The Partnership for Ontario County Newsletter
July 2025 |
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Welcome to the newest iteration of our newsletter! In this issue, we have exciting updates about our programs, upcoming events, announcements, and ways you can get involved in our work. We're also eager to announce that the Partnership for Ontario County is currently undergoing a rebrand to Ontario Cares. In the coming months, we'll be unveiling a new website and social media channels. Keep an eye out for more updates!
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Join us for an unforgettable summer weekend! Ontario Cares and the Veterans Coalition of Ontario County are hosting a Red, White & Blue Celebration on August 23 and 24 at Lincoln Hill Farms! Join us for two action-packed days of fun, music, and community spirit! This event is FREE and open to everyone and celebrates those who served and the community that supports them.
What to Expect: • Lace up for our vibrant 3K Color Run/Walk! Register today to secure your spot! • Live music featuring bands that include BarnSalt, Mr. Loops, and Brian Ayers and Friends featuring Mike Nelson and Pat Harrington • Delicious food from Lincoln Hill Farms • Local artisans • Military branch stations and demonstrations |
| • Law enforcement activities–cars, equipment demonstrations, and more (Sunday)
• Tons of family-friendly fun for all ages!
Register here as a sponsor, vendor, volunteer, community partner, or to sign up for our COLOR RUN! |
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Thank you to our sponsors! |
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| The Partnership Hits the Parade Route with Local Youth |
The Partnership for Ontario County marched in the Canandaigua 4th of July parade! We were excited to have a few of our Ontario County Youth Court and Epic Zone kids join us in the summer fun and help us honor our country's independence. |
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| Restoring Community, One Youth Leader at a Time |
Congratulations to one of our largest graduating Youth Court classes! These young leaders completed an eight-week course that trained them how to take on roles in real-life courtroom situations. Beyond learning how to be judge, jury, prosecution, defense, and bailiff for youthful offenders, they explored what it means to be empathetic to their peers. We also recognized the service that our veteran Youth Court members have put in, taking on the roles of mentors and role models in the court room.
In the words of Haley Santiago, our Youth Court program coordinator, "I am so proud of all they have accomplished and am excited to see what adventures lie in front of them, because these youth are truly bound for great things." Of course, a huge thank you to parents, guardians, and supporters who have helped make it possible for these young leaders to succeed! |
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Songwriting Marine Visits the Finger Lakes |
On a rainy Saturday in May, a small gathering of Veterans and community members gathered to hear the amazing story of Marine Veteran and Purple-Heart-recipient Richard Casper. After surviving four IED explosions in Iraq and the devastating loss of a fellow Marine, Casper returned home with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD. He found healing through art and music and has since helped other Veterans follow the same path. Check out music written and performed by Veterans.
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| Ontario Cares Addresses Food Insecurity |
Every month, we host a pop-up food pantry in partnership with Ontario County Public Health and Foodlink at the Town of Canandaigua Highway Department Barn. We couldn't do it without our partners, staff, and volunteers!
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Take Back Day Success: 342 Cars, 793 Pounds Collected |
This spring, the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition collected over 722 pounds of medication and 71 pounds of sharps for safe disposal. This keeps our community safe by keeping unwanted medication out of the garbage and the water supply. Our Medication Take Back Day was a success, with 342 cars coming to safely get rid their medication.
Thank you to our partners: Ontario County Sheriff's Office, Canandaigua City Police Department, FLACRA, and Canandaigua Wegmans.
For drop box locations around Ontario County where you can safely get rid of medications, go to our website: Medication Drop Boxes | Ontario Cares
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| Community Feedback Drives New Service Recommendations |
Through the Campbell Commission, Ontario County partnered with The Partnership for Ontario County and others to gather resident input on local service gaps. Over two years, the Community Liaison Team held forums, interviews, and outreach to hear directly from those facing housing, health, and access challenges.
The result: a report with 10 recommendations to improve care coordination, public awareness, and support for vulnerable residents. The goal is a more connected, prevention-focused system that improves long-term community wellness. |
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| | Supporting Veteran Connection Through Local Events |
To honor our community's Veterans for Military Appreciation Month in May, we hosted a series of events, including virtual golf at Veteran-owned Tee-ed Off in Canandaigua, bowling at Roseland Bowl, and a door-sign art project at ArtSpace36.
According to Ashley Tomassini, director of our Prevention Coalitions, "These events are intended to promote wellness and connection. Veterans and their families can enjoy an activity, talk with other Veterans and family members of Veterans, and feel more connected to the community. Many of the activities also involve movement, incorporating physical wellness."
Thank you to our partners: Compeer Rochester, Victor Hiking Trails, and Fleet Feet! |
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| EVENTS: ONGOING & UPCOMING |
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Playing for a Purpose: Memorial Golf Event Supports the Partnership’s Prevention Work |
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The Joseph "EDGE" Eddinger Fourth Annual Memorial Golf Tournament will be Friday, July 25. This year's tournament will be held at Clifton Springs Country Club. The Eddinger family wants to keep Joe's generosity and memory alive through the annual golf tournament, and they graciously donate money raised from the tournament to our Suicide Prevention Coalition.
More information, including registration, can be found here |
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We'd love to have you join us for our monthly pop-up pantry! We also are registering volunteers for our upcoming Red, White & Blue Celebration. Register to help out at the event, or send an email to connect@partnershipoc.org.
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Spotlight on the Veterans Coalition |
The Veterans Coalition of the Finger Lakes is a Veteran-serving organization dedicated to reducing substance misuse through community outreach. The coalition has 79 members across multiple counties, including but not limited to Ontario, Monroe, and Yates.
Members of the coalition include individual Veterans in the community, Veteran-serving organizations, and Veterans’ groups.
Throughout the year, the Coalition has hosted a variety of events for Veterans and their families, including hikes, trail cutting, arts and crafts, bowling, and a quickly approaching Red, White & Blue festival! In addition to its own events, the Coalition is frequently found participating in other organizations’ events within the community. |
| The Veterans Coalition recently completed collecting more than 300 survey responses from Veterans in our community.
This high number of responses is a direct reflection of the Coalition’s presence within the community and will help the Coalition secure resources for Veterans in the future. |
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Your Contribution Makes Community Change Possible
Your gift to the Partnership for Ontario County helps fund programs that directly impact people in our community. Through our initiatives and collaborations with local communities and organizations, we address food insecurity, suicide and substance use prevention, youth empowerment, Veteran outreach, mental health, and public safety.
Your support allows us to make new connections, bring new initiatives to life, and strengthen the ongoing programs that fill gaps in our community—helping create a healthier and more connected region. Thank you for being a part of the change.
Your Gift Makes a Difference |
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