POUGHKEEPSIE – Funding for youth programs in the City of Poughkeepsie has been increased by more than double last year’s level.
The Youth Activities and Opportunities Program, established last year, provided $100,000 to assist local non-profit organizations to support clubs, leagues, summer and educational programs.
City Community Engagement Director John Penney said that has grown dramatically in 2019.
“This year that was up to about $130,000 in the 2019 budget, and this is an amendment that substantially adds to that another $100,000,” Penny said. “This is the effect by this administration to improve youth services throughout the city.”
Mayor Robert Rolison said while the “robust dialogue” continues about the future uses for the former YMCA property, which was a haven for youth activities in past years, “we must at the same time continue to rebuild programmatic funding streams, support our non-profit partners and engage with all city stakeholders in order to assure improved access to youth programs citywide.”
“Every small step we take with our children builds better outcomes for them, for our families, and for our entire community,” said City Councilwoman and Finance Committee Chair Natasha Cherry. “There is tremendous volunteerism going on in the city today and these grants magnify the impact of all those who give their time in support of these programs.”
