Community Impact Projects

“Did you know that the mere presence of books in the home profoundly impacts a child’s academic achievement? Increasing a child’s access to books has been proven to result in improved reading performance, an increase in reading frequency, and improved attitudes toward reading and learning.” The LGR Class of 2015 developed the Rochester Mini Library Program to “promote literacy and learning through a self-sustaining mini library network in Rochester neighborhoods,” with the vision of growing proficient and avid readers in Rochester.

In the summer of 2015, the class built and installed 40 mini libraries throughout Rochester neighborhoods to provide barrier-free access to books for children and families within walking distance of their home. The class notes, “A focus of the program is on enriching youth who are not currently reached by the Rochester Public Library’s services due to geographic, language or financial barriers.”

Additional Resources:

• Rochester Mini Library Program
• Rochester Mini Library Facebook Page
• Rochester Public Library Neighborhood Libraries

The Leadership Greater Rochester class of 2014 devoted their Community Impact Project to plans to revitalize Central Park, the Rochester community’s first public park. The class’s efforts to revitalize Central Park included enhancing and beautifying the urban green space and historical landmark for community members who use the park today and those who will enjoy the park in the future. The class held a fundraising event, “People in Central Park,” for community members to enjoy an afternoon of outdoor activities in the park and hear about the class’s plans to bring new life to Rochester’s oldest park. For more information on the project visit the links below.

Additional Resources:

• Revitalizing Central Park Facebook Page
• People in Central Park Event

“The goal of The Kitchen at Channel One is to create a healthier community by providing sustaining education, skills and local resources to empower families to make smart nutritional choices. Tackling this feat requires a unique approach to prevention of chronic disease by moving upstream to curtail disease before it starts.” To meet these ends, The Kitchen offers community-based hands-on cooking and healthy eating classes, and a variety of life skill seminars, such as financial management and workforce preparation.

Additional Resources:

• The Kitchen at Channel One

The Golden Hill Outdoor Learning Environment was the community impact project of the LGR class of 2012, with the focus of expanding the Garden Project at Golden Hill Alternative Learning Center, a school that serves at risk youth. Class efforts for the project raised nearly $60,000 to go toward development of an apple orchard, a hoop house, a rain garden, a compost area, and expanded garden. The class noted that, “Golden Hill ALC is on the cutting edge of the movement to create sustainable agriculture within community schools while enhancing student education.”

Additional Resources:

• Golden Hill Outdoor Learning Environment Facebook Page
• Rochester Leadership Group Proposes Expansion Project for Students (Post-Bulletin)
• Rochester Leadership Group Helps Golden Hill Flourish (KTTC)
• Golden Hill Garden Program Video