Newburgh is set to receive state funding for the fourth year in a row to support several community organizations that provide youth services and programs.

The City of Newburgh is receiving $2 million through Project RISE, or Respond, Invest, Sustain, Empower, as part of $20 million announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul for community-based organizations in 10 municipalities across the state.

The Boys and Girls Club, The Armory and Youth Advocate Program will receive and retain portions of their awards for their own programs before distributing the rest to six grassroots organizations.

Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey said the latest funding would provide additional support for organizations working with young people in the city.

“This $2 million investment will strengthen trusted community organizations, create more opportunities for our youth and help address the root causes of violence,” Harvey said. “Together, we are building a stronger, safer Newburgh.”

The Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh will receive $666,667, retain $350,001 and distribute $316,666 to Dandelions are Flowers Too and Marcs Friend.
The Boys and Girls Club focused on academics, arts and athletics, along with health and lifeskills, leadership and career development. There are a number of programs such as homework help, tutoring, community service and photography.

The Newburgh Armory Unity Center is set to receive $666,666, retain $365,798 and distribute to Newburgh Zion Lions and Project Oasis, $300,868.

The Armory which opened in 2010 in a former military facility, provides educational, athletic and civic programs. Its Saturday morning Enrichment Program offers free academic and recreation classes to Newburgh families, including reading, math, arts, sports and career exploration.

Meanwhile, Youth Advocate Program will receive $666,667, retain $416,667 and distribute $250,000 to Hook Elite and Building Bridges.

Youth Advocate Program is a national non-profit organization that provides community-based services as alternatives to youth incarceration and residential placements in the child welfare, behavioral health and intellectual disabilities systems. The organization also works with public safety systems to help reduce neighborhood violence.

Altogether, the three lead organizations will distribute $867,534 of Newburgh’s allocation to the six grassroots organizations.

Project RISE is managed by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and supports programs that include mentoring, mental health services, restorative practices, arts, athletics, financial literacy, job training and educational support. The initiative also supports organizations working with young people and families experiencing grief and trauma related to long-term exposure to violence.

“Local programs that offer support and opportunities for youth are a powerful first step toward improving generational outcomes and building stronger communities,” said Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson.

This is the fourth round of Project RISE funding for Newburgh, having been part of the initial selection in October 2022.

“RISE funding has supported organizations doing this work in Newburgh for a few years now, and it’s making a difference,” Jacobson said.

Statewide, Project RISE-funded organizations offered nearly 1600 programs and events and served more than 113,000 participants during the funding cycle that ended June 30, according to the governor’s office.

Each participating community has a steering committee that determines how its $2 million allocation will be used. The funding structure allows established organizations to direct a portion of the money to smaller community groups.

The model is intended in part to direct state funding to grassroots organizations that traditionally have not received it.

“Every young person deserves to grow up with people who believe in them, places where they feel safe and real opportunities to build a successful future,” Governor Hochul said. “Project RISE puts resources directly into communities, supporting trusted local organizations that know their young people and understand what it takes to help them thrive. By expanding opportunity and reaching young New Yorkers before they encounter the justice system, we are changing lives and building safer communities for generations to come.”