ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY)-- The Cities Rise program is all about small changes making a big difference in the community. It's a New York State Attorney General initiative that partners with 10 cities across the state.
"Cities Rise is actually a New York State Attorney General program that disseminates to us through the City of Elmira," says Emily Barrett, Executive Director of Cities Rise. "It provides funding for us to go out and provide some minor repairs to porches and properties, as well as cleanups and beautification landscaping."
Funding isn't the only thing making a difference. For Friday's fall event, Broadway Academy brought some of their students out to volunteer and help give back to the community, showing just how much impact a few extra hands can have.
"We've just removed a whole ton of bamboo from the back of this yard. Um, you couldn't even walk back here about two hours ago," says Joy Casciotti, Assistant Principal at Broadway Academy. "We're in the front, we're replacing a handrail, we are trimming shrubs, ripping out weeds, anything that the homeowner has asked us to do."
From clearing out overgrown backyards to repairing handrails, the students jumped right in, revitalizing homes and giving a fresh look to properties. For these young volunteers, it's more than just beautifying Elmira, it's about understanding the impact they can how on people's lives.
"There's people out there that don't have like enough money and stuff for nice homes and like a nice environment," says Jack Bieber, a ninth grader at Broadway Academy. "
It's a learning experience that goes beyond one clean-up day. For program leaders, it's about fostering a sense of community in the next generation of volunteers.
"Honestly for the kids, I just would love to see them learn to love their communities and to give back and to volunteer. As our current volunteers are aging, sometimes it's more difficult for folks to get out and do that. So we need the next generation of youth to wanna step in and fill that gap for us and for folks that get out and do that," says Barrett.
Each year cleared and each porch repaired, students and volunteers are doing more than just tidying up Elmira, they're working to create a community that works together and makes a difference.
Cities Rise will reconvene for a second day on Saturday, September 28th from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Sly Street Park on Elmira's Southside. The address is 495 Lake Ave, Elmira, N.Y. 14904.
For information about Saturday's event or other ways to pitch in around the area email [email protected].