Legacy Makers, Inc. Partners With NYS and Faith Community to Equip Families for Emergencies

Legacy Makers, Inc., in collaboration with New York State and members of Rochester’s faith community, is hosting a pair of Emergency Preparedness Trainings aimed at helping families plan for crises — from natural disasters to financial instability.

More than 100 people were in attendance for the October 10, 2025 "Emergency Preparedness Training" hosted at Glory House International Church, 111 N Chestnut St, Rochester, NY - Photo by Rodney Allen Young

The sessions will be held Friday, October 17 at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 250 Dr. Samuel McCree Way, and Tuesday, October 21 at Ark of Jesus Ministries, 1000 N. Winton Road.

According to Pauline Josephs-McCleary, president and CEO of Legacy Makers, the initiative grew out of concerns about deepening economic uncertainty and reductions in government and nonprofit funding that have left many families vulnerable.

“We saw families losing jobs and nonprofits cutting back services,” Josephs-McCleary said. “We wanted to make sure people still knew how to preserve what they have — their homes, their assets, their generational wealth — even in hard times.”

The program merges New York State’s official emergency preparedness training—which focuses on disaster readiness, communication planning, and first aid—with Legacy Makers’ financial empowerment model, centered on helping families protect and sustain wealth amid economic shifts.

Preparing for Emergencies and the Unexpected

Participants will learn how to create family preparedness plans, safeguard important documents and assets, and build communication strategies during emergencies. Each attendee will receive a “Go Bag” filled with essential items, including a radio, flashlight, first aid kit, gloves, goggles, and a thermal blanket designed for survival in crisis situations.

“When people come to the training, they’ll leave with both the tools and the knowledge,” Josephs-McCleary said. “It’s not just about natural disasters — it’s also about being prepared for the financial and social changes happening in our nation.”

Faith and Financial Resilience

Josephs-McCleary emphasized that the faith community has a critical role to play in supporting families as government safety nets shrink. She noted that cuts to programs such as Section 8 housing, SNAP, and WIC have already begun affecting families across Monroe County and beyond.

“Churches used to be the first place people turned for help,” she said. “Now, as government aid decreases, the faith community must be ready to respond again.”

Legacy Makers, founded six years ago, provides financial literacy and wealth-building education for adults and youth. The organization’s Youth Financial Empowerment Program, now in its fourth year, teaches teens budgeting, saving, and responsible spending through interactive simulations.

Community Response and Future Plans

The first preparedness event, hosted earlier this month at Glory House International, drew about 100 participants — far exceeding expectations. Organizers anticipate between 125 and 150 attendees at the upcoming sessions.

“This is about equipping families to stand strong,” Josephs-McCleary said. “A good parent leaves an inheritance for their children’s children. We’re helping families make that a reality — even in uncertain times.”

Legacy Makers plans to continue expanding the initiative, with discussions already underway to host additional trainings in 2026 and integrate the effort into its annual Wealth Conference in January.

For more information or to register for the upcoming sessions, contact Legacy Makers, Inc. at (800) 910-1280 or visit their website https://www.legacymakerswealthinitiative.org/