U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand participated in service activities across the state to help New Yorkers in need ahead of the holiday season. In Rochester, Senator Gillibrand visited Mary’s Place Refugee Outreach Center to assemble food packages and hygiene products. Mary’s Place has been serving refugee families living in the City of Rochester since 2009 and works to provide a safe community atmosphere while helping refugees adjust to American culture, learn English, find employment, and gain permanent residency and citizenship.
“As New Yorkers celebrate the holidays, we must remember those who have been hit hardest by the health, extreme weather, and economic crises we’ve experienced this year. In the spirit of the holiday season, I hope everyone who is able will make time to serve their neighbors in need.” –Senator Gillibrand.
Later, Gillibrand delivered remarks to celebrate the kickoff of the North Star Coalition, an organization created by the Rochester Area Community Foundation and local leaders to get federal and state recovery dollars in the hands of marginalized communities. The coalition, named for Frederick Douglass’s Rochester newspaper, will work with stakeholders from across the region to create economic opportunities for historically excluded residents as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.