As Executive Director of the South Wedge Planning Committee (SWPC), I have the privilege of seeing every day how powerful community-centered investment can be. Thanks to support from the
Neighbors in Action Grant, we were able to offer an incredible range of free, accessible programs that responded directly to what our neighbors told us they needed.
This funding allowed us to expand housing and homeownership education. Beginning with SWPC History: Lauterbach Hardware Store & its Role in Housing in the South Wedge, and continuing
through hands-on workshops like Intro to Home Ownership, Home Maintenance Basics, Window Glazing, and Patio Building with SEAC. We supported safety and sustainability through programs
such as Fire Safety at Home, Fall Prevention & Home Safety, and Green Energy Improvements.
We were especially proud to deepen our Homewise programming for seniors, offering sessions on senior living options, home safety, decluttering, and multiple Medicare-focused workshops, including How to Choose a Medicare Plan, Medicare 101, and 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans Review. Financial security and digital safety were addressed through Cybersecurity Fundamentals
and SCAMS 101.
The grant also made it possible to support workforce and small business development through programs like Bookkeeping 101, Interviewing Techniques, and Resumes to Rejoin the Workforce.
We were also proud to host welcoming community-building events—like Cider & Donuts on the Patio and our Spring Stationery Class—that helped neighbors connect with one another and with
SWPC for the first time.
None of this work would have been possible without the generous support of the Rochester Community Foundation, the City of Rochester, and ESL Federal Credit Union. Their investment
allowed us to respond to real community priorities with programs that are practical, inclusive, fun and rooted in the South Wedge.
On behalf of SWPC, thank you for believing in our neighborhood. We hope this work reflects your trust—and that we have made you proud.