NEW ROCHELLE, NY (April 15, 2021) — Congressman Jamaal Bowman was in New Rochelle Thursday to announce $996,000 in federal funding for critical community-led services at the New Rochelle YMCA and Yonkers Family YMCA.
“Our youth deserve access to every resource available to help them learn, thrive and lead happy and fulfilled lives,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D (NY-16). “In our communities, youth are facing housing insecurity, food insecurity, changed learning environments, a growing achievement gap and violence every single day. For some kids and teenagers, involvement in extracurricular activities has the power to transform and redirect their entire lives, and for others it’s an opportunity to make new friends and engage with kids from diverse backgrounds. As part of the FY2022 Omnibus bill President Biden signed into law on March 15, 2022 I secured more than $5.4 million overall for 10 essential programs right here in NY-16. Of those ten programs, the New Rochelle YMCA will receive $500,000 for their Educational Achievement Gap Project and the Yonkers Family YMCA will receive $496,000 to improve their pool and promote health equity and affordable swimming opportunities for youth and seniors. These funds add to both YMCAs’ potential and ability to serve our communities. I look forward to seeing the impact they have in our communities and delivering more federal funding to support all our NY-16 communities.”
“The New Rochelle YMCA’s Educational Achievement Gap program goal is to fill the achievement gap by bringing high quality programming to families that would not otherwise have access to arts, out of school education, mental and behavioral support and fitness to assist children. This program funded by Congress invests in our children’s long term educational and emotional growth so each child can live life to their fullest in mind, body and spirit” said Jennifer Ryan Safsel, CEO, New Rochelle YMCA.
“We are thrilled to be able to sustain Yonkers only community pool through this congressional grant. Children and adults find connection, learning and wellness in our pool. So necessary after this pandemic. We will continue our work to bring equity to low-income residents and people of color with access to swim lessons, lifeguarding and aqua-exercise. These much needed renovations will make a deep impact in our community,” said Lucria Ortiz, President & CEO of Yonkers Family YMCA.