The St. Luke Community of Care is a collaboration of community programs designed to improve the lives of people who live in the Maplewood neighborhood of Rochester. Through a shared vision of service to our community and a common commitment to improving the lives of our neighbors, these programs will address some of the more pressing needs in the lives of our citizens. The leaders of these programs meet together regularly to establish and maintain a network of mutuality. The congregation of St. Luke views this collective effort as a logical expression of our faith, which compels us to love our neighbor.
The JPYDC was established in 2012 to provide tutoring and mentoring services to the youth in the community. The center is located in a high risk area and this program can help to address some of the negative activities that sometimes take place in our neighborhood. Here students find a supportive and challenging environment focused on academic achievement and personal growth. Math, science and reading skills are emphasized and personal responsibility is stressed. The center’s theme “results…not excuses” was a favorite saying of the center’s namesake, Mr. James Perkins, beloved teacher at Rochester’s school No. 4. The center is staffed by volunteers, professional educators as well as students from Nazareth College, Monroe Community College and other local area colleges. The center is located on the third floor and operates from 3:00 to 7:00 pm Tuesday through Thursday. Jocelyn Bivins, Director.
The St. Luke Health and Wellness Center is dedicated to improving the health of our community by providing basic assessment, referral, screening and educational services to the at risk population in the Maplewood neighborhood and beyond. The UR Well clinic is open every Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Health and Wellness center also houses an eye care clinic in partnership with the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. This clinic provides free eye care the eligible recipients including eyeglasses. This clinic is open every Thursday. center will open in February of 2014 and will be accessible on Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. The center is located on the first floor. The center enjoys partnerships with the University of Rochester Office of Community Health, the University of Rochester Medical School. Please call 585 271 2870 for more information or connect the following website link:
https://urwell.org/urwell-stlukes/
This program provides daily meals for more than 200 persons per week. The program also provides job training and operates a clothing store, assistance with social services as a host of other services focused on empowering persons to improve their lives. The center is open weekdays from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
The St. Luke Community Foundation established in 2008 serves the people of the Maplewood neighborhood by supporting programs focused on health awareness, community education, and community empowerment. The Foundation also supports programs designed to combat childhood obesity and to promote healthy eating among our youth. The St. Luke Community Foundation through its scholarship and mentoring programs supports achievement and excellence in education and learning for the youth of the Maplewood neighborhood and greater Rochester. The Foundation has made a commitment to helping youth achieve above average grades in reading, writing, math, and science. The Foundation Office is located on the second floor. Ms. Theresa Woodson, Executive Director.
The Northstar Collaborative for the Performing Arts provides opportunities for youth and adults to develop their artistic abilities through drama and music. Under the leadership of Mr. David Shakes, an experienced professional actor and director, participants will explore writing and production aspects of the dramatic arts. The NCPA is located on the third floor. The NorthStar Players is a talented group of actors and writers and has performed plays including the works of James Baldwin, August Wilson, and Ntozake Shange. The group has also performed original works written by Deborah Solomon and james h. evans, jr. This ministry also collaborates with SUNY Empire State and other community groups.