Every one of us has a role to play in giving children the best opportunity to reach their full potential. Education is not only the responsibility of teachers; it takes the entire community working together, both within and outside of schools. Read on for how you can make a difference by advocating for public policies that are good for kids. |
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"The City of Rochester's first-time home buyer program helped me and my husband with a $3,000 grant for a down payment and closing costs. Now my sons can play outside, ride their bicycles, and experience the joy and freedom of childhood." -- Kelly "Moving into an apartment operated by the Rochester Housing Authority changed my family's life. Before, I paid up to $1,000/month for rentals with moldy basements and where a shooting next door left our apartment riddled with bullets. Now my rent has fallen to $277/month. I no longer have to work two jobs so I can be home with my kids for family meals and on the weekends." -- Verity |
| Children benefit from stability and routine. Research shows that children who experience housing instability and homelessness are more likely to struggle in school. That's why we took a close look at housing among Rochester City School District students. We identified high-impact steps New York can take to ensure every child has a place to call home. Our newest report highlights the stories of four families who, through persistence and the support of public programs, were able to access affordable, quality housing. We also dive into the data, finding that: - 38% of RCSD students switched schools, changed addresses or left the district over two years.
- There was high variability between schools with the mobility rate being as low as 21% and as high as 49% of students in a school.
- 8% of RCSD students were homeless at some point during the two school years, compared with 1% of suburban Monroe County and 5.5% of New York state students.
- Eviction rates are rising back to pre-pandemic levels with 5.6% of rental households in New York going through eviction proceedings in 2022.
Housing affordability is a problem we can fix, if we summon the political will to do so. High-impact solutions include: - Expanding the Empire State Child Credit
- Increasing availability of subsidized housing
- Increasing the Public Assistance Shelter Allowance
- Creating a New York Housing Access Voucher program
- Expanding pathways to home ownership
- Strengthening tenant protections
- Stimulating new housing construction
Read the report here and ask your Assemblymember and State Senator what they are doing to enact these solutions. |
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| Education outcomes are closely connected with family income. In Monroe County, the high school graduation rate in Pittsford Central School District is 98%, while a mere 1.5 miles away in Rochester it is 71%. When communities are invested in and have access to resources, children thrive. The Children's Agenda, along with our community partners, is hosting a Town Hall on child poverty. At the town hall event you will: - Hear stories of strength and hope
- Learn how public policies can give children a brighter future
- Have the chance to tell elected officials and community leaders what solutions you support
Join with us on Monday, October 2nd, from 5:30 - 7:00pm at the Ibero Community Resource Center at 216 Clifford Avenue in Rochester. Light food and child care will be available. Receive a reminder of the event and let us know if you will need child care by signing up here. |
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| Education success begins even before children start school. For infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities, that means having access to the Early Intervention support they need, when they need it. September is Early Intervention Month and we are pleased to join with the Kids Can't Wait campaign and community partners in raising awareness about Early Intervention and ensuring children's rights to services, guaranteed under federal and state law, are upheld. - How does Early Intervention work? Get the facts here.
- Why are so many kids waiting for services? Find out here.
- If your child is waiting for services, what are their rights? Sign up for a statewide webinar here.
- Want to connect with other families receiving Early Intervention? Check out these Monroe County playdates.
- Want to make a difference? Follow the Kids Can't Wait campaign here.
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| Carmen and Isabel have been out and about town, talking with parents and community members about what kids need, the solutions they support, and how they can get involved with advocacy. There are many opportunities for you to get involved! We have two advocacy groups: - Very Invested Parents meet monthly to learn about policies, develop skills for advocacy, and plan events where they speak boldly to policymakers. This group is primarily for Rochester parents. To join or learn more, sign up here.
- We are also organizing a regional group to advocate for affordable, quality child care. Parents, providers, educators, retirees -- all are welcome because caring for children is a responsibility that belongs to all of us. To join or learn more, sign up here.
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Parent Spotlight While most folks were soaking in the last few days of summer, our Very Invested Parents were gearing up for the new school year. Last week Chrissy, Annisa and Diveth met with the Director of Special Education for the Rochester City School District to share what children and families need to ensure every child has the best opportunity to reach their full academic potential. Their requests included consistent availability of language translation for parents so they can fully engage with the schools in supporting their children's education. If you want to get involved in our Rochester advocacy group, sign up here. |
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Thank You to our Recent Donors! |
Dr. Adam Urbanski • Andrew McGowan • Barbara Deming • Barbara Green • Beverly & Mike Faro • Dr. Bill Destler & Dr. Rebecca Johnson • Christine Fields & Rochelle McDaniel • Christopher & Kaitlin Porpiglia • Daniel & Marianne Eisenhardt • David DeFrancis • Flor Colon • Dr. Gayle Harrison • Gloria Forgione • J. Pearce & Liz Webb • Dr. Jacob Adams • Jeanne Carlivati • Jeff Hoffman • Jen Cathy • Jim & Carmen Brush • Dr. Joyce Duckles • Kathi Stolte • Kathy Foster • Lisa Camillaci • Luis Perez • Drs. Marc & Rebecca Lavender • Marcia Meagher • Mary Jo Green • Meredith Dragon • Patricia Lawlor • Paul Tremblay & Dr. Jennifer West • Ramon Perez • Ray Samson • Robert Genther • Ronald & Elaine Johnson • Rosemary Salamone • Ruth Fried • Sheri Scavone • Thomas & Linda Sargent • Wayne & Beverly LeChase • William & Carol Coons • Windsor Wade Greater Rochester Health Foundation Redlich Horwitz Foundation Children are young for a short time. You can make a difference by contributing today. |
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