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5.0 Community Facilities & Services

The quality, supply and variety of a community's services and facilities are important to the overall quality of life a community can offer its residents. Education, emergency services, recreational opportunities and cultural enrichment have a substantial impact on the appeal of a community as a place to live. This chapter explores the resources available to residents in the Village of Pittsford, including historic resources, educational facilities, libraries, emergency services, recreational facilities and social services.

5.6 Social Services

5.6.1 Monroe County Office for the Aging

The Monroe County Office for the Aging (MCOFA) was established in 1973 by the Monroe County Legislature. The MCOFA is responsible for planning, coordinating, funding and advocating for the more than 118,000 residents over the age of 60 in Monroe County. Programs provided by the MCOFA include: adult day service, advocacy, caregiver assistance, counseling, financial management, legal services, education, employment, energy assistance, home support, health promotion, nutrition counseling, wellness programs, senior programs and volunteer opportunities.

5.6.2 Pittsford Senior Services

Senior services for the Village are provided through the Town of Pittsford. Pittsford Senior Citizens is a non-profit organization that is located in the Spiegel Community Center and serves approximately 1,200 individuals ranging in age from 50 to 98 years old with 60 registered members from the Village. It should be noted that Pittsford residents may utilize these services without becoming members.

Pittsford Senior Citizens provides programs and services for seniors that encourage independent living and education on health related issues such as exercise programs, line dancing classes, 55-Alive Safe Driving Program, flu shots, mammograms, blood pressure checks, trips and a meeting every Tuesday night that includes an informational speaker or entertainment.

Although the Village does not currently provide any senior housing, there is senior housing that is available in the Town of Pittsford:

• The Highlands at Pittsford, 100 Hahnemann Trail is located just outside the Village in the Town of Pittsford. The Highlands is a 135-unit apartment complex that provides independent living for seniors.

• The Laurelwood, 300 Hahnemann Trail is also just outside the Village in the Town of Pittsford. The Laurelwood is a 60-unit apartment complex for seniors.

• The planned Ryan senior living complex on Clover Street.

• Heather Heights just West of the Village is an adult care facility.
  

5.6.3 Elderberry Express, Inc.

Transportation for seniors is provided by Elderberry Express, Inc. This organization began in 1987 by members of the Pittsford Interfaith Coalition on Aging and was supported by churches and volunteer donations. Today the Town of Pittsford provides $7,500 in support of the $20,000 annual budget. Contributions from local churches, clients and private donors support over 100 clients. Elderberry Express, Inc. offers free transportation to Pittsford seniors who are no longer able to drive. There are two weekly scheduled trips: to the Pittsford Senior Citizen meetings and to the grocery store. Individual trips are available by appointment.

5.6.4 Pittsford Youth Services, Inc.

Pittsford Youth Services, Inc. (PYS) is located in the Spiegel Community Center and is a non-profit organization funded through the Town and Village of Pittsford, the Pittsford Central School District, area religious organizations, community organizations, businesses, State and Federal grants, the United Way Donor Option and fundraising events. PYS provides services at their offices as well as in the area schools. The services that are provided by PYS include individual and family counseling, psycho-educational groups for all grade levels and classroom presentations. Topics include the "40 Development Assets," self-esteem, bullying, depression, diversity, conflict resolution, respect and stress management. PYS employs master-level State certified social workers.

5.6.5 Pittsford Food Cupboard

In 1998, the Ecumenical Clergy Association of Pittsford Churches opened a Food Cupboard in the Old Pickle Factory on Grove Street. The Food Cupboard currently serves 20-35 households per week with 15% of these households living in Pittsford. These families are facing financial hardship and are allowed to visit the Food Cupboard twice a month for five days worth of food for each visit. The Food Cupboard receives food collections from the United States Department of Agriculture, the Regional food bank and individual donations.

5.6.6 Churches

The churches in the Village of Pittsford provide spiritual services to Village residents. The churches located in the Village are:

• St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 28 Lincoln Avenue

• Christ Episcopal Church of Pittsford, 36 South Main Street

• Saint Louis Catholic Church, 60 South Main Street

• United Church of Pittsford, South Main Street just outside of the Village

• First Presbyterian Church, 25 Church Street
  

5.6.7 Neighborhood Associations

During the charrette process, there was an indication that neighborhood associations, or block clubs, could help the Village maintain its quality of life and attractive character. While there are currently no neighborhood associations within the Village, the Comprehensive Planning Committee has indicated that this recommendation is a priority item in the Village. Neighborhood Associations will allow residents to discuss issues and opportunities within the Village in a formalized way to ensure that issues within the neighborhoods are addressed by local officials.

Figure 5-1 Community Facilities and Services
Village of Pittsford

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