Community Resources

Free COVID-19 Testing Sites in New York State https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you

 

211/Life Line
211/LIFE LINE is for everyone, every day, anytime. Community members get connected with experienced telecounselors by simply dialing 211 for free and confidential assistance connecting to vital services within the community.
https://211lifeline.org/index.php

Aunt Bertha
Aunt Bertha’s network connects people seeking help and verified social care providers that serve them. At Aunt Bertha, a social care network connects people and programs and makes it easy for people to find social services in their communities, for nonprofits to coordinate their efforts, and for customers to integrate social care into the work they already do.
https://www.auntbertha.com/search/text?term=rochester%2C+ny&postal=14623&language=en

City of Rochester
Information on the City of Rochester resources and updated information regarding open departments and services.
https://www.cityofrochester.gov/

City of Rochester Summer of Opportunity
Open to youth ages 14-20.Youth Employment Training prepares high school students for employment through job-readiness boot camp. Participants receive employment training and opportunities for subsidized, year round job placement, and graduate with a portfolio, resulting in increased employability.
https://www.cityofrochester.gov/soop/

Greenlight Network Virtual Resources
Links to valuable information for the following categories: What to stream while social distancing, working and learning from home: Can your internet handle it?, Local restaurants need your support, Staying social, Learning interrupted, Travel virtually, Religious services online, What is zoombombing?, Virtual field trips, Virtual fitness guide, Get your sports fix.
Greenlight virtual resources

Monroe County
Information on Monroe County resources and updated information regarding open departments and services.
https://www.monroecounty.gov/

New York Rx Card
New York Rx Card is a free statewide discount prescription assistance program. The program was launched to help uninsured and underinsured residents afford their prescriptions. Pharmacy discounts are for all residents of New York State.
https://newyorkrxcard.com/about

New York State Attorney General
The Attorney General’s Regional Offices address important matters of social and economic justice in the communities they serve by investigating and bringing action to protect consumers, civil rights, charitable donations, workers’ rights and the environment. Each of our Regional Offices is deeply engaged in local community affairs; conducting outreach and educational presentations and responding to New Yorkers’ complaints in critical areas such as elder abuse, consumer fraud, tenants’ rights, immigration services fraud, election fraud and not for profit corporations.
https://ag.ny.gov/
https://ag.ny.gov/regional-offices

Office of the Governor of the State of New York
Daily updates from the Governor of New York as well as livestream presentations.
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

Rochester Female Charitable Society Offers Financial Assistance Up to $200
A referral must be made by an agency. This is funding of last resort for ALL qualified individuals (non gender-specific) and other avenues must have been exhausted prior to submission.

Please contact Keith Krupcznski at kkrupcznski.brockport.edu for more information.

Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a religious and social service organization, and provides material to meet needs across 48 counties in Upstate New York.
Salvation Army Rochester

United Way of Greater Rochester Grants for Community-Based Agencies
While the Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, it is funding community-based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support. If you are looking for resources now, please contact our partners at 2-1-1 or your county’s Department of Social Services.
https://uwrochester.org/Our-Work/Innovation-Grants/Crisis-Response

YMCA Community Assistance
Most everyone at some time in their life will struggle to make ends meet. Through a grant, the YMCA of Greater Rochester is stepping in to help. This is an exciting, new opportunity that will directly support some of the most immediate needs in our community. This grant will allow the Y to provide a one-time distribution of assistance to those in Monroe County.YMCA received a grant to provide community assistance /emergency funding for those in need.
https://rochesterymca.org/community-buildings/ymca-receives-grant-assistance/

Child Care, Family Care, Pet Care, LGBTQ+, Respite, Parenting, Adult Care, Relationships Resources

Child Care Resource Directory
A resource to help increase awareness of available child care resources in Monroe County.
Click here for listing.

 

Summer Camp offerings through the City of Rochester
For more information on City of Rochester Super Camps, contact the Department of Recreation and Youth Services at (585) 428-6755, or visit www.cityofrochester.gov/summercamps.

Golisano Children’s Hospital Resources for Children and Families
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/coronavirus-information-for-families/resources-for-families.aspx

Life line 211
When you need help with family resources Lifeline can assist or has information on available resources.
https://211lifeline.org/family.shtml

NYS Division of Child Care Services Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCRRs) provide services to parents and day care providers in every county of New York State. If you are looking for child care, the CCRR in your county is a great place to start. They will ask you about the kind of care you are looking for, the ages of your children, the hours of care you need and other specifics such as any special needs your child might have. Based on that information, they will be able to give you a list of providers that most closely meet your needs.
https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/childcare/referralagencies.asp

Office of Children and Family Care Services (OCFS) Child Care Surveys
OCFS launched two new surveys on their website: one is for child care programs to report their current openings and the other is for parents who are looking for child care services.
https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/

YMCA of Great Rochester Emergency School Age Care
YMCA is offering single day and full week Emergency School Age Care to those in need. You can register online at the links provided on the website. If you are looking for care at Carlson MetroCenter YMCA you need to register in person. If you or someone you know needs care for a child(ren) ages 0-5, please  contact the Y at childcare@rochesterymca.org. One of our Center Directors will respond immediately with our availability.
https://rochesterymca.org/community-buildings/community-resources-covid-19/

Life line 211 disaster assistance
When you need help locating disaster assistance resources, Lifeline can assist or has information on available resources.
https://211lifeline.org/disaster.shtml

Life line 211 volunteer resources
When you need help locating volunteer resources, Lifeline can assist or has information on available resources.
https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=CommServ

GETTING TO WORK WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD: NEW YORK STATE LICENSE GUIDES 2020 EXPANDED EDITION

The New York State License Guides explain the process for obtaining licenses in 25, high-demand occupations and professions for people who have conviction records.

These guides aim to dispel the myths and misinformation that may discourage people with convictions from pursuing employment and career pathways that are actually available to them. There is a common misconception that a conviction record makes licensing impossible; in fact, 86 percent of people with conviction records who applied for New York State occupational licensing in 2018 were approved.

https://justiceandopportunity.org/research/getting-to-work-with-a-criminal-record-new-york-state-license-guides-2020-expanded-edition/

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a government-funded program, operated by RochesterWorks! in collaboration with the City of Rochester’s Summer of Opportunity Program (SOOP), which provides youth with six weeks of paid work experience through work sites and programs all across Monroe County.
http://summeryouthemployment.org/

GETTING TO WORK WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD: NEW YORK STATE LICENSE GUIDES 2020 EXPANDED EDITION

The New York State License Guides explain the process for obtaining licenses in 25, high-demand occupations and professions for people who have conviction records.

These guides aim to dispel the myths and misinformation that may discourage people with convictions from pursuing employment and career pathways that are actually available to them. There is a common misconception that a conviction record makes licensing impossible; in fact, 86 percent of people with conviction records who applied for New York State occupational licensing in 2018 were approved.

https://justiceandopportunity.org/research/getting-to-work-with-a-criminal-record-new-york-state-license-guides-2020-expanded-edition/

Internal Revenue Service Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments
IRS is offering tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others – including health plans – affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments

Lifeline 211
When you need help locating finance resources, Lifeline can assist or has information on available resources
https://211lifeline.org/finances.shtml

Lifeline 211
When you need help locating legal resources, Lifeline can assist or has information on available resources.
https://211lifeline.org/legal.shtml

Rochester Financial Empowerment Center
If your finances have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the FEC counselors are prepared to provide assistance contacting loan providers to lower regular payments, assistance with creating an emergency budget to prepare for the months to come, and assistance in connecting clients with additional resources and services. The Rochester Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is still open to new and returning clients. Financial empowerment counselors will continue to meet with clients, but all sessions will be held online or over the phone for the safety of all clients and counselors. To schedule an appointment call 585-252-7110.
https://www.cityofrochester.gov/fec/

Social Security Administration Information
Stay updated about what SSA is doing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue to check this web page for updates.
https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/

Emergency Food Supply Boxes
One of the focus areas of our hunger-relief efforts has been the safe packaging and distribution of Emergency Food Supply Boxes, which include a variety of non-perishable goods. Foodlink is preparing tens of thousands of these boxes, and distributing them throughout its existing network of emergency food providers — and through new distribution channels and partners throughout the region.
Food supply box locations

Foodlink
Provides food for underserved families in Allegany, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties.
FoodLink

Lifeline 211
When you need help locating food resources, Lifeline can assist or has information on available resources.
https://211lifeline.org/food.shtml
https://211lifeline.org/taxonomy.php?&tax=BD&tax=BD-1800

Lifespan
Obtaining food and groceries for people ages 60+
Lifespan – obtaining food and groceries

List of Food Pantries
Listings of faith-based, government and nonprofit pantries, information on food closets, food banks, soup kitchens, congregate meal locations, food boxes, vouchers, etc. The comprehensive list of food assistance programs provides full descriptions, pictures, hours, volunteer information, etc.
https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ny-rochester

Meals on Wheels (Urgent Requests)
Nutritious meals are provided. Recipes and menus are designed by a registered dietitian. Meals are lower in sodium and fat than many commercially-prepared options and each meal provides one-third of the daily dietary reference intake of nutrients. Also offered are no concentrated sweets, low lactose, ground, and kosher options. Safety checks are provided and volunteers notify office staff if a participant doesn’t come to the door to accept a meal or if something seems amiss. Office staff, in turn, will notify a participant’s emergency contact – a local family member, friend, or neighbor of the situation. Call Meals On Wheels at (585) 787-8397 or visit the website for more information.
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/home-care/meals-on-wheels.aspx
Urgent requests can be emailed to UrgentCovid19Request@gmail.com

Monroe County and Surrounding County School Meal Distribution Locations
This listing is by county and links are provided for up-to-date information regarding free meals for students.
List of resources and meal plan information from local districts

Shelters and Meals Information (as of September, 2019)
A listing of Monroe County area shelters and meal information. While this list may not be ALL services available, it encompasses many area services as of September, 2019).
Click here for listing.

More information is also available at
https://www.shelterlistings.org/county/ny-monroe-county.html

SNAP Benefits and Amazon Groceries
Amazon currently accepts SNAP EBT in AL, IA, NE, NY, OR, and WA. See FAQ for more information. Add your SNAP EBT card to pay for eligible groceries, including FREE access to Amazon Fresh.
Snap Benefits and Amazon Groceries

YMCA of Great Rochester Food Resources
The Maplewood Family YMCA will now be a site for Foodlink Grab and Go Meal Provider. We will be serving meals Monday – Friday from 10 am-6 pm. This food program is for children only. However, family members are able to come and get the amount of food they need for their household without the children being physically present.  Our team will be set up outside on fair weather days. In cases of bad weather days you may pick your food in the small front corridor of the building.
https://rochesterymca.org/community-buildings/community-resources-covid-19/

Life line 211
When you need help locating housing resources, Lifeline can assist or has information on available resources.
https://211lifeline.org/housing.shtml

Lifeline 211
When you need help locating utility resources, Lifeline can assist or has information on available resources.
https://211lifeline.org/utilities.shtml

New York State Attorney General
The Attorney General’s Regional Offices address important matters of social and economic justice in the communities they serve by investigating and bringing action to protect consumers, civil rights, charitable donations, workers’ rights and the environment. Each of our Regional Offices is deeply engaged in local community affairs; conducting outreach and educational presentations and responding to New Yorkers’ complaints in critical areas such as elder abuse, consumer fraud, tenants’ rights, immigration services fraud, election fraud and not for profit corporations.
https://ag.ny.gov/
https://ag.ny.gov/regional-offices

Postponement of New York Utility Rate Increase
Utility rate increases that were scheduled to go into effect on April 1 have been postponed. At my direction, the Public Service Commission ordered that rate hikes be postponed for nearly 2 million customers. This will help ease the financial stress on families and businesses affected by this pandemic.

Autism Speaks COVID-19 Information and Resources
Autism Speaks understands that many people with autism and their families are being directly impacted, seeing disruptions in services and coping with the uncertainty of what comes next. Provided are some resources and information that may help at this time. ​COVID-19 (coronavirus) information and resources  Autism Speaks

COVID-19 Social Stories
Print a FREE Coronavirus social narrative to help alleviate fears and anxiety many children may be experiencing at this time. Applicable for all children and anyone needing social supports.
Little Puddins: The Autism Educator

New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (NYSOPWDD)
Information on supports and resources for individuals in New York with developmental disabilities. Plain language paper to discuss Coronavirus and proper safety techniques.

Supports and Resources: https://opwdd.ny.gov/
Plain Language Paper: https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Plain-Language-Information-on-Coronavirus.pdf

Parent to Parent of Western New York
Links to COVID-19 resources for all families, including families of children with developmental disabilities. Several categories are addressed: CDC Guidelines, Federal Government Guidelines, Learning From Home, Mental Health, New York State Guidelines, Miscellaneous Resources.
Parent Network of Western New York

Regional Center for Independent Living
Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) is a group created to support independent living and disability resources by providing information and assistance for housing, transportation, home care, securing benefits and other disability services. We are here to help you recognize your disability rights and be your network and voice to ensure you comfortably live your life to its fullest potential. Special link to resources for Allegany, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Yates, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.
Regional Center for Independent Living

Zoom Opportunities (for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities) to Stay Connected
A calendar for Mondays through Fridays that is open to all people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Zoom meetings and information are available for daily check-ins and social connections.
Zoom Opportunities for Self-Advocates with I/DD to Stay Connected

Compeer Rochester
The following local, state, regional, and national organizations and resources can help with your mental health and wellness questions and needs. Several organizations are listed.
https://www.compeerrochester.org/helpful-links

Crisis Services for Monroe County Area
Emergency crisis services available for Monroe County.
Rochester Area Emergency Mental Health Resources

Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center
A variety of resources such as: Caregiver self-care;  Health/safety; Community resources; Structures, schedules; Behavior; Communication; Large toolkits; Education and learning resources; Social stories/social narratives, E-books; Webinars/blogs/articles; Articles for parents and caregivers.
https://rochester.app.box.com/s/1p6ai210gceq73ah5xozw3nrezailbmq

Headspace
The State is partnering with the company Headspace to provide New Yorkers with free meditation and mindfulness resources. We can’t underestimate the impact this public health crisis has on mental health. New Yorkers can access a collection of free guided meditations, along with at-home mindfulness exercises and additional resources to help address rising stress and anxiety.
https://www.headspace.com/ny

HEATHcare/Fidelis
Do you need health insurance or have questions about your coverage? Remember, you can enroll in Essential Plan, Medicaid, and Child Health Plus year round, and a special enrollment period for Qualified Health Plans is underway through May 15.
https://www.fideliscare.org/

Life line 211
When you need help locating mental health, health, wellness or substance abuse resources, Lifeline can assist or has information on available resources. Call 211 for immediate assistance in a crisis.
https://211lifeline.org/mental.shtml
https://211lifeline.org/health.shtml
https://211lifeline.org/substance.shtml

New York Mental Health Hotline
A mental health hotline is available to New Yorkers who need it. We can’t underestimate the impact this pandemic is having on mental health. I’m proud that over 6,000 mental health professionals have volunteered their time to help with New York’s Coronavirus response. For free emotional support, consultation and referral to a provider, call 1-844-863-9314.

Obtaining Prescriptions
Lifespan is able to assist people 60+ living in Monroe County with obtaining needed prescriptions. Call Lifespan at 585-244-8400.

New York Rx Card
New York Rx Card is a free statewide discount prescription assistance program. The program was launched to help uninsured and underinsured residents afford their prescriptions. Pharmacy discounts are for all residents of New York State.
https://newyorkrxcard.com/about

Telemedicine Tips for Families
With the current health crisis, many people are getting care in a new way – through telemedicine. Telemedicine is an easy way to see your health care provider using video conferencing. This means the child and family stay at home and the health care provider is at his or her office. Access helpful tip to be prepared for your “visit” and to understand the telemedicine process.
Click here for listing

Transitioning to Telemedicine Treatment
The primary goal at Golisano Children’s Hospital (GCH) is to provide the very best quality of care in an environment that is safe for everyone. Given the public health risks surrounding the potential spread of this new virus, they are working to move in-person appointments to telemedicine visits with your provider. Medical information shared with your provider during this visit will be documented and safeguarded just as it would during an in-person visit. There may be a fee associated with a telemedicine visit, but it’s typically lower than the cost of an in-person appointment.
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/coronavirus-information-for-families/telemedicine.aspx

Trillium Health – Coronavirus Testing

Trillium Health is offering coronavirus testing.  Walk-ins are welcome. Or, save time and call ahead to Trillium’s COVID-19 Hotline at 585-545-7292 Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. if you are:

• A community member who has symptoms of COVID-19 or who has had close contact with a person with symptoms of COVID-19
• A healthcare worker
• An essential worker
• At least 16 years old

Trillium Health is a community-based health center whose mission is to promote health equity by providing affordable and extraordinary primary and specialty care for people of all backgrounds, regardless of income, sexual identity, race, or ethnicity. For general medical appointments, please call 585-545-7200 to schedule an appointment.
https://www.trilliumhealth.org/en/346/respiratory-evaluations

University of Rochester Medical COVID-19 Updates and Self-Assessment Tool
Do you think you have COVID-19? Follow the steps in the guide from URMC if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Before visiting the doctor’s office, urgent care or emergency department, use this self-assessment tool.
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/coronavirus.aspx

Willow Domestic Violence Center Still Offering Services
The center is still offering support. While it’s not face to face, people can call, text or Facebook message the center to talk to a counselor. These channels of communication can be helpful for survivors who have nowhere else to go. You can call the center’s hotline at 585-222-SAFE (7233) or text 585-348-SAFE (7233) to speak confidentially with a staff member or counselor. Both lines are open 24/7.
https://willowcenterny.org/2020/03/15/willow-is-open/

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Life line 211
When you need help locating assistance for military and veterans, Lifeline can assist or has information on available resources.
https://211lifeline.org/military.shtml

Activities to Keep Your Children Engaged During School Closings
Here are ideas to help keep your youngest family members active, engaged and educated while they wait for classes to resume.
https://www.simplemost.com/activities-to-keep-your-kids-busy-during-closures/
https://senecaparkzoo.org/zooprojects/
https://www.weareteachers.com/virtual-field-trip-to-the-san-diego-zoo/
https://rmsc.org/
https://www.eastman.org/eastman-museum-home

Educational companies offering FREE subscriptions
With schools closing across the nation, parents and educators are in bit of a panic as they try to figure out how kids can learn and obtain their education from home. If this sounds like you, stop stressing. This is going to be super helpful!
List of Education Companies Offering Free Online Subscriptions
https://www.khanacademy.org/
https://www.mathplayground.com/

Fun Academic Activities for the Kids from the Rochester Red Wings
School may be out, but Professor Spikes has some assignments for any kids up to the challenge. Each day, Spikes will post a different worksheet on this web page. Each day will focus on a different subject (i.e., math, geography, etc.).
https://www.milb.com/rochester/news/professor-spikes-class-in-session

Parent to Parent Network Parent to Parent Network – Educational and Other Related Resources for Families during School Shutdowns
Listed are free, or at least temporarily free, resources for parents, caregivers, teachers, and others interested in assisting our students during these unusual times. Rather than share all the lists of sites that have been circulating online, a conscious effort was made to review these sites.
http://parenttoparentnys.org/news/headline-news/educational_and_other_related_resources_for_families_during_school_shutdown/

Online Safety
Allowing kids (of any age) online can be a bit scary, however, during these times, online options are the best way to connect to the world around us. Here are some sites to help with online safety:
https://www.netsmartzkids.org/
https://dare.org/internet-safety/
https://www.mcgruff-safe-kids.com/2014/08/10-internet-safety-tips-for-kids/
https://internetsafety101.org/
https://www.connectsafely.org/

Playworks
Kids need play to stay active and engaged with one another, and to support families and teachers. We want to share our expertise to help keep kids engaged in play during this time. Find resources and share your game ideas using the information on this site.
Playworks – Play at Home Digital Recess

Scholastic
Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing. Projects are separated by grade level.
Scholastic – Free Learn At Home Activities for Kids

WXXI Learn at Home
What is Learn At Home?  In response to area school closings, WXXI-TV is broadcasting a grade level “Learn At Home” schedule from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. WXXI Kids 24/7 channel will remain the same with PBS KIDS favorites for our youngest viewers. WXXI Education has curated and created resources, virtual events and hands-on activities in support of educators, students, and families posted on this site, in social media and e-newsletters.
https://www.wxxi.org/education

Charter-Spectrum Free Broadband and WiFi Access to Students
Charter-Spectrum announced it will offer free access to broadband and WiFi services to households with students who do not already have the services. The company says free broadband and Wi-Fi access will be available for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll in the service you can call 1-844-488-8395, the company says it will waive installation fees for student households.
Spectrum – Free Broadband & WiFi for Students (1-844-488-8395)
https://www.spectrum.com/

Comcast
It’s easy to get affordable high-speed Internet at home with Internet Essentials. New customers will receive two months of free service in response to the Coronavirus emergency.
Comcast – 2 Months Free Internet Essentials

Comcast Internet Essentials
You may qualify if you are eligible for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others. Get connected today!
https://www.internetessentials.com/

Community Hotspots
A comprehensive listing of community hotspots to access internet services. Subject to change.
https://rocwiki.org/WiFi_Hot_Spots

Veterans Upward Bound Laptop Borrowing Program
Any Veterans who are registered for Veterans Upward Bound and are working to further their education can borrow a laptop free of charge until they complete their Educational program. If you are a veteran registered with Veterans Upward Bound or would like more information, contact Amy Ortiz, Assistant Director Veterans Upward Bound at ajoddi@rit.edu or (910) 987-8301.

RTS Temporarily Waiving Fares
Regional Transit Service (RTS) announced that it will temporarily waive the requirement that customers pay a fare to ride the bus for Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.
https://www.myrts.com/Newsroom/News/Article/281/RTS-Announces-the-Temporary-Waiving-of-Bus-Fares-and-New-Procedure-to-Enter-and