January 2026 Common Ground Newsletter

January 2026 Newsletter

A community works together to build an age-friendly Rochester

Rochester City Council’s People, Parks & Public Works Committee members received an inspiring and thought‑provoking update on Rochester’s ongoing efforts to become an Age Friendly, Livable Community. Melissa Wendland, director of strategic initiatives at Common Ground Health and the Rochester RHIO, shared progress from the Monroe County Aging Alliance (MCAA)—a powerful collaboration between the City of Rochester, Monroe County, and the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes.

Learn more about what they've achieved and what Councilmembers had to say.

Supporting youth mental health

Congratulations to the latest group of mental health champions for completing our youth mental health first aid training. Based on coursework from the National Council for mental health and well-being, our youth-focused curriculum teaches community members and nonprofit leaders how to talk to young people ages 12-18 about mental health and substance use and how to step in when they need help. Way to go!

Learn about more of our mental health and wellness work and available resources.

Not Forgotten 2025: kids and seniors come together to deliver joy and connection

This holiday season, the Senior Adult Community Engagement (SACE) Project at Common Ground Health reached a new milestone in its annual Not Forgotten initiative—delivering more than 240 gift bags to older adults at six different nursing homes. What began three years ago as a small but powerful effort by senior volunteers has now grown into a multigenerational effort of compassion, connection and hope. And we couldn't have done it without you!

Learn more about this growing initiative.

Partner Spotlight: Finger Lakes Community College

The FLX AI Hub at Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) is a place for developing and deploying AI tools and practices that foster educational innovation, economic growth, and community empowerment for everyone across the Finger Lakes. From online courses to a library of learning materials—like this webinar on AI bias—there’s a lot to explore.

“As AI continues to reshape how we work and solve problems, access to high-quality learning opportunities has never been more important,” said Melissa Wendland, director of strategic initiatives at Common Ground Health. “The FLX AI Hub at Finger Lakes Community College offers free resources for people to build real-world AI skills and knowledge that can prepare you for today and tomorrow.”

Explore the offerings at the FLX AI Hub.

In the headlines

University of Rochester Medical Center New Leadership, Shared Vision: Community Advisory Council Looks Ahead

WXXI Not forgotten: Local group prepares gift bags for nursing home residents

Poder 97.1 WEPL Su Hora Informativa Common Ground Health’s Parent Engagement Specialist, Erik Stephens, offers insight into the Love from the Start initiative.

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