Connected Communities: EMMA & Beechwood

06/17/2026

We’re excited to be part of the 2026 Revitalize & Innovate Symposium, a gathering of national leaders, practitioners, developers, policymakers, and community changemakers working to advance equitable and sustainable community development.

Connected Communities is especially proud that our Executive Director, Dr. LaShunda Leslie-Smith, will be serving on the panel “Community Power in Motion: Ownership, Influence & Long-Term Stewardship,” exploring how communities can move from being consulted to actively shaping and sustaining development outcomes.

We’re also honored that Dr. Leslie-Smith and our Chief Impact Officer, Janielle Crocker, will co-present “Connected Communities Lab: From Challenge to Roadmap,” an interactive session focused on turning community challenges into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes.

These conversations are at the heart of our work in Rochester; building pathways for residents to shape the future of their neighborhoods while creating systems that support long-term opportunity and impact.

If you’re passionate about community development, neighborhood revitalization, workforce development, housing, economic mobility, and resident-centered change, we encourage you to join the conversation.

📅 June 24–25, 2026
📍 Sibley Square | Rochester, NY

We look forward to learning, collaborating, and sharing alongside leaders from across the country.

06/16/2026

Connected Communities was proud to have Alicia R. Montalvo and Meghan Callan present at the 2026 AFPGV Regional Conference during their session, “One Voice, Clear Value!”

Together, they shared how small to mid-sized nonprofits can align communications and development efforts to speak with one voice, strengthen funder engagement, build community trust, and communicate impact with clarity.

It was a meaningful day of learning, connection, and collaboration with nonprofit professionals across the region.

06/16/2026

📣 Your voice matters in Beechwood and EMMA!

The Neighborhood Impact Survey helps Connected Communities better understand resident experiences, neighborhood progress, and where more support and investment are still needed. Every response helps shape future priorities, resources, and community development efforts across Beechwood and EMMA.

If you live in the neighborhood, take a few minutes to complete the survey, and don’t forget to share it with your neighbors, friends, and family who also live in Beechwood or EMMA. The more voices we hear, the stronger our community becomes. 💬🏘️

PLUS, every completed survey enters you into a chance to win a $100 gift card!
Take the survey today: bit.ly/nis26

📣 ¡Tu voz importa en Beechwood y EMMA!

La Encuesta de Impacto del Vecindario ayuda a Connected Communities a comprender mejor las experiencias de los residentes, el progreso del vecindario y las áreas donde todavía se necesita más apoyo e inversión. Cada respuesta ayuda a orientar futuras prioridades, recursos y esfuerzos de desarrollo comunitario en Beechwood y EMMA.

Si vives en el vecindario, toma unos minutos para completar la encuesta, y no olvides compartirla con tus vecinos, amigos y familiares que también viven en Beechwood o EMMA. Mientras más voces escuchemos, más fuerte será nuestra comunidad. 💬🏘️

¡Además, cada encuesta completada te da la oportunidad de participar en un sorteo para ganar una tarjeta de regalo de $100!

Completa la encuesta hoy: bit.ly/nis26spanish

06/13/2026

Warfield Square Block Ambassador- Tasheka Smith led her block on a neighborhood wide trip to the Public Market. Thanks to their City of Rochester NIA grant- each family received tokens to shop, explore and enjoy fresh fruits and veggies!!

06/12/2026

Today we had the honor of joining our partner, Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity, in celebrating a remarkable milestone, the dedication of their 350th home.

Even more special, this new chapter is unfolding right here in Beechwood.

Homeownership is more than four walls and a roof. It creates stability, opportunity, and a foundation for families to thrive for generations. Congratulations to Tiauna and her family as they begin this exciting new journey in their new home.

We are grateful for partners like Habitat for Humanity who continue investing in families and strengthening neighborhoods across Rochester.

NeighborhoodRevitalization

06/12/2026

Active Impact: Friends & Funders Spotlight
Partnerships create possibilities, but relationships create impact.

This month, we’re honored to highlight Rachel Sherman, Executive Director of the Marie C. & Joseph C. Wilson Foundation, whose partnership with Connected Communities has helped fuel transformative work in the Beechwood and EMMA neighborhoods.

Since 2019, the Joseph C. Wilson Foundation has invested $300,000 in Connected Communities and has remained deeply engaged in the work, walking alongside residents, attending community events, and championing long-term systems change.

Rachel’s reflections remind us that meaningful neighborhood transformation happens when funders, residents, partners, and community leaders work together toward a shared vision.

"We feel deeply connected to Connected Communities' drive for systemic change through its convener role with residents, policymakers, schools, and businesses."

Thank you, Rachel, and the Joseph C. Wilson Foundation, for your commitment to creating opportunities, strengthening neighborhoods, and investing in a future where every resident can thrive.

06/11/2026

You don’t want to miss this! Get registered today!
Bit.ly/courtyardbash

🍔🌮🍦🍰 COME HUNGRY!
One of the best parts of the Neighborhood Hub Courtyard Bash? The FREE food!

We're excited to welcome four incredible local vendors serving up a variety of delicious flavors:

🌮 Taqueria Monterrey�
🍔 Crews Grill�
🍦 Netsin's Ice Cream�
🍰 House of Whacks

Whether you're craving tacos, burgers, ice cream, or sweet treats, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

And that's just the beginning! Join us for an afternoon of music, line dancing, a petting zoo, resource vendors, kids activities, and more.

📅 Saturday, July 11�
⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM�
📍 Neighborhood Hub: 616 N. Goodman St.

Registration helps us prepare for YOU!
🔗 Register today: bit.ly/courtyardbash

06/10/2026

🍔🌮🍦🍰 COME HUNGRY!
One of the best parts of the Neighborhood Hub Courtyard Bash? The FREE food!

We're excited to welcome four incredible local vendors serving up a variety of delicious flavors:

🌮 Taqueria Monterrey�
🍔 Crews Grill�
🍦 Netsin's Ice Cream�
🍰 House of Whacks

Whether you're craving tacos, burgers, ice cream, or sweet treats, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

And that's just the beginning! Join us for an afternoon of music, line dancing, a petting zoo, resource vendors, kids activities, and more.

📅 Saturday, July 11�
⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM�
📍 Neighborhood Hub: 616 N. Goodman St.

Registration helps us prepare for YOU!
🔗 Register today: bit.ly/courtyardbash

06/05/2026

🏈 Communities thrive when someone is helping call the plays.

At Connected Communities, we often say Rochester doesn't have resource issues, but moreso lack of coordination. As the Community Quarterback for the Beechwood and EMMA neighborhoods, our role is to connect residents, entrepreneurs, partners, and resources around a shared vision for neighborhood transformation.

The Neighborhood Business Pitch Competition is one way we're putting that vision into action.
By investing in local entrepreneurs, we're helping residents turn ideas into businesses, create opportunities, build wealth, and strengthen the neighborhood economy from within. When local businesses succeed, neighborhoods become more vibrant, resilient, and connected.

If you have a business idea or you've recently launched a business, this is your opportunity to step into the field.

💰 $5,000 in cash prizes available�
📍 All events held at the Neighborhood Hub�
📅 Applications due July 2

Because economic empowerment isn't just about funding businesses, it's about building a neighborhood where residents can create their own opportunities and shape their own future.

06/04/2026

The Neighborhood Impact Survey is more than a survey, it’s a tool that helps measure neighborhood progress, understand resident experiences, and guide future investment in Beechwood and EMMA.

Connected Communities uses the NIS to better understand what residents are seeing, feeling, and experiencing across key areas like housing, education, wellness, and economic opportunity. The feedback gathered helps inform neighborhood priorities, strengthen revitalization efforts, and evaluate long-term impact over time.

If you live in Beechwood or EMMA, your voice matters. Every response helps create a clearer picture of what’s improving, what challenges remain, and what residents want to see moving forward.

Plus, every completed survey enters you into a chance to win a $100 gift card!
Take the survey today: bit.ly/nis26 💬🏘️

La Encuesta de Impacto del Vecindario es más que una simple encuesta, es una herramienta que nos ayuda a medir el progreso del vecindario, entender las experiencias de los residentes y orientar futuras inversiones en Beechwood y EMMA.

Connected Communities utiliza la NIS para comprender mejor lo que los residentes están viendo, sintiendo y experimentando en áreas clave como vivienda, educación, bienestar comunitario y oportunidades económicas. La información recopilada ayuda a informar las prioridades del vecindario, fortalecer los esfuerzos de revitalización y evaluar el impacto a largo plazo a lo largo del tiempo.

Si vives en Beechwood o EMMA, tu voz importa. Cada respuesta ayuda a crear una imagen más clara de lo que está mejorando, qué desafíos aún existen y qué les gustaría ver a los residentes en el futuro.

¡Además, cada encuesta completada te da la oportunidad de participar en un sorteo para ganar una tarjeta de regalo de $100!

Completa la encuesta hoy: bit.ly/nis26 💬🏘️