Monroe County Executive Adam Bello unveils a new online Youth Services Directory to connect families with afterschool and summer programs across the community

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County families will now have a simpler way to connect with programs and services for young people thanks to the launch of a new online Youth Services Directory. County Executive Adam Bello announced the tool this week, standing alongside Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and representatives from Goodwill of the Finger Lakes 211/LIFE LINE. The goal is to create a one-stop hub where parents, caregivers, educators, and youth workers can find accurate, up-to-date information on opportunities for children and teens.

The web-based directory replaces the old Youth Services Yellow Pages, which many residents once relied on until it was discontinued in 2011. By moving the concept online, officials hope to provide a more modern, accessible resource that can evolve as new programs become available. The directory is now live on both monroecounty.gov/youth and 211lifeline.org, offering easy access from home computers and mobile devices.

The new platform organizes resources into five key categories: sports, recreation, wellness, employment, and education. Families can search for afterschool programs, summer activities, tutoring services, counseling, and even job opportunities for teens. Each listing provides the organization’s name, address, and phone number, making it straightforward to contact providers directly without digging through outdated information.

Read also: TalentFEST 2025 draws nearly 300 job seekers and more than 40 employers to downtown Rochester for a day of careers and community

“Whether it’s during the school year or over the summer, Monroe County and the City of Rochester are home to an incredible range of programs and opportunities to support our youth,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “This new Youth Services Directory will make it easier for families to discover and access employment opportunities, recreation, mental health resources, and more. I want to thank Mayor Evans, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes 211/ LIFE LINE, and our Youth Bureau team for working together to centralize and expand access to these vital services.”

The importance of visibility was a key point highlighted by Mayor Malik Evans, who emphasized that even the best programs cannot help children if families don’t know they exist. “Rochester and Monroe County are rich in opportunities to support children and young people when they’re out of school, but these programs are only effective if people know about them, what they offer, and how to access them,” Evans said. “The Youth Services Directory puts that critical information in one convenient location for parents and caregivers to easily find the program that works best for their families. Thank you to Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes President Jennifer Lake, and everyone who brought this invaluable resource back to our community, for making it easier to put our children on pathways to success.”

The directory was built in partnership with Goodwill of the Finger Lakes’ 211 LIFE LINE, a service already known for connecting residents with health and social services. Jennifer Lake, President and CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, stressed that the new system was designed to be practical and accessible. “At 211/LIFE LINE, a program of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, we believe everyone deserves access to the support and services they need—especially during critical moments,” Lake said. “The new Youth Services Online Directory is designed to make it easier for teens, families and caregivers to quickly find help—whether it’s related to wellness, education, employment, recreation, or sports—right at their fingertips. We’re grateful to the teams at Monroe County and the City of Rochester for their partnership in bringing this important tool to life through Goodwill’s 211/LIFE LINE.”

One advantage of the online format is that it can be updated regularly. Unlike the paper-based directory from years ago, which quickly became outdated, the new system allows organizations to add or revise their listings as needed. Goodwill’s 211 team will manage updates in collaboration with Monroe County, ensuring that families always have access to the latest information.

Read also: Oktoberfest at the Public Market returns on Friday September 19 with food music games and family fun

Community organizations across the region are encouraged to participate. Any group offering services for children or teens can contact 2-1-1 directly to be added to the directory. This open approach means the list of available programs will continue to grow, giving families more choices over time.

Officials say the timing is critical, as many parents struggle to keep children engaged after school and during the summer months. The new tool aims to bridge gaps in communication and help families take full advantage of the resources available in their neighborhoods. With listings covering everything from job-readiness training to sports leagues, the directory is expected to serve as a vital link between families and community organizations for years to come.

For Monroe County, the Youth Services Directory is more than a website—it is an investment in the future of its young residents. By making resources easier to find and keeping the information current, leaders hope to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.