, at 585.288.0021 or pmason@communityplace.org.
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