Speaker Heastie Visits Baden Street Settlement and Mentors Inspiring Boys and Girls with Assemblymember Meeks on Annual Statewide Tour

Speaker Heastie Visits Baden Street Settlement and Mentors Inspiring Boys and Girls with Assemblymember Meeks on Annual Statewide Tour

Speaker Carl Heastie continued his annual statewide tour today with Assemblymember Demond Meeks, returning to Baden Street Settlement of Rochester and visiting Mentors Inspiring Boys and Girls. Both these organizations provide a variety of vital resources to Rochester families, such as youth development, mentoring, substance abuse programs and behavioral health services.

"It was great to visit the Baden Street Settlement and Mentors Inspiring Boys and Girls facilities today with Assemblymember Meeks and to see the extraordinary work they do every day to give people of all ages the support they need," Speaker Heastie said. "The work these organizations do are pivotal to strengthening our communities, expanding opportunities and championing the next generation."

"It was an honor to join Speaker Heastie again today to reaffirm our support for community organizations that provide assistance to Rochester families and give a safe space to our youth," Assemblymember Meeks said. "I remain committed to ensuring that Rochester families have the access to the life-changing resources these organizations offer so no one is left without the support they need."

Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Meeks together visited the Baden Street Settlement. Last year, they announced that the Assembly Majority had secured $8.1 million in the budget for the Baden Street Settlement to expand and modernize its facility. The capital improvements will strengthen the services Baden Street Settlement provides to families across Northeast Rochester and includes plans to construct a new facility, renovate a gymnasium and expand essential services including community assistance, youth and adult development, along with peer and senior services. The Baden Street Settlement has served the city of Rochester since 1901.

Together, they also toured Mentors Inspiring Boys and Girls (MIBG) with Executive Director Robert Ricks. MIBG provides several after school and evening classes to underprivileged youth that allow them to express themselves through art as well as develop life-skills, entrepreneurial skills and strong work ethic. The programs they offer range from accelerated math and reading to dance classes, theater and boxing.