A Rochester-based organization, whose efforts have led to policy changes that have helped children in the region and across the state, is marking a milestone in 2024 — its 20th year of operation.

ESL Federal Credit Union’s impact on the region extends beyond its traditional role as a lender. The credit union counts among its priorities helping the area through its community impact efforts.

Legislation has been introduced by Assemblyman Harry Bronson, D-Rochester, and Rep. Jessica Ramos, D-Queens, to reduce child poverty statewide by 50 percent over the next decade.

Monroe County has made enhancements to the child care subsidy program in an effort to ensure working parents have access to vital programs.

Graduation rates are up, parents are more engaged and supportive, third grade English Language Arts proficiency has improved and college financial aid applications are on the rise. But Rochester still lags the rest of the state and nation in many other areas in terms of childhood outcomes.

More than three-quarters of the brain develops in early childhood, before kids even get to preschool or kindergarten. That means that giving children every opportunity to learn, grow and develop from age zero is fundamental. And that’s why the Children’s Agenda Inc. was established some 15 years ago.

The Greater Rochester After-School Alliance (GRASA) on Thursday will partner with the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, Healthi Kids, the Greater Rochester Summer Learning Association (GRSLA), United Way of Greater Rochester Inc. and the Children’s Agenda to host a “Lights On Afterschool” event.

KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit that works to ensure every kid and community have access to quality playspaces, has selected ROC the Future to lead a playground project here.

As a collective, ROC the Future’s focus is to help each child reach his or her full potential. The nonprofit alliance works to promote alignment and focus of community resources to improve outcomes for kids in Rochester. Anchored by the Children’s Agenda, ROC the Future consists of a board of…

Roc the Future, an alliance of more than 60 leading Rochester institutions, on Monday launched a new initiative to transform the Rochester City School District.