An annual event brought together local leaders and community partners with area youth to teach them about ways to live a healthy lifestyle, at a time when drug and alcohol abuse is on the rise.
Ibero American Action League hosted its annual Safe Summer Field Day at Baden Park.
That's in a neighborhood plagued by drug use.
The event provides a chance to give youth healthy alternatives to drugs and alcohol while increasing the collaboration between community leaders like police officers and young people, according to Ibero's Irene Lawrence.
"We see such a huge need for kids to have positive role models and positive influences, and we also see a disconnect between our community leaders and our community youth, so it's really important to offer this," she said.
Rochester Police Captain John Corbelli says the RPD sent several officers to the event to meet and talk with young people.
"The young children I think, see us here as a positive role model, and our job is to try to provide them some guidance and leave a positive impression on them," he said.
Kids were able to participate in a number of activities from softball to arts to yoga while also learning about how to maintain healthy and active lifestyles.
Luis Burgos grew up in the Baden Park area, and knows the importance of connecting young people with healthy alternatives.
"Especially in this neighborhood, which has been ravaged by substance abuse. Joseph Avenue, Clinton Avenue, is the epicenter of the opioid epidemic," he said.
Ibero's Lawrence adds there needs to be a stronger community collaboration when it comes to leading our youth down the right path.
"You know just for our kids to know that the adults in this community care about them and are here for them, and if they need someone to talk to they can come see us."
Over 200 people attended the event last year and Ibero was hoping to increase that number this year.