Smriti Jacob

Managing Editor and Co-founder at Rochester Beacon

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Catholic Charities closes refugee resettlement program - Rochester Beacon

3 weeks ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

Catholic Charities Family and Community Services has decided to close its refugee resettlement program due to recent changes in immigration policy. This is a blow to the new-immigrant community that relies on the agency’s services. In addition to the resettlement program, CCFCS has shuttered its migrant children foster care program and some specialized programming for Afghans and refugee families with special needs.
How the Oasis Project has grown - Rochester Beacon

3 weeks ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

When the Rochester Beacon a year ago launched its formal internship program, the Oasis Project, it was an experiment. Up to that point, nearly 20 student writers had published their work with us. Driven by our commitment to mentoring emerging journalists, we took the next step. Three students were admitted to last year’s cohort. Narm Nathan, a recent University of Rochester graduate in data science, continued his work with us after the internship and joins us this summer as a contributing writer.
Three Eastman School students among national competition winners - Rochester Beacon

1 month ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

Three Eastman School of Music students have been named winners of the 2025 Yamaha Young Performing Artists competition. The program honors young musicians studying in the United States who demonstrate excellence in jazz, classical and contemporary genres. In total, 11 students earned the honor. Saxophonist Zachary Costello, percussionist Kai Gray, and pianist Yanzuo Nicole Liu from Eastman are among the winners. Pianist Christopher Yao received an honorable mention.
Jewish Federation CEO Dragon takes new post - Rochester Beacon

1 month ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester will see a change in leadership. CEO Meredith Dragon is leaving the area to be chief executive of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ., one of the largest and most prominent chapters in the federation system. Dragon, who joined the local federation in 2016, will be executive vice president and CEO of the New Jersey organization.
Tichner and Jacobi project gets financing deal - Rochester Beacon

1 month ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

Development The $16 million historic Tichner and Jacobi building renovation project has received $10.8 million in construction financing. The Community Preservation Corp. Tuesday said it has closed on the finance deal with REO Holdings Carthage LLC. The downtown building is slated to be a mixed-use development with 41 rental apartments and commercial space. Eight of the apartments will be income-restricted affordable housing.
Raymond Corp. plans expansion in Honeoye Falls - Rochester Beacon

1 month ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

The Raymond Corp. has made another commitment to the area. The company plans to lease a Carriage Street facility in Honeoye Falls, a nearly $1.9 million project that’s expected to create up to 20 jobs. The site, which is expected to be operational in late 2027, will be used to test and validate fuel cell systems for Raymond’s products. The company received $400,000 in state tax credits from Empire State Development.
Workers at UR Medicine Home Care ratify pact - Rochester Beacon

1 month ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

Health & Science Late Friday, professional and clinical workers voted to ratify their first three-year contract with UR Medicine Home Care. The fight to organize began more than a year ago, and a tentative agreement was reached on May 13. Caregivers, across seven rural upstate counties, are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.
RBTL project receives nearly $3 million - Rochester Beacon

1 month ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

Culture The Rochester Broadway Theatre League has received more than $2.9 million from the New York State Council on the Arts for its Project Restouration. NYSCA gave a total of $86 million to 134 capital projects statewide. RBTL has been working to reinvigorate the West Herr Performing Arts Center, including the West Herr Auditorium Theatre.
QED Technologies to expand on University Avenue - Rochester Beacon

1 month ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

Economy & Business QED Technologies International is planning an $18.7 million expansion to its facility on University Avenue. The precision optics manufacturer expects to add up to 20,000 square feet to its site to create a new research and development center and grow its fabrication capabilities. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.
Conversations with Miguel Meléndez - Rochester Beacon

1 month ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

Since President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January, Miguel Meléndez’s workday as Rochester City Council president has expanded to include defending the city’s sanctuary status and preparing for possible cuts to federal funding. On April 24, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the city of Rochester, alleging that the city’s sanctuary city policies unlawfully hinder federal immigration enforcement efforts. “I think this issue is (not) going to go away,” Meléndez says.