Mayor Malik D. Evans announced the implementation of a new proactive outreach model for the Pathways to Peace school-based team in Rochester. This initiative aims to enhance the support provided to students, helping them stay safe, find emotional support, and succeed academically throughout the school year.
Evans emphasized the positive outlook for the upcoming school year, stating, “The vast majority of Rochester’s children and people are going to have a great school year and show up on the first day of school with smiles on their faces and excitement in their hearts.” However, he also acknowledged that many students are still grappling with the challenges posed by the pandemic, which may lead to poor decision-making. The new outreach model is intended to address these issues proactively.
Since taking office in 2022, Evans has worked to expand the Pathways to Peace initiative, which focuses on violence prevention and intervention, to include a dedicated school-based outreach team. This team operates within City schools, providing mentoring and counseling services to help students avoid violence and reduce encounters with law enforcement.
Under the newly established outreach model, the school-based team will identify a select group of students in each school who may require additional support. The services offered to these students will include:
- Monitoring Attendance: The team will track attendance records and engage in efforts to promote consistent school attendance.
- Conducting Home Visits: Team members will visit students’ homes to connect with families and address any barriers that may hinder academic success.
- Facilitating Workshops: Utilizing evidence-based programs such as Project Lead the Way, the team will focus on leadership development, conflict resolution, and community engagement to equip students with essential life skills.
- Advocating for Students: The team will represent students' interests in meetings and advocate for their needs within the school system.
- Connecting with Parents: Open lines of communication will be maintained with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and address any concerns.
- Collaborating with School Staff: The team will work closely with teachers, counselors, and administrators to create comprehensive support plans tailored to each student’s needs.
Pathways to Peace is part of a broader array of services offered by the City through the Department of Recreation and Human Services (DRHS). In addition, the City’s R-Centers will launch fall programming on September 11, featuring a diverse selection of activities aimed at keeping youth physically active and mentally engaged after school.
These free programs will cover a wide range of interests, including traditional sports, academic enrichment, life-skills training, leadership development, and nature exploration. Furthermore, the City will continue to provide Social Emotional Health and Wellness services through certified mental health counselors at four R-Centers.
For families and young people coping with trauma, the DRHS Office of Crisis Intervention Services offers support, including the Person in Crisis (PIC) mobile-response team, which can be accessed by calling 988.
For more information on these programs or to register as an R-Center member, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Rochester’s official website.
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