Action for a Better Community assistance programs.
Employment, job training, and some energy assistance may be offered by Action for a Better Community. The non-profit organization serves as the community action agency for all of Rochester and Monroe County New York. Some of the primary resources are noted below.
The main goal of the Rochester New York based Action for a Better Community's Energy Conservation Program, or weatherization, is to reduce fuel expenditures for a qualified low-income household. The program conducts a number of tasks such as adding insulation or conducting furnace efficiency testing where natural gas or heating oil is the primary heating source of the family.
Contractors from ABC will fine tune and clean the furnace or heating unit when efficiency is below 75%. In some cases in which the efficiency of the furnace is extremely low, a brand new high efficiency model may be installed for the homeowner, so the applicant could potentially get a new furnace as part of weatherization. Other assistance includes:
- The non-profit will install perimeter, wall and attic insulation, possible door or window repair or replacement. Services are free for people in the City of Rochester only that qualify.
- The Housing and Community Renewal can approve heating system and/or hot water tank repairs or replacements. Both low income tenants and homeowners can qualify.
Free donated computers may be passed out from Micrecycle. This was created by Action for a Better Community (ABC) and the refurbished computers can be provided to low cost to low-income families, seniors, individuals and even Monroe County non-profit organization. The main clients for the computers are day care centers, low-income residents, charity agencies, after-school programs, churches, schools and more. Read more on free donated computer programs.
VITA is the name of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. As resources allow, it provides free tax help and advice for taxpayers who qualify. It goes without saying that services are offered during the tax season only.
IRS trained Action for a Better Community volunteers may help clients with applying for special credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. In addition to this free income tax return preparation assistance, most Monroe County New York also offer free e-filing of your completed return. This program is for low- to moderate-income residents and seniors.
Case management is part of the ABC Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Staff and social workers partner with clients to help them learn new ways to move toward their goals and improve their financial situation. Whether it is find free cars for transportation to work or job training, money saving tips, or anything for stability, it is offered.
Families and individuals will identify services, non-profit resources and people who can help them get what they need to succeed over the long term. The non-profit community action agency will assist with job search programs, personal interviews, car programs, set up mock employment interviews as well as help with Internet researching for employment. Other job services can be fact gathering and educational opportunities in a computer lab.
Another similar service is the Action for a Better Community's Workforce Development resource. This sets up coaching and service coordination. All customers will be assessed and have career and employability plans developed. Staff from the non-profit will prepare a customized employability plan for each customer based on the results of an assessment, documented barriers and the participants’ goals.
- Job Placement services from ABC of Rochester New York will assist participants by placing them in employment positions that pay more than minimum wage, that may offer benefits, and that are likely to promote their economic independence.
- Job Club will help clients research job opportunities and employers in Monroe County. Many online sessions are held.
- The Summer Youth Employment is offered with the City of Rochester as well as Rochester Works. It is for youth and young adults. It can offer paid work experience, exposure to civic engagement, Job Readiness Training, career exploration, and academic enrichment. It is based at 917 E. Main St., Rochester.
Head Start and the similar Early Head Start are federally-funded programs that provide for early childhood education and family development. The educational services are for low income families in Monroe County. They offer both Home-based as well as Center-based services to clients. The location of Head Start Services in the county are as follows.
Locations of Action for a Better Community in Monroe County
There are several offices of this non-profit. They are all involved in giving advice, financial aid, and other support.
30 Hart Street, Rochester, New York 14605, telephone 585-254-0093
700 North Street, Rochester, NY 14605, call 585-454-2332
1772 Clifford Avenue, Rochester, New York 14609, 585-482-8914
1150 Hudson Avenue, Rochester, N.Y. 14621, 585-467-1472
640 Jefferson Avenue, Rochester, N.Y. 14611, call 585-436-0362
If you need help or advice, the main sites of the Action for a Better Community, Inc. are as follows. Stop by 49 Stone Street in Rochester, New York 14604. Dial (585) 325.5116 or another center is at 917 E. Main Street, Rochester, NY 14605, phone (585) 325.7550.
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