Investing in Local Youth Job Readiness Skills

Want to join me in making a difference? Save Rochester is opening a take-out restaurant to teach youth about nutrition, food safety, and financial literacy!

We're counting on your support. Every dollar helps.

My name is Shadel Bradford and I am the Executive Chief of Strategic Initiatives on the Board of Directors for Save Rochester. I am proud to be a part of such an impactful organization and I am starting this fundraiser because I believe that Save Rochester can continue to save lives through the initiatives we implement to combat poverty and violence in Rochester, NY.

Opening a restaurant program for kids is a Herculean endeavor, and we are ready for the challenge: WE JUST NEED A LITTLE HELP with reaching 50% of our goal.

Save Rochester is a fully incorporated, fully insured 501c3 nonprofit anti-poverty charity founded by Rochester City School teachers and counselors.

Non-profit TAX ID: 86-2751502

Donations are tax-deductible.

You may know about Save Rochester from our weekly organic produce deliveries to food deserts and low-income communities and schools.

Or, you may have seen our weekly organic produce deliveries to low-income residents in downtown Rochester sponsored by Lori's Natural Foods.

Or, you may have heard about our Annual JUNETEENTH Teen Poetry Slam with prizes and toys.

Or, you may have come to learn about Save Rochester from our Gun Violence Forums .

Or, you might be familiar with our workshop and outreach programs such as Sneakers for School, Financial Literacy, or Men's Wellness Workshops.

Our next initiative is the biggest yet, and WE NEED YOUR HELP!

What Rochester needs is a community that cares about the issues of childhood poverty and juvenile crimes. It is so alarming that nearly 50 percent of children live in poverty in Rochester, NY. In fact, Rochester ranks 2nd in the NATION for childhood poverty. The beauty of Rochester is overshadowed by extremely high violent crime rates and juvenile trends, such as auto theft. Juvenile offenders are often not fully engaged with productive activities, or not engaged in any productive activities whatsoever. What Rochester really needs is to commit to engaging youth with high-quality programs and intellectual enrichment that align with their interests. We polled over 100 youth ages 11-18 and over 95% of youth said they had an interest in cooking or culinary arts programs.

Yes, that's right! Save Rochester is launching a new program for youth ages 8-18 to teach NUTRITION AND FOOD SAFETY.

-Students will spend 10 weeks training at our new restaurant, including a 5-week paid internship experience before they are vetted for internships with our other partnering restaurants and grocery partners.

-Students will also earn an official ServSafe Food Handler's certificate that lasts 2 years and can be used at other food businesses.

-Students will participate in hands-on, practical, and useful job skills such as food safety, cooking, and customer service.

Please remember, we have already secured 50% of our goal. We have a location (to be shared with donors), and we have already begun renovations. We need your help bringing life to the shell of a building that will revitalize the Dewey Avenue Neighborhood.

Giving Levels:

(All donors for this project will be recognized on our donor wall located at the Restaurant. Larger donations will have more prominence)

Become a Platinum Sponsor with a gift of $5,000 or more (Will Buy Major Equipment)

Become a Gold Sponsor with a gift between $1,000 - $5,000 (Will Sponsor Students)

Become a Silver Sponsor with a gift between $500 - $1,000 (Will Buy Organic Foods)

Become Bronze Sponsor with a gift between $100 - $500 (Will Buy Cookware)

Become a Patron with a gift of $50 or more

As a Board member for Save Rochester and a mother of two, I'm starting this fundraiser because I have a general concern for the well-being of children in our community. From the 'Kia Boys' trend to senseless acts of violence, I know that great programs will help engage our children instead of giving them space and opportunity to participate in mischief. The best part about this program, for me, is that students will earn a Food Handler's certification that lasts 2 years, and it can be used for any employer!

This project will benefit our community as a whole and help to revitalize the Dewey Avenue area. I firmly believe that any donation will help make an impact, and I want to thank the donors who have made our work possible! Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause which means so much to me, my family, and the Greater Rochester community.

Here are 10 reasons why you should give based on our other successful campaigns:

1. Save Rochester has held Rochester's First Juneteenth Poetry Slam for Youth

The event also featured cash prizes for youth ages 12-18, toys, games, and free food.

2. New Kicks for Students At-Risk

Save Rochester believes that students learn life lessons when they do community outreach work, and that students who earn their sneakers gain much more positive character traits than if they were given as a 'hand-out.' Dozens of Rochester students gave up 20 hours of their time in exchange for some brand-new kicks.

3. The Easter Bunny helps Youth pledge an Oath of Nonviolence

In 2021, Rochester experienced a record number of homicides. Most of these homicides occurred in concentrated areas of poverty. Save Rochester teamed up with half a dozen community partners to engage Black and Latinx children in areas of high crime to emphasize the importance of violence awareness.

4. Turkey Angels

Save Rochester helped to bridge the gap between police and victims of homicide for the latest Turkey Angels campaign. Each family received a large turkey and organic produce. Food baskets were dropped off directly to the homes of families in need by volunteer community officers.

5. Save Rochester delivers toys and food to families impacted by gun violence

Save Rochester enlisted the help of RPD to deliver over 300 toys and food baskets to families impacted by gun violence.

6. Save Rochester made Mother's Day baskets for local mothers who have lost a child to violence

The purpose of food and gift baskets was to warm the hearts of the mothers whose hearts have been turned cold by the gun violence in Rochester.

7. Save Rochester organized a Student's March for Peace in a Rochester neighborhood plagued by violence

Students marched with local leaders and Senator Cooney and Mayor Evans made visits to encourage students.

8. Save Rochester holds forum to discuss uptick in gun violence

Save Rochester held a series of Gun Violence Forums featuring local leaders and community activists.

9. Save Rochester hosted a MLK event aimed to promote peace and leadership among Rochester's youth

10. Save Rochester led the way with peaceful protests for families and children with ZERO incidents of property damage, fires, or injuries.

Democrat and Chronicle recognized Save Rochester as a trailblazer for this important work.

These are my 10 reasons to support this campaign, what are yours?

Thank you for investing in Rochester's youth!