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“We have to do all we can to make sure that our kids are equipped to make good choices and empowered to steer clear of gangs, guns and crime,” DA Katz said.
By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on Wednesday announced grant funding to 28 community-based organizations for the implementation of her Office’s Community Youth Development and Crime Prevention Project.
The initiative aims to provide youth activities and wrap-around services to help prevent crime and keep young people out of the criminal justice system, Katz said.
The request for proposals was announced by Katz in June. According to the DA, the goals of the program are to facilitate a collaborative and community-driven approach that will foster positive relationships between the community and law enforcement, reduce youth crime, improve self-confidence among young people, increase exposure to positive adult role models, as well as improve academic performance and school attendance.
The recipients selected for the Program have already established proven strategies with youth development program models and will utilize the funding to develop effective services for Queens-based youth and their families.
The 28 recipients who will receive funding are:
- Queens Public Library
Service area: Far Rockaway
- Queens Community House
Service area: Pomonok Houses
- The Child Center of New York
Service areas: Elmhurst and South Ozone Park
- Variety Boys and Girls Club
Service area: Astoria
- Queens Defenders
Service area: Far Rockaway
Jamaica Y- YMCA of Greater NY
Service area: Jamaica
- Greater Ridgewood Youth Council
Service area: 104th Precinct
- Sunnyside Community Services
Service area: Woodside
- Queens Center for Court Innovation- Queens Community Justice Center
Service areas: Jamaica, Cambria Heights, Rosedale, Hollis, Springfield Gardens, Ozone Park
- Catholic Charities
Service area: 101st Precinct
- Community Mediation Services
Service areas: Jamaica and Far Rockaway
- Queens Center for Court Innovation- The Rockaways
Service areas: 100th and 101st Precincts
- Martin de Porres Youth & Family Services
Service areas: 103rd, 105th & 113th Precincts
- Garden of Hope
Service area: Flushing
- Korean American Family Service Center
Service area: Flushing
- The Fresh Air Fund
Service areas: Jackson Heights and Corona
- SAYA
Service area: South Ozone Park
- Rosedale Jets Football Association
Service areas: Rosedale, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, Cambria Heights, Jamaica
- 4Ward Inclusion Consulting
Service areas: 103rd, 105th and 113th precincts
- Rabenstein Learning Center
Service area: Far Rockaway
- Global Kids
Service area: 106th Precinct
- Urban Upbound
Service areas: Queensbridge, Astoria, Ravenswood and Woodside Houses
- Share 4 Life
Service areas: Astoria and Ravenswood Houses
- Greater Springfield Community Church
Service area: 11433 Zip Code
- Rochdale Village Social Services
Service area: Rochdale
- Community Center of the Rockaway Peninsula
Service area: Far Rockaway
Katz noted that the project will operate under the general guidance of the Youth Empowerment Unit within the Community Partnerships Division at the Queens DA’s Office. The total funding for the program is anticipated to total $2,750,000 over two years.
“Providing meaningful opportunities for our youth is a keen investment in public safety and the future of Queens County. We have to do all we can to make sure that our kids are equipped to make good choices and empowered to steer clear of gangs, guns and crime,” Katz added. “My Office is committed to working with the community to develop mentorship, recreational, academic and career development activities in our borough. The Queens Community Youth Development and Crime Prevention Program will help empower our youth while increasing public safety.”
