July 2025 Newsletter

Gov. Hochul releases first-ever Master Plan on Aging

Governor Kathy Hochul recently released New York State’s Master Plan for Aging. This first plan of its kind aims to help the growing older adult population to age with dignity, independence and the support they need and deserve to thrive.

“The plan lays out a blueprint for helping older adults now and into the future,” said Melissa Wendland, Common Ground’s director of Strategic Initiatives. “We must take action to fund and implement the proposals in the plan; we cannot let this comprehensive plan sit on a shelf.”

View an interview with Wendland on the plan.

Learn more.

Melanie Funchess honored with BIPOC PEEEEEEK Award

Congratulations to Melanie Funchess, Common Ground’s director of Mental Health and Wellness, who was recognized at the BIPOC PEEEEEEK Mental Health in Communities of Color Symposium in July.

Funchess received the inaugural Lenora Reid-Rose Advancing Mental Health Equity Award for her outstanding dedication to mental health and equity in the community.

Reid-Rose, who died Feb. 10, mentored BIPOC PEEEEEEK’s parent leaders and connected them to key community partners. The symposium highlighted the diversity of needs for both youth and adults across systems. It called for collective work to identify strategies to improve care and prioritize next steps.

Join us for the third annual Playful Learning Summit, Aug. 20

The third annual Playful Learning Summit will celebrate the power of play and movement in learning. Participants will explore how joyful, creative environments support children’s growth, achievement, and well-being.

The event is on Aug. 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Avenue in Rochester. The Playful Learning Summit is a hub for educators, parents, and community partners to explore the transformative power of playful education.

Dr. Deonna Smith, author of “Rooted in Joy: Creating a Classroom Culture of Equity, Belonging, and Care,” is the keynote speaker. Register today.

Irondequoit designated as an Age-Friendly Community

Congratulations to the Town of Irondequoit for passing a resolution to designate the town as an Age-Friendly Community.

This designation reaffirms the town’s commitment to enhancing livability through better housing, transportation, public spaces, health services, and civic engagement opportunities. It also ensures accessible, inclusive, and supportive environments for residents of all ages and abilities, fostering healthy and active aging and intergenerational connection.

The Monroe County Aging Alliance and member organizations including Common Ground Health are engaging community partners to allow people of all ages and backgrounds to thrive, enjoy, and have equal access to community amenities and services.

Upcoming events

A Call to Women of Color, Sept. 13, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Genesee Valley Park, Roundhouse Pavilion, 1000 E. River Road. This year's theme is "Sawubona: I See You." Register here.
Hair and Health Symposium, Oct. 12 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stardust Ballroom, Edgerton R-Center, 41 Backus Street.
Indigenous Psychotherapy™ and Antiracist, Culturally Competent Treatment for Black Families Certification, cohort begins Sept. 12. This program provides a supportive environment for practitioners to learn culturally responsive healing methods and offers essential skills for promoting wellness in communities of color. Learn more.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, Thursday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This evidence-based, early-intervention course teaches about youth mental health/substance use challenges.

Partner spotlight: Rush-Henrietta School District

In September, the Rush-Henrietta School District will launch a pilot program to engage older adults experiencing social isolation by giving them meaningful community roles.

In collaboration with the Monroe County Aging Alliance, the district will recruit experienced older adults of all backgrounds to fill paid and volunteer vacancies. Details will be provided at an open house on Aug. 13 at Winslow Elementary School, 755 Pinnacle Road in Henrietta.

“We applaud the district for addressing the communities’ needs through this innovative partnership,” said Melissa Wendland, director of Strategic Initiatives for Common Ground Health.

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