A year of meaningful progress, measurable outcomes, and a brighter future for Rochester's young people.
What a year of growth!
As we close out 2026, Green Visions: Growing Healthy Futures has so much to celebrate. From expanding our urban flower farm to creating new career opportunities for young adults, this year has been about more than growing flowers. It's been about growing futures.
Thanks to our incredible participants, volunteers, partners, and supporters, we've made meaningful progress, and we're just getting started.
More Than a Job. A Path to the Future.
One of our proudest accomplishments this year? 60% of our fall-cohort participants secured employment before completing our 10-week program.
That's more than a statistic. It's young people taking meaningful steps toward their futures.
Through hands-on experience in agriculture, landscaping, equipment operation, customer service, and retail sales, participants gained practical workforce skills, earned certifications, and built professional connections.
They leave Green Visions with more than a certificate. They leave with experience, confidence, and new possibilities.
Growing Flowers. Growing Partnerships.
Our urban flower farm continued to flourish in 2026, thanks to the support of volunteers, program graduates, and local businesses.
Our partnership with the Garden Factory provided valuable greenhouse space and seedling support, helping us expand our growing operations.
We also strengthened relationships with Stacy K, Pittsford Florist, and Rock Castle Florist, who became consistent weekly wholesale flower purchasers.
These partnerships do more than support our farm. They create real business opportunities and connect participants to Rochester's agricultural and floral industries.
It Takes a Community to Grow.
This year, we more than doubled our volunteer base!
With support from the Judicial Process Commission, M&T Bank, the Rochester City School District, and dedicated community members, our farm welcomed more helping hands than ever.
Every volunteer contributes to something bigger: a stronger community and more opportunities for Rochester's young people.
Investing in What's Next.
Growth also means investing in the tools and people that help us succeed.
This year, we welcomed a new farmer who strengthened our agricultural operations and production systems. We also acquired a new truck, giving our team greater flexibility to transport equipment and supplies.
Beyond the farm, participants explored new career possibilities through educational visits to local businesses, the Rochester Public Market, restaurants, and nonprofit organizations.
These experiences help young adults discover opportunities and imagine where their skills might take them next.
Planting the Seeds for 2027 and Beyond.
While we're celebrating everything accomplished in 2026, we're already looking ahead.
Greentopia completed a comprehensive three-year strategic plan focused on expanding workforce development, strengthening agricultural operations, and building lasting business relationships.
As Greentopia continues advancing its vision for Rochester's future state park, we see exciting possibilities to connect Green Visions with tourism, neighborhood businesses, community development, and new employment pathways.
The opportunities ahead are growing, and so is our commitment to Rochester.
Help Us Grow What's Next.
As we reflect on this incredible year, one thing is clear: none of it would be possible without our community.
To every participant, volunteer, partner, funder, and supporter, thank you for believing in Green Visions and the young people we serve.
We're growing more than flowers. We're cultivating opportunity, building careers, and helping shape Rochester's future.
This holiday season, we invite you to be part of what's next. Your donation helps support our mission and gives Green Visions a strong start heading into 2027.
Happy Holidays!
​Morgan Barry
Director, Green Visions: Growing Healthy Futures
A program of Greentopia
