Cultivating Opportunity, Empowering Youth, Transforming Communities

Logo of the word 'greenvisions' in stylized green text with a small leaf over the 'g'.

Green Visions is a neighborhood-based workforce development program that empowers at-risk youth in Rochester’s JOSANA and Joseph Ave neighborhoods. By turning vacant lots into urban flower farms, participants gain hands-on job training, business experience, and essential life skills. They cultivate, harvest, and sell flowers at the Rochester Public Market and Wegmans, funding the program while revitalizing their community. Through certifications, financial literacy, and career readiness support, Green Visions equips youth with the skills and confidence to build a brighter future.

Visit website: www.greenvisions.org

Life Changing Programs

Group of people in protective suits and masks posing outside United Way building.

  • Green Visions provides hands-on job training and real-world experience through partnerships with the City of Rochester, the Housing Council, Charles Settlement House, Advantage Federal Credit Union, DEC, and the EPA. Participants gain skills in small business operations, flower sales, horticulture, landscaping, hand-tool use, social media, and community outreach while learning to identify and address environmental challenges in their neighborhoods.

    Program Highlights:

    • Paid Workforce Training: A 22-week, part-time program (15 hours per week) offering practical job experience.

    • OSHA Certification: 10 hours of construction-based safety training provided by the City of Rochester.

    • EPA Lead-Safe Training: 8-hour course certifying participants as “Certified Renovators” through the Rochester Housing Council.

    • Operation Transformation Rochester: Graduation from the city’s workforce readiness initiative.

    • Financial Literacy: Education to build money management skills.

    • Organic Waste Management: Training provided by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

    Spring marks a fresh start for another season of growth and opportunity—stay tuned for updates!

A group of people attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the "Floral Workshop Shed" at Greentopia, standing in an outdoor garden area.


  • In 2018, Green Visions installed an 800-square-foot shipping container at its campus on 174 Whitney Street in the JOSANA neighborhood, transforming it into a fully equipped floral design workspace. Retrofitted by Ikoniq, a Canandaigua-based company specializing in high-quality kiosks and containers, the space includes a flower cooling room and tool storage area, providing a dedicated hub for floral production. This project was made possible with financial support from the Allyn’s Creek Garden Club, the Rochester Garden Club, and the August Foundation.

    Additionally, Habitat for Humanity and Rochester Youth Build contributed by providing materials and installing a driveway for the workspace. These improvements align with the JOSANA Master Plan, led by the Charles Settlement House Neighborhood Association, reinforcing Green Visions’ commitment to working with the neighborhood—not just in it—for the past six years.

Person in a garden with red flowers, wearing a pink shirt with 'Green Visions' text, surrounded by residential houses.


  • Green Visions drives workforce development through the creation and management of a commercial cut flower urban farm. Partnering with Rochester’s Operation Green, Greentopia leases and purchases formerly vacant lots—once home to demolished single-family residences—and transforms them into thriving flower farms. Participants plant, grow, and harvest a diverse selection of flowers, crafting custom bouquets sold at local Wegmans stores, the Rochester Public Market, and special events like weddings, graduations, and galas.

    For cut flower or bouquet orders, contact Program Director Morgan Barry at morgan@greentopia.org or 585-287-5560, ext. 703.

A park with colorful flower beds, green grass, trees, and houses in the background.


  • St. John Fisher College Partnership

    In Fall 2019, Green Visions partnered with students from St. John Fisher College’s Civic Engagement Courses to enhance our program’s impact. These students brought fresh perspectives to our annual grant applications and helped develop a strategic growth plan for Green Visions. As we expand, our focus remains on increasing full-time employment opportunities for at-risk youth and establishing more program locations across Rochester. Through this collaboration, we aim to leverage untapped resources to strengthen the Green Visions Growing Healthy Futures Program.

    Joseph Avenue Business Association & The Nature Conservancy

    In 2019, Green Visions partnered with the City of Rochester, Joseph Avenue Business Association, and The Nature Conservancy to expand our program to an acre of vacant lots at Langham St. and Joseph Ave. This growth allowed us to hire an additional program graduate as a site supervisor and welcome three new program members. We remain committed to supporting our graduates beyond the program, providing long-term career pathways. In 2020, we will continue maintaining this vibrant public green space on Joseph Avenue, and with partnerships like these, we look forward to further expanding into Rochester’s diverse neighborhoods.