Mission statement
The Department of Recreation and Human Services (DRHS) supports the City of Rochester’s Mission, Vision, and Values by nurturing and inspiring the inner potential of all citizens of Rochester through the provision of first-rate programs and services, supports for citizens who are confronting complex challenges, and investments in the vibrancy of our neighborhoods. We recognize that youth are in particular need of support during their formative years, and as such, we have a special focus on youth programming thereby supporting the development of a healthy, educated, productive, and self-sustaining community."
About DRHS
The Department of Recreation and Human Services (DRHS) supports the City of Rochester’s Mission, Vision, and Values by nurturing and inspiring the inner potential of all citizens of Rochester through the provision of first-rate programs and services, supports for citizens who are confronting complex challenges, and investments in the vibrancy of our neighborhoods. We recognize that youth are in particular need of support during their formative years, and as such, we have a special focus on youth programming thereby supporting the development of a healthy, educated, productive, and self-sustaining community.
DRHS oversees the Commissioner's Office, which coordinates the Departments' annual budget and capital planning processes, emergency response operations, City Council submission process, marketing, staffing and payroll matters, purchasing, contracts, and permit unit . The Office also operates the historic Rochester Public Market, located in the heart of Rochester, which attracts tens of thousands of people each week to shop during summer, spring, fall, and winter; the International Plaza, a Latin-themed event space and marketplace; and Rochester Animal Services serving Rochester’s people and animals to create safe neighborhoods, support the human-animal bond, and save and enhance lives.
Additionally, DRHS manages the Bureau of Recreation and Youth Services. Our R-Centers provide the best recreation and youth development program opportunities you will find anywhere, delivering a multitude of services such as recreational educational activities, sports and athletics, environmental education, and horticulture. Our Youth Services unit is a leader in workforce development by providing education, employment training, job development and life skills training services for Rochester's youth. As the chief steward of Rochester's extensive 800 acre park system, DRHS oversees a phenomenal park network that includes several parks designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York's Central Park and other famous parks nationwide.
The department also administers the Bureau of Human Services, which includes Flower City AmeriCorps Programs (AmeriCorps and Public Health Corps) offering a year-long apprenticeship designed to inspire and prepare the next wave of human service and public health professionals, with a focus on alleviating poverty and local public health crises. Crisis Intervention Services unit that supports residents by providing trained professionals for community members in crises by addressing their immediate needs as well as providing support to victims and families impacted by violence, and workforce development services for adults with the goal of organizing and facilitating the City’s adult workforce development initiatives.
DRHS leadership team
| Commissioner Dr. Shirley JA Green Plans, directs and controls the administration and provision of services by the Department of Recreation and Human Services (i.e., Recreation, Human Services, Public Market, Animal Services, Parks, and Youth Services); Appoints, with the approval of the Mayor, the heads of bureaus, divisions or other operating units that may be established. Phone: 585-428-7962 Email: Shirley.Green@cityofrochester.gov |  |
| Deputy Commissioner Sarah Fletcher Oversees and manages the human services functions of the department. Responsible for the overall direction and supervision of the Human Services bureau and personnel, including but not limited to crisis intervention services, prevention and outreach efforts, and workforce development. Serves as Acting Commissioner as needed. Phone: 585-428-6338 Email: Sarah.Fletcher@cityofrochester.gov |  |
| Isaac Bliss Manager of Youth Services Responsible for the direction and supervision of youth services programming including the design, implementation and evaluation of programs and services focusing on youth employment, youth health and personal development. Programs include Literacy, Comprehensive Adolescent and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs, Civic engagement, Jr. Rec Leader, Biz Kid$, Summer of Opportunity, and Roc MBK. Phone: 585-428-6503 Email: Isaac.Bliss@cityofrochester.gov |  |
| James “Jim” Farr Director of Public Market Responsible for the operation, and oversight of the Rochester Public Market and the International Plaza including marketing, planning, collaborations, contracts and compliance. Represents the City local, national and international organizations, conferences and forums focusing on markets and food security and acts as a spokesperson for the Market and the Plaza. Develops and implements special events and initiatives at the market/plaza and in the adjoining district. Phone: 585-428-6866 Email: James.Farr@cityofrochester.gov |  |
Leslie Green Serves as an agent for the Commissioner in procuring information from other members of the administrative staff; Schedules appointments and is responsible for the routing of routine matters to appropriate staff members; responsible for transmission of directives and follow-up on action required; Meets the public directly or by telephone and provides information or resolves minor problems; Supervises and assists in the preparation of all correspondence and inter-bureau business. Processes City Council agenda items; Conducts special assignments as directed. Phone: 585-428-6157 |  |
| Kendra Hayle Director of Center Operations Oversee the operation of Community Recreation Centers (R-Center). Administer program analysis, and manage the delivery of services and program planning process for the R-Centers. Reviews, approves, and monitors all program plans and modifications at facilities. Evaluates facility effectiveness and customer satisfaction. Phone: 585-6435 Email: Kendra.Hayle@cityofrochester.gov |  |
| Alia Henton-Williams Manager of Crisis Services Manages and oversees all aspects of the Crisis Intervention Services Office including community response teams, case management, and victim services. Phone: 585-428-1303 Email: Alia.henton-williams@cityofrochester.gov |  |
| Mai Ho Director of Administration and Marketing/Bilingual Responsible for the management of key services within DRHS administrative office. Oversees and administers the personnel functions, marketing and communications, payroll, contracts, purchasing, leadership development, and the Permit’s Office. Phone: 585-428-6997 Email: Mai.Ho@cityofrochester.gov |  |
| Sarah Nguyen Hooper DRHS Project Manager Manages the development and implementation of DRHS special projects and oversees the department's capital improvement projects. Leads department database management software, technical issues, and vendor negotiations. Phone: 585-428-7117 Email: Sarah.Hooper@cityofrochester.gov |  |
| Eric Rose Director of Community Athletics Responsible for the operations of the Rochester Sports Community Complex, GVP Sports Complex, MLK Ice Rink, and the leadership of all athletic and aquatic programs and services offered by the City of Rochester. Leads the coordination and integration of community sports programs with City of Rochester facilities. Serves as the liaison to the Rochester City School District for athletics and aquatics. Phone: 585-428-6481 Email: Eric.Rose@cityofrochester.gov |  |
Sara Scott
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Contact
Department of Recreation and Human Services
57 St. Paul Street
Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 428-6755
Office Hours from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed from 1-2 p.m. for lunch break)