Steps to Success Rochester is an economic mobility coaching program, built around a long-term partnership. You get the support you need to achieve your goals.
It’s a boost forward, not a hurdle to jump.
This is a partnership.
We work with you because when life is stressful, planning for the future becomes more difficult.
But we don’t tell you what to do. You choose your goals. We help you create a plan and support you to stay on track.
You’ll be paired with a mentor who:
- Understands and listens without judgment
- Helps you set goals and build skills to reach them
- Coordinates support across programs
- Sticks with you throughout the journey
This is not a one-time service. It’s ongoing support, for up to two years, to help keep you moving forward.
Steps to Success works with you across 5 domains of economic mobility: Family Stability, Well-being, Financial Management, Education and training, and Employment and career advancement.
Progress looks different for everyone.
- For some, it’s completing a certification or degree program.
- For others, it’s steady employment or career management.
- Still others are looking for financial management.
- For many, it’s reduced stress, a healthier lifestyle, or greater stability at home.
And this approach works.
This mentoring program will support key areas of your life, based on your goals and your family’s needs and is proven to boost your chances of getting a job, staying in school, and increasing your income. When you have support that fits your goals, real progress happens.
You may be eligible if you:
- Live in these City of Rochester zip codes: 14605, 14608, 14611, 14621
- Are part of a household with a child under 18
- Are serious about working toward your personal and financial goals
Frequently asked questions.
Is this a short-term program?
No. Steps to Success is designed as a longer-term partnership that adapts as your goals evolve.
Do I have to meet certain requirements to receive incentives?
Incentives are milestone-based and tied to progress toward agreed-upon goals. They are not automatic or guaranteed.
What if I’m already working with another agency?
Steps to Success works in partnership with existing services and programs to coordinate support based on the goals identified in your plan.
What if I’m not eligible?
Our partner agencies can help connect you with other resources.
Will participating in Steps to Success or receiving milestone financial rewards affect my current public benefits or financial aid?
Direct Assistance and milestone payments through this program will not affect your public assistance, SNAP, HEAP or child care benefits. You should check with the issuing agency for questions about other benefits or financial aid. Once enrolled, your mentor can help you with benefit questions.
What happens when my youngest child or only child in the household turns 18?
Participant enrollment is discontinued in Steps To Success Rochester once the youngest or only child reaches 18 and is not enrolled in high school. If a child is 18 but still enrolled in high school, the participant is still eligible until the child turns 19 or is no longer enrolled in high school.
Not sure if you qualify? Let's start the conversation today. Call 211 for more information or start the screening and referral process on MyWayFinder, a service of TogetherNow.
Steps to Success Rochester is funded by New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and supported through a coordinated partnership with Monroe County DSS, the City of Rochester, Action for a Better Community, Catholic Charities Family and Community Services, and the Urban League of Rochester, working together to support families in underserved communities.
