Governor Kathy Hochul Friday announced $20 million in State funding to uplift 10 communities disproportionately affected by gun violence and improve public safety through Project RISE: Respond, Invest, Sustain, Empower. This investment expands Project RISE to three new locations — Hempstead, Troy and Utica — and continues support for the initiative’s second year in Albany, Buffalo, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers. Community-based organizations in each municipality will receive up to $2 million to implement and improve programs and services that increase opportunities for youth and families, build capacity of grassroots programs to expand their reach, and strengthen neighborhoods.
“This investment addresses the root causes of gun violence by ensuring that communities that are disproportionately affected have the resources they need to heal and thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “These programs provide our youth with avenues for growth, educational and career opportunities, and countless other supports and services.”
Project RISE funding supports mentoring, mental health services, restorative practices, community trust building, employment and education support and youth development activities, among other programs and services that address trauma resulting from long-term exposure to violence, build resilience and strengthen youth, families and neighborhoods. Up to four lead organizations in each community receive the funding, retaining a portion for their programs and distributing the balance to support the work of other organizations, many of which have never received state funding…