Some degree of financial help and emotional support may soon be on the way for at-risk youth in the city of Mount Vernon after the county Board of Legislators Seniors and Constituencies Committee and the Budget and Appropriations Committee met jointly Aug. 24 to discuss legislation to provide $179,000 in funding for positive youth development programs in the city.
Both committees moved for the legislation to be considered by the Board of Legislators.
Three initiatives would be the beneficiaries of the county’s money: the Safe Haven Program, the Youth Empowerment Program and the Step Up Program.
The Youth Empowerment Program prepares juvenile offenders and youth under court supervision for the workforce and addresses the unemployment situation in Mount Vernon.
The Safe Haven Program provides academic support to at-risk youth through summer camps, after school and weekend services. Its goal is to emphasize science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM curriculum, and prepare students for future educational endeavors.
The Step Up Program aims to reduce the risk of gang involvement, academic failure and other risky behaviors for males ages 12 to 21. The programs would be administered by the city through the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau.
“The Positive Youth development Program is a critical partnership between the county and Mount Vernon.” said Legislator Bernice Spreckman, who represents Yonkers and Mt. Vernon and is the chair of the Seniors and Constituencies Committee. “The individual initiatives financed through this funding have demonstrated excellent results over the years, and I”™m glad that these programs will continue.”
Legislator Sheila Marcotte of Eastchester agreed.
“These funds are an excellent investment in both the lives of the kids they serve and in our communities as a whole,”Marcotte said.
The Board of Legislators is scheduled to meet next on Sept. 8.
