A Grateful Start to 2026: New Growth, New Tools, and a Youth Win Worth Celebrating
Happy New Year from Greentopia and the Green Visions Program!
Before we look ahead, we want to start with one simple thing: thank you. Your support of our 2025 Annual Appeal helped us meet the $10,000 match and push beyond our fundraising goal. We’re truly grateful—and we don’t take it for granted.
Even though the weather is snowy and cold, the promise of spring is around the corner. And we have big plans for 2026.
What’s ahead for 2026
We’re growing the program!
This year, the Green Visions Program will be hiring an urban farmer to help take our work to the next level.
Please spread the word—we’ll be sharing the job posting in April. If you know someone who’s passionate about urban agriculture, youth mentorship, and community impact, we’d love your help connecting with them.
A major grant win
We’re excited to share that we received a generous grant from ESL Federal Credit Union that will allow us to purchase:
a new truck
a trailer
equipment
and much-needed laptops for our youth to use for online learning and job searching
This is the kind of practical support that creates real momentum—helping young people build skills, access opportunities, and take steps toward independence.
Green Visions participant: Naveyier Dicker.
Youth spotlight: A story that deserves the spotlight
One of the most rewarding parts of my job as a navigator is recognizing and appreciating the growth and accomplishments of our youth—especially during uncertain times when it can feel like we’re constantly inundated with bad news.
So today, I want to share one of the bright spots.
I’d like to spotlight a Green Visions participant: Naveyier Dicker.
Naveyier came to Green Visions through the PathStone program for justice-involved youth. From day one, he refused to let one poor decision define the rest of his life. When we first sat down, he was open and honest about where he was—and where he wanted to go.
We immediately got to work: setting goals and breaking them into clear, achievable steps.
Goal 1: Get a driver’s license
We signed up for the five-hour course and scheduled driving lessons. After a couple of months, he was ready for the road test—and I’m proud to say he passed on the first try.
Goal 2: Find steady employment
We built his resume together and started applying. The process took longer than either of us expected. Background checks and rejections stacked up.
But Naveyier didn’t quit.
He showed up consistently—week after week, month after month—until the “no’s” finally turned into “yes.”
Today, he has three jobs with Amazon, UPS, and DoorDash.
Goal 3: Build real financial stability
After employment, he wanted to get serious about financial literacy and credit. We created a plan, connected him with Consumer Credit Counseling and other resources, and worked through the steps together.
He saved up and got his first secured credit card—a major milestone.
Goal 4: Buy his first car
With multiple jobs, transportation became a barrier. Bus schedules and borrowing friends’ cars were limiting his progress, so we set a new goal: a car.
We built a budget, researched reputable dealers, and compared insurance options.
And two weeks ago, Naveyier became the proud owner of his first car.
Next up: His GED
This afternoon, Naveyier and I mapped out his next goal: earning his GED. And if there’s one thing I know about him, it’s that he’s going to do it.
I can’t fully put into words how proud I am of him. His dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity is inspiring—and he’s one of the many reasons I love what I do.
How you can help right now
Share our April job posting when it launches (urban farmer role)
Save the July dates and invite a friend
Support the program (donate, volunteer, share our posts, or introduce us to community partners)
Thank you again for being part of this work—and for believing in our youth.
With gratitude,
Jessica Baron
Dinner on the Bridge 2025
Mark your calendar
Planning is already underway for Dinner on the Bridge—save the date:
Thursday, July 23, 2026 — Dinner on the Bridge
Saturday, July 25, 2026 — Bridging Communities Event (hosted by Genesee Land Trust and Genesee River Alliance)
Location: Pont de Rennes Bridge
More details to come soon—right now, we just want to make sure you’ve got those dates tucked away.
