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RCSD Resource Fair Brings Community Support Directly to Families

Representatives from OPWDD meeting with a parent at a resource fair at School No. 8

(June 3, 2026) From mental health resources to employment opportunities, Rochester City School District families found a true one-stop shop for support at the annual Student and Family Wellness Support Fair, held Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Roberto Clemente School No. 8.

Funded by a New York State grant, the event connected education, mental health, and community wellness by bringing services directly to families in a space they already know and trust.

The daytime event was intentionally designed to support families with busy schedules. By hosting the fair during school hours, parents could connect with experts knowing their children were safe and cared for just down the hall.

For Audrey Lalonde, the Student and Wellness Support Coordinator at School No. 8, organizing the fair was personal. Her daughter was born with a rare genetic illness, and she struggled to navigate a support system.

“Even though I had contact with all these people, we never had them all together in a space. It was all phone tag.  When I realized that was a problem for me, I realized it was a big problem for our families. That is why I wanted to bring everybody together.”

Families were able to access housing support, learn about employment opportunities and wellness resources in one centralized location.  Participating community partners included:

  • Golisano Children’s Hospital (Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness)
  • Monroe County Department of Health
  • Health Plex
  • Person Centered Services
  • Parent to Parent of New York
  • The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of Children with Special Needs
  • The New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
  • The Children’s Agenda
  • Rochester Rotary
  • Rochester Works and local case managers

By bringing these community partners together, School No. 8 ensured students and families have the foundation they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.