SPIRIT NYS Creates Opportunities for Students in Rochester, NY 

Changing the Lives of Homeless and Parentally Insecure Teens 

SPIRIT NYS launched in September 2021, supporting 22 students from one school, Franklin Upper, in the city of Rochester. Within the 2023-2024 school year, SPIRIT NYS continued its work in supporting high schoolers with 10 students in Franklin, 7 students in Edison Tech, 11 students from Northeast, and 10 students attending Vertus, as well as adding two more 

Rochester area high schools, James Monroe with 5 students and Greece Central School District with 5 students for a total of 48 students. Our primary mission is to enable homeless students to remain in school through graduation. 

Homeless Students Face Difficult Issues…Examples from our Students 

• student is raising her 2 year old child 
• both parents incarcerated
• father passed away, mother has had CPS called on her, now lives with aunt 
• cares for younger siblings which interferes with class time 
• mom has turned to drugs and alcohol 
• having to move home to home due to area issues 

SPIRIT NYS Supports…Examples from our Students 

• the money helped me buy the clothing and food I needed 
• I learned to budget money knowing I was going to be paid every two weeks 
• made me feel appreciated, loved and cared for to receive all incentives, goodie bags and pizza 
• motivates me to get up in the morning even on the days I don’t want to come to school 
• this money helps me buy things for the baby that we need
• I used the money for transportation and personal hygiene needs

All School Mentors Enthusiastically Endorse the Program 

An excerpt from the comment of Shawn Yarbrough at Vertus: 

“As a mentor, I’ve had the profound privilege of witnessing the incredible impact that SPIRIT-NYS has had on our students at Vertus High School. This past year, the program generously sponsored ten of our students, providing them with a monthly stipend that has been nothing short of transformative. 

Many of our students face unimaginable challenges, navigating life without the steady support of parents or legal guardians. The assistance from SPIRIT-NYS has not only addressed their immediate needs—such as food, clothing, and transportation—but has also provided them with a sense of security and dignity that is often elusive in their circumstances……”

48 enrollees in Rochester, NY:

• 20 seniors graduated; underclassmen planning to return in the fall
• 1 student enlisted in the Marine Corps
• 5 students enrolling in college
• 1 student completed a Harmco Fastener Co. internship over the summer
• 6 students enrolled in trade schools for cosmetology, culinary (REOC), etc.

Looking Forward

As we head into our fourth school year, we are optimistic about our new school connections. Many community members recognize the importance of our cause and have helped us grow. Increased donations will positively impact more teens experiencing homelessness and boost our results for years to come.

www.spiritnys.org