AAUW Rochester Branch has formed an alliance with Neighborhood House (NH) to replace our involvement with Oakland University.
Our Grant and Group projects will foster collaboration to achieve our organizations’ shared goals to support women and girls through education and advocacy.
The AAUW-Rochester $3,000 Grant to NH is being used to support educational opportunities for Neighborhood House clients to become self-sustaining through their Strive to Thrive program.
Funding for the grant came from the Community Foundation AAUW Rochester Fund.
AAUW members can volunteer individually and directly with Neighborhood House. https://www.ranh.org/volunteer-opportunities
By registering you will receive emails with opportunities to volunteer for a special day/time of an event. It can be a one-time volunteer or more often—it’s your choice.
Group volunteer opportunities are also available to members.
For those interested in a one-mile morning walk/fundraiser on Sunday, Oct 5, “Scare Aware Hunger” followed with a pancake breakfast:
For more info, to register or to volunteer: https://www.ranh.org/nh-events/2025-scare-away-hunger
Contact Josetta Wood to let her know you’re walking or to learn more. aauwjosetta@gmail.com
Members can volunteer, shop at, as well as donate to the Clothes Closet Thrift Store.
The Clothes Closet is located at 44 Mill St., under the Rochester Rd. Bridge.
Directions: In downtown Rochester, go to Walnut St (one street west of Rochester Rd), drive south to the end. Turn left, go under the bridge, NH Clothes Closet building is on the right.
Days/Hours: Tues/Wed/Thur: 10am-4pm. Sat:10am-2pm.
The AAUW-Neighborhood House (NH) Leadership Team was formed over the summer. There are a couple more positions to fill.
AAUW-NH Leadership Team Coordinators:
* Clothes Closet: Pat Geyer
* Food Pantry:
Mary Anne Kennedy—Food collection @ Christmas Party,
Melinda Reeber—Personal (Menstrual) Products collection (to be determined)
* Main Office/Events volunteers: Open position (Josetta for now)
* STEAM project: Diane Kosuda–during the winter
* Community Foundation: Sharon Krumrei
* Donor Administrator: Open position (cash/check donations from collections)
* AAUW Newsline author: Cathy Vestrand
* Advisors/Support: Josetta Wood and Patty Earl
If you are interested in joining the AAUW-NH Leadership Team, contact Josetta Wood, aauwjosetta@gmail.com
AAUW-Rochester Branch Grant to Neighborhood House
The AAUW-Rochester Branch has awarded a $3,000 grant to Neighborhood House (NH) to assist in their Strive to Thrive program.
The ‘Strive to Thrive’ program is based on comprehensive services that equip neighbors with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve and maintain, financial wellness and self-sustainability by focusing on positive employability skills for underemployed women.
Neighborhood House is committed to helping those in need during emergency situations. NH endeavors to have clients become active participants in their path toward financial independence by creating opportunities to move them forward towards their goals.
AAUW is a nonpartisan organization founded in 1881 to promote gender equity and opportunity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.
AAUW focuses on issues such as fair pay and advancing women in leadership– and removing barriers to education, economic security, social justice, and civil rights.
The funding for this grant comes from the many generous donations made through the AAUW-Rochester Branch fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester.
Photo with Kim Ronan of Neighborhood House accepting $3,000 check from Josetta Wood of AAUW-Rochester Branch.
AAUW-ROCHESTER SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Ahnita Gaydos, Stoney Creek High School senior, is the winner of the 2025 AAUW-ROCHESTER scholarship. She is planning to become a physical therapist at Eastern Michigan University.
She is proud to be the 4th generation of women in her family attending college. Her great grandmother and great aunt were and are members of the Rochester Branch of AAUW.
Congratulations Ahnita!
Members picnic and plan the 2025-2026 year!
