Senator Pam Helming and Wayne County Community Schools Host Pathways to Prosperity Event in Newark

Senator Pam Helming and Wayne County Community Schools recently held “Pathways to Prosperity,” a discussion between local business owners on how Community Schools can work together to provide opportunities for our students and the local economy. 

Community Schools maximize public, non-profit, and private resources to deliver critical services to students and their families which results in increased student achievement and generating other positive outcomes. 

Jay Roscup with Wayne County Community Schools, along with representatives from the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, Reliant Federal Credit Union, EL-VI Farms, Finger Lakes Work Force Investment Board, Rochester Regional Health, Finger Lakes Community College, Rootstock Cider and Spirits, are among the many businesses and local schools who attended.  

Also featured at the event, Ritchie, a Newark High School student and STEADY Work employee. Richie spoke to the benefits of the Community Schools model and how it can bring purpose to the lives of students like himself.  Through STEADY Work, Ritchie was recently empowered to purchase his first car, an accomplishment he shared would not have been possible without the help of the program and Lyons National Bank, which developed a program for Ritchie to finance the car and build his credit through monthly payments.  Ritchie shared that, through his experience working in the Community Schools Newark Summer Program, he discovered his passion for working with children, something he now believes to be his purpose and calling. 

Senator Helming said “I want to thank all the businesses and organizations for participating in the Pathways to Prosperity event. It was an inspiring morning, with the highlight of Richie speaking about his experience with Community Schools and how it has changed his life for the better. I encourage all businesses – large or small – to find out about the impactful work of Community Schools and how they can get involved. Our young people are our future and together we can help them succeed.”

“Senator Helming provided a chance for schools and businesses to come together to think about practical ways to make Wayne County the best possible place for youth, families and business.  Exploring specific ideas for cross-sector collaboration that benefits everyone is exactly how local places should use the Community Schools strategy.  What works here?”—Jay Roscup

“Today’s Pathways to Prosperity Event was spot on and it was so encouraging to see local leaders, business representatives, agencies, and school officials come together to discuss how we can positively impact our children. The future of tomorrow is dependent on what we focus on today, and shaping the lives of young people must be our priority. Thank you to Senator Helming and Jay Roscup for making this happen.” - Nelson Kise, Superintendent of Sodus Schools 

"Today's event, Pathways to Prosperity, was both heartwarming and energizing! Witnessing businesses unite to discuss their impact on youth truly highlights the ambition and value each person in that room holds. It’s amazing what we can achieve together! A heartfelt thank you to Senator Helming for her unwavering support and for amplifying our community's needs, and to Jay, whose remarkable leadership continues to inspire change. Special thanks to Richie and the Steady Work Program for their dedication and passion—your stories fill my bucket and remind us all to chase our dreams!" Lindsey Dailey, United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes 

To find out more about this event or Wayne County Community Schools, visit helming.nysenate.gov.

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