ROCHESTER, NY – At the heart of the YMCA of Greater Rochester is community – the community we serve and create across our locations. Both service and creation of community is on full display at The Lewis Street YMCA Neighborhood Center, especially during our annual Lockdown on Violence event.
“This event is all about community, and providing that safe space for our community,” said Joseph Carter, Executive Director at The Lewis Street YMCA Neighborhood Center. “We love introducing people to places like Lewis Street and our other Y locations to show them we have programs, and we work alongside other community organizations, providing opportunities to teach kids, or adults, how to do the right thing.”
This year marks the third annual Lockdown on Violence event, which started as a way to unite and uplift the Marketview Heights neighborhood by providing a safe and supportive space for the community to connect, engage and build meaningful relationships with local law enforcement from the Rochester Police Department.
“We’re coming together as a community to speak out against violence,” said Carter. “Seeing young kids playing with law enforcement and changes the narrative, we’re showing our community in a different light.”
This free, family-friendly event offered a welcoming environment where neighbors bonded over a backyard BBQ-style gathering and children played games and sports with local law enforcement to foster positive, trust-building interactions between youth and officers.
In addition to free activities and food during the event, the Y gave kites to all kids and teens in attendance.