Beginning
The School Sisters of Notre Dame arrived in Rochester, NY in 1854 to teach German immigrants at St. Joseph’s School on Franklin Street, the first parochial school in Rochester.
Other schools followed:
1855: SS Peter and Paul
1866: Saint Boniface
1867: Holy Redeemer
Holy Family
1874: Saint Michael’s
1904: St. Joseph’s Business
1962: Bishop Kearney High
Saint Margaret Mary
Saint Philip Neri
Following the closure of Rochester City Diocesan schools, the sisters surveyed area churches, schools, and agencies to determine the educational need for SSND’s to continue to serve in Rochester. The results showed a need for tutoring in reading and math for children and adults.
Notre Dame Learning Center was approved as a sponsored ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame and began its work in 2004. Sister Lorraine Burns SSND, former principal at Holy Family School, organized the establishment of the Notre Dame Learning Center from an office at St. Boniface School. She was joined by Sister Mary Lou Brien.
During that time, Sisters Lorraine, Mary Lou and Mary Smith set out in search of a place for NDLC to call home. They were offered a room at the Charles Settlement House. Beginning in March 2004, Sister Lorraine tutored three girls from Holy Family School in math. Thus, the Notre Dame Learning Center officially began its tutoring center for the children in the Rochester City School District.
Services for children became the primary focus, although the Learning Center also served adults as the need arose.
The Learning Center became a separately incorporated nonprofit corporation on June 5, 2005. The first meeting of the Board of Trustees took place on May 11, 2006.
Staffing
Sister Mary Lou Brien began tutoring students in Reading and English Language Arts in September 2005. She became the Reading Supervisor in 2006.
By 2006 NDLC had two full-time staff, Sisters Lorraine and Mary Lou. During the 2005-2006 academic year there were 55 children and one adult in the program with a waiting list of 14 students. Sixty volunteers tutored the students.
Sister Lorraine retired in June 2010. Sister Evelyn Breslin, previously administrator and teacher at Bishop Kearney High and Executive Assistant at the School of the Holy Childhood, became the Executive Director of NDLC.
Sister Mary Smith, former principal of St. Boniface, joined NDLC in 2008 as Math Program Supervisor, taking over the math tutoring responsibilities from Sister Lorraine.
Sister Mary Lou retired in August 2018 and our first lay employee was hired as part-time supervisor of the Reading/English Arts Program. She initiated many changes in the program, including the use of new Chromebooks donated to the Center.
Sister Mary Smith retired in January 2023. In January 2025, Laura Canne was hired as Program Supervisor for both areas. Laura passed away in September 2025, leaving NDLC without a supervisor.
NDLC currently has a full-time Business Administrator, Tina Fay; part-time Media consultant, Emma Goodman; Emma also became the temporary Program Supervisor in January 2026 until the end of the year.
Programming
In 2010 adult programs in computer literacy and NY GED were added. Both were funded by special grants but were discontinued due to lack of reliable participation and duplication of the same services in other agencies.
We expanded our outreach for tutoring at a second location at Bishop Kearney High School from 2020-2025.
Fundraising
From its inception, NDLC fundraising consisted of presentations at churches, schools, and other affiliated organizations. Donations were also solicited in person and by mail: practices which continue today. Yearly fundraising activities continue, including an Annual Golf Tournament and the “Thanks for Giving” raffle. In addition, the Center hosted both 10th and 20th gala anniversary celebrations.
Social Media
Various media resources connect NDLC to our constituents:
www.ndlcenter.org
Facebook
Twitter
Instgram @ndlcenter
Constant Contact email
Linkedin
Board of Trustees
The primary goal of the Board of Trustees is sustainability and growth of NDLC. Various committees evaluate finances, investments, and long-range plans while continuing to provide educational services for the youth in Rochester.
Board Members
Janice Incavo, Chairperson
Sister Evelyn Breslin, Director
Tina Fay, Business Administrator
Mark Aldridge
Josette Battisti
Mary Fran Bauer
Sister Susan Czaplicki, SSND
Stacey D’Amelio
Bob Feeney
Steve Goldman
Amy Schwind
Honorary Board Members
Daniel DeLaus
Maureen McGuire
Antwan Williams