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City of Rochester

Neighborhood Ambassador Program

About

The City of Rochester’s Neighborhood Ambassador Program (NAP is a community-driven initiative designed to address the opioid crisis while fostering safer, cleaner, and more connected neighborhoods. Funded through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) opioid compensation funds, this one-year pilot program collaborates with local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to engage residents across the city’s four quadrants.

Through this program, Neighborhood Ambassadors are recruited, trained, and supported to serve as vital links between the community and the City. Ambassadors work on relationship building, resource referrals, anti-litter efforts, and opioid crisis interventions, including distributing naloxone (Narcan) kits. Each CBO facilitates public education on drug disposal, emergency response, and overdose prevention, while also providing wraparound services to ambassadors, including job training and health checkups.

The program operates in four target areas — North Clinton Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, Lyell Avenue, and Monroe Avenue — through partnerships with trusted local organizations. This initiative exemplifies the City’s commitment to empowering residents, promoting public health, and enhancing the quality of life for all Rochesterians.

NAP contact information

North Clinton Ave

Father Tracy Advocacy Center
821 N Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14605
585-563-7008
Executive Director: Beatriz Lebron
Email: blebron@fathertracycenter.org

Learn more

Lyell Ave

Cameron Community Ministries
48 Cameron St, Rochester, NY 14606
585-254-2697
Temporary Director: Jonathan W. Hardin
Email – J.Hardin@cameronministries.org

Learn more

Jefferson Ave

Barakah Muslim Center
584 Jefferson Ave, Rochester, NY 14611
585-325-2621
Case Manager: Jerome Ward
Email: j.ward@barakahmuslimcharity.org

Learn more

Monroe Ave

MC Collaborative
571 Elmwood Terrace, Rochester, NY 14620
585-802-3816
Executive Director: Andy Carey
Email: mccollaborative1@gmail.com

Learn more

 

NAP testimonials

Fred Barton

Jefferson Avenue Area, Barrakah Muslim Charity 

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Photo of Fred Barton.

The City of Rochester Neighborhood Ambassador Program has given me the opportunity to be an example, as well have an impact on our community. Being an individual that has grew up in Rochester for my entire life, it deeply saddens my heart to witness how opioids are ravishing a once proud diverse community. Myself and individuals in this community are suffering deeply from opioids and lack of resources. I have personally dealt with having my own struggles with taking painkillers that contain opioids, and so I am able to truly understand the need for this program.  

Being able to be a part of this program has been extremely rewarding, as well as invigorating for me. It all allows me to provide life-saving and valuable information to our community, which has a desperate need for it. It has also supported me in personal goals such as strengthening family connections, pursuing employment opportunities, and accessing health resources. I’m very grateful to be a part of such a great program and I am in hopes it continues to grow throughout neighborhoods our city! 


Ruth Quiñones

Lyell Avenue Area, Cameron Community Ministries 

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Photo of Ruth Quiones.

The program changed me. I am getting more responsible, and I do not have time to be in the streets. I was isolated in a house for 5 years. This job has taught me how to communicate. I now look forward to the positive things in my life.  

My substance use has decreased. I started doing group at Cameron and I liked it so much that now I go to therapy and group for substance use. I also have learned how to control my temper because I have something to lose.  

I love my group I work with—we get along and we work well together. Even when we are not working, when we see each other, it’s different. I had not worked in 9 years and now I want a full-time job. I know that I can do it now. I want a job where I can help people, I feel as if I was born to help it makes me feel good.  

Thanks to the support from Cameron Community Ministries and Ruth's hard work, she has now obtained services through DHS. Working at Cameron she has been able to supplement her food supply. Ruth is also waiting to be pulled for housing. 


Thomas Gardner

Monroe Avenue Area, MC Collaborative 

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Photo of Thomas Gardner

My journey started with the City of Rochester Neighborhood Ambassador Program (NAP) when I was released from prison. I was incarcerated at the young age of 17, and upon my release at age 25, I ran into the Monday Monroe Ave outreach team, and they notified me of the new program and the upcoming orientation.  

What interested me most about joining the program was the ability to help the community and the opportunity to better myself. Getting paid was just a bonus. What I enjoy most about the NAP program is making people’s day, handing out outreach items, such as handwarmers and offering them food. I really enjoy being able to help make someone’s day better. 

 


Joel Diaz

North Clinton Avenue Area, Father Tracy Advocacy Center 

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Photo of Joel Diaz

Being in the Ambassador Program has shown me how to be a better person, make better decisions, and to be a more honest person.  

It has helped me economically to be in a better position in life and has helped with my legal problems. I am about to finish my drug court program successfully. The program has given me different opportunities and shown me to think about my life differently. 
 

Thanks to support from the Father Tracy Advocacy Center and Joel’s income from the City of Rochester Neighborhood Ambassador Program, Joel has successfully become housed since joining the program in May 2024.