SPCC Rochester on What It Actually Takes to Break the Cycle of Generational Poverty and Trauma

Laurie Valentine, CEO of the Society for the Protection and Care of Children, returns for part two of our conversation about SPCC's work in Rochester, this time focusing on what drives the mission forward, how the community can get involved and what the next chapter looks like for the country's oldest nonprofit agency.Laurie shares what she believes is the true catalyst for change in the families SPCC serves, a caring adult who believes in the potential of both the child and the parent, and explains why nurturing parents so they can nurture their children is at the heart of nearly every program the organization runs. She also shares the story of a young mom who at 22, after years of hardship, finished school, landed a full time job and is buying her first home.Many of SPCC's programs currently have long waiting lists, and donations play a critical role in filling the gaps that grant funding cannot cover, from back to school supplies and beds to security deposits for mothers leaving abusive situations and pots and pans for young parents starting their first home. Monthly giving, legacy gifts, one time donations and event sponsorships are all ways the community can help.The 39th Children's Classic Golf Tournament takes place June 29th at Irondequoit Country Club. Foursomes, sponsorships and auction prize donations are all still available.Register for the golf tournament at spccgolf2026.org, make a donation or learn more at spcc-roch.org, or reach the team directly at [email protected].