For the past year, one of the playgrounds at the Rochester Childfirst Network has been closed due damage created during a new roof installation. Kids served by the early education nonprofit will soon be able to swing and climb again thanks to team members at IDEX Health & Science in Rochester, New York. They recently fixed the damage done by large machinery and mulched the entire area to the proper depth.
The IH&S team has partnered with the Rochester Childfirst Network for the past eight years. The charity focuses on equity in early education. Rochester Childfirst Network believes in the inherent potential of every child, regardless of their background or needs. They promote equitable access to comprehensive services by providing innovative early care and educational programming for young children and their families in a safe, diverse, and nurturing environment.
The charity is located on an oasis of 5 acres in the middle of the city. Many of the children live in apartments without green space and this gem focuses on nature-based play to inspire curiosity and learning.
The Rochester team helps weed, clean, and mulch the playgrounds and outdoor spaces regularly, resulting in a total of 100 hours volunteered this past year. They also focus on reviving the sensory garden located within the school’s inner courtyard. This is a calming space meant to help ground students who may be dealing with sensory overload.
The team at IH&S is continuously grateful to the IDEX Foundation and Rochester Childfirst Network for all that you do to make a difference in everyday lives.