The Power of One

Real stories about making a real difference in our community.

City of Rochester

“I didn’t have the typical supports that a lot of youth enjoy. I didn’t spend much time with my mom or dad and the school system wouldn’t adapt to my needs. What I found instead were a few key adults who cared enough to guide me to make the right choices. One person in particular, a staff at a local recreation center helped keep me busy and out of trouble by making all kinds of volunteer opportunities available. Because mom and dad were not around, I kept busy with sports and volunteering. My grandma always told me ‘It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you can be comfortable with it,’ and I lived by that motto. I learned from her that there are always lots of choices in every situation; I just had to try and choose the right one. These adults helped to teach me that if I made a mistake, I had to go back and make it right.”
-Anonymous Youth

Town of Henrietta

A group of known troublemakers were hanging outside a Town event. Where normally any one who knew them would ask, “what are you doing?” I decided I would ask them “how they were doing?” I asked if they wanted to help me run the event. The excitement and enthusiasm was priceless. No one had ever asked them to stay before. They didn’t leave until the event was over and asked when they would get to help again!

A small group of senior citizens had a surprise birthday party for the children of an after-school program in the Town. There was cake, candles, and a party for all ages. Talk about a surprise!

Jamie has a son who was a junior at the high school. She had been a gung-ho volunteer with a motto “kids always come first.” She again demonstrated her dedication by getting a power lifting summer program set up at the school. As one youth stated “she’s awesome.”

John, a sports card storeowner, opened up his store for a group of youth who had arrived past closing time. He not only opened his door, but his heart to share the hottest cards in Town.

We don’t know the name of the crossing guard who stopped a school bus to give all the children lifesavers. She told them she had noticed their good behavior on the bus and wanted to recognize them.

A school bus driver did her deed of the day when she went beyond the call of duty to help a girl who wanted to get her mom a Mother’s Day gift. Cindy not only helped her work out an idea, but also actively gave of herself to see it through.

Exercise is for all ages, and no one knew that better than Kathy. She invited a group of youth to join a dance team that taught dance to seniors at the senior center. The group (of all ages) did so well, they were invited to participate in the cities annual art show and were able to show their stuff to hundreds of people there.
-Karen McArthur

Brockport-Clarkson-Hamlin-Sweden

Nicole remembers helping to build the new local playground when she was little. 15 years later she has noticed that the playground is looking a little run down. She is now heading up a huge effort to get it restored. The power of one is making a big difference for the children of Hamlin.
-Patty Jo Groenendaal

Town of Brighton

At the end of our first 10 week Listening Post program, one of our volunteers was pleasantly surprised at the connection he made with one of the middle school students. He often wondered if the time spent with the students was making a difference and if it was worthwhile. His doubts were quickly put to rest when he was given a goodbye hug with a tearful glance that he would in fact be missed and that he had made a tremendous impact in the life of the students at the Listening Post at Twelve Corners Middle School in Brighton, NY.
-Rebecca Cotter