Who We Are

Our Mission:

At Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing (RCiR),
our mission is to create a supportive, INCLUSIVE and fully accessible environment for veterans and people with ANY challenge who want to come to the water and learn to row, at NO COST to them. 

How It All Started

Our co-founders Tim Giarrusso and Dennis Fronheiser started Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing (RCiR), a 501c3, as a way to give veterans an opportunity to row. They thought it would be a nice thing to do.

What they didn’t know at the time, and what they’ve learned since, is that by working with these veterans, they were helping them regain elements of themselves that they lost in service to our country. 

Our Impact

RCiR has grown to serve many veterans and expanded to serve disabled people as well. So far, we have served veterans, those with autism, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, cerebral palsy, bi-polar disorder, cancer, addictions, loss of limb, loss of vision and more. When participants are asked how they feel about sculling and being on the water, they express feelings of peace, joy, excitement, gratitude, a sense of accomplishment, and the experience of being part of a community, of belonging. 

Inclusive and accessible rowing is changing lives.

To Tim and Dennis, one of the most compelling results of RCiR’s work is the ripple effect it has had in the community. The same veterans who started with the program are now volunteering their time to coach and support others.

Where We Stand Today

To make their vision a reality, Tim and Dennis have dedicated themselves to creating the first inclusive, adaptive, sculling center in the country where no one pays and no one gets paid. 

In December 2019, we completed the construction of our boathouse on Black Creek. This state of the art facility has expanded our ability to offer veterans and disabled people the opportunity to learn to row. Learn more about our new Boathouse! 

We offer two primary programs: outdoor sculling lessons and indoor “learn to row” series. Our approach is focused on the individual and their needs. We create a safe and fun learning environment and are able to get most participants rowing out on the water in less than an hour. Learn more about our programs.

How You Can Get Involved

RCiR is a volunteer-based and community-driven organization, committed to changing lives by getting people to the water. To carry it forward and sustain the mission, we need YOU.

Consider making a donation or volunteering. Your contribution allows RCiR to provide the safe, inviting environment and adaptive equipment everyone who comes to us deserves, in order to succeed.

Our Co-Founders