New York Allocates $20 Million to Support Local Youth Programs

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a significant investment of $20 million to enhance community programs through the Project RISE initiative in Troy, marking the first time local organizations have received this funding. The funds aim to bolster services focused on violence prevention, youth development, mental health support, and economic opportunities for young people.

Project RISE, which stands for Respond, Invest, Sustain, and Empower, is administered by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services. It targets community organizations to improve responses to violence and foster collaboration among various stakeholders. This year, a total of 136 organizations across New York State will benefit from this initiative.

Funding Distribution and Community Impact

In Troy, four organizations will receive funding, with each retaining a portion for their programs and distributing the rest to support other local initiatives. The Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Area will receive $500,000, keeping $319,039 and allocating $180,961 to the North Central Community Solidarity Group and Team HERO. The Capital District YMCA will also receive $500,000, retaining $308,001 and distributing $191,999 to the Live Limitless Refuge Center and The Ark, Inc.

Additionally, the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) will be granted $500,000, keeping $219,764 and distributing $280,236 to organizations including the Fifth Avenue Exodus Initiative, Shades of Cocoa, Troy Drug Free Community, and Troy Look, Inc. The Unity House of Troy, Inc. will also receive $500,000, retaining $220,000 and distributing $280,000 to 518 Positive Reinforcement, Oakwood Community Center, and the Connect Center for Youth.

Support for Local Initiatives

Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of investing in youth to enhance community safety. “Keeping our communities safe starts with investing in our young people,” she stated. “Through Project RISE, we are putting real resources into violence prevention, mental health support, job training, and life skills development so our young New Yorkers have the tools they need to succeed.”

Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello expressed gratitude for the support. “This is a tremendous investment in Troy’s youth and our community’s future,” she said. “Through Project RISE, vital resources will be delivered directly into the hands of organizations doing transformative work across our neighborhoods.”

Mayor Mantello added that the funding would enhance outreach efforts to show young people positive alternatives to illegal activities. “We are grateful for the State’s commitment to expanding opportunities, strengthening youth development, and uplifting families right here in Troy,” she noted.

Troy City Council President Sue Steele also thanked Governor Hochul, highlighting the initiative’s focus on reducing gun violence through community engagement. “These RISE funds will be critical to local programs that provide important alternatives to gun violence,” she stated. “The funds focus on our youth and much-needed support services.”

This year represents the third round of RISE funding for cities including Albany, Buffalo, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers. Troy, along with Hempstead and Utica, is receiving this funding for the first time, marking a new chapter in community support and development.