19th Ward Community Association (19WCA)

We celebrated our 50th year in 2015 as one of the oldest, continuously run, neighborhood organizations in the country, the 19th Ward Community Association (19WCA)'s social activism is legendary. Originally formed in 1964 and incorporated in 1965 to ensure fair housing practices in the sale and purchase of homes within the neighborhood our focus has expanded towards building community among ward residents and coordinating activities that will improve the quality of life in our neighborhood. Through strong advocacy efforts over the years our residents and neighborhood businesses reflect pride in our community and our commitment to promoting diversity in all its forms. 19th ward residents have come to know that financial support of our organization helps us to sponsor annual events like: - Aberdeen Square Fair - a day-long festival held the first Saturday in June of food & entertainment that features a parade and a Flea Market atmosphere, - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day Luminary Event - a celebration of Dr. King's life and message, - Family/Student Skating Party -co-sponsored by organizations within the University of Rochester to bring the larger southwest community and UR students together for a fun afternoon, - House Tour - to show off housing options ranging from small one-story cottages to large mansions, - Candlelight Dinners - a night of small dinner parties hosted by residents for residents in their own homes, - Citizen/Merchant of the Year Dinner - honors a fellow neighbor and a local business owner for their efforts to improve the quality of life in our community, - Spelling Bee - students within our neighborhood schools compete for a scholarship towards their post-secondary education Financial support also helps us to bolster the neighborhood feel of the ward through regular service activities such as: - supporting various neighborhood gardens, - mentoring neighborhood elementary students for their participation in our Annual Spelling Bee, - working with parents and RCSD to continue the presence of neighborhood schools in the 19th ward, - promoting the formation of block clubs to facilitate communication about issues concerning residents in different parts of the neighborhood to the larger group. We inform members about various community events through our Update19 newsletter published 10 times per year, our organizations website 19WCA.org, and through the website dedicated to collaboration in the South West Quadrant of the city, Location19.org. By providing a structure for organizing the efforts of residents the 19WCA is a recognized resource for neighborhood opinion on such matters as zoning issues presented at City Hall, housing, economic development, schools, public safety, and crime prevention. We provide resources and expertise to help residents better understand city services and cut through the red tape of city and county governments and work with the Rochester Police Department, Rochester City School District, and other government and community organizations as well as neighborhood businesses to promote the interests of our residents.

We focus on: Community Benefit and Economic Development, Education

Where we are: Monroe