Dutchess County awards $307K in youth development service grants

The Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services”™ Division of Youth Services has awarded $307,881 to 21 programs operated by local municipalities and nonprofit community-based organizations designed to enhance the lives and safety of young people.

The grants were made through the state”™s Youth Development Program (YDP) and Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA). The Division of Youth Services is currently seeking proposals for YDP and RHYA services for program year Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2024; grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 will be awarded to programs that provide free, direct services designed to improve youth and community outcomes.

Among the programs receiving grants funds are the City of Beacon Pool Swim Academy (which received $5,000), the Pawling Free Library”™s Teaching Mental Health Skills to Children service ($5,000), and the Poughkeepsie Farm Project Green Jobs for Youth program ($15,765).

Photo courtesy of the Poughkeepsie Farm Project