Commissioner's Message
Welcome to the Department of Recreation and Human Services (DRHS). DRHS supports the City of Rochester's Vision Statement and Values through providing transparent and collaborative leadership, the administration of programs, social activities, and community support services. These activities are carried out with a focus on equitable access to essential services for our citizens.
DRHS nurtures and inspires the inner potential of all citizens of Rochester through recreational, educational, crisis support, and employment readiness programs, thereby supporting the development of a healthy, educated, and self-sustaining community. We recognize that the youth of our community are in particular need of support during their formative years, and as such, we have a special focus on getting youth to work through leveraging collaborative partnerships with local public, private and non-profit entities. The safety and vibrancy of our neighborhoods is enhanced by the parks, playgrounds, Public Market, International Plaza and community-based partnerships. Through DRHS, City residents gain access to quality programs and services such as the meaningful connection to animals and to nature.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the Department of Recreation and Human Services.
Dr. Shirley JA Green, Commissioner
About the Department of Recreation and Human Services
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.
Contact Information:
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)