These Area Youth Initiatives Will Now Receive Major Grant Funds

In an exciting announcement from County Executive Sue Serino's Office on Wednesday, May 14th, a number of community organizations will be recipients of major funds to serve local youth.

The funding will directly benefit safe, welcoming spaces for young people across the Hudson Valley.

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County Executive Serino Expands Support For Dutchess County Youth

14 local youth-serving organizations, including libraries and community-based services, will be receiving $250,000 in grant awards from the county.

County Executive Sue Serino announced the quarter-million dollars worth of grant awards will enable organizations across the county to 'build and improve safe, inclusive environments,' bringing young people together, providing resources, and creating spaces for youth to create meaningful and supportive connections. The $250,000 will be allocated via Dutchess County's Youth Opportunity Union (YOU) Drop-In Center Grant Program.

The YOU Drop-In Center Grants in the county are a one-time funding opportunity, and the organizations and libraries that receive the funds must meet certain eligibility criteria. In the Dutchess County Government press release, it outlined that in order for programs to qualify for the funds, the mission must align with 'offering services or programs that support one or more of the county's 'Path to Promise' domains.

The domains cover public health, mental health, family/social relationships, safety, material basics and learning. The Path to Promise Framework can be accessed here.

YOU Drop-In Center Grant Program Will Benefit These Organizations

The $250,000 allocations will directly benefit the following programs:

• $10,000 - New Deal Creative Arts Center in Hyde Park to expand theater and music programs.
• $30.000 - Nubian Directions II in Poughkeepsie to continue renovation of the Youth Center and purchase materials, supplies and office equipment.
• $15,000 - Wassaic Project in Amenia for building essentials like a sink, furniture, technology and supplies.
• $10,000 - Mental Health America of Dutchess County in Poughkeepsie for a book house, musical instruments and various other equipment.
• $30,000 - The Art Effect in Poughkeepsie to upgrade arts and media equipment.
• $10,000 - Positive About Possibilities in Poughkeepsie for photography and music program equipment for events.
• $15,000 - Pine Plains Free Library in Pine Plains for furniture and shelving.
• $11,926 - Dover Plains Library Association in Dover for commercial-grade furniture.
• $30,000 - Community Matters 2 in Poughkeepsie for advanced technology equipment.
• $15,000 - East Fishkill Community Library in East Fishkill for meeting room furnishings and shelving.
• $10,000 - Council on Addiction Prevention and Education of Dutchess County in Wappinger for equipment and ride service vouchers.
• $15,000 - Millbrook Library in Millbrook for toys and social play materials.
• $30,000 - Community Family Development in Poughkeepsie for equipment, supplies and furniture.
• $18.704 - Hope Rising Up in Rhinebeck for furniture, kitchen appliances and training/educational equipment.

A lot of young people need a safe, friendly place to go after school — somewhere they feel supported, can make friends and get help when they need it. These grants will build and improve spaces where kids can try new things, learn skills and connect with caring adults and peer groups. By supporting these efforts, Dutchess County is creating opportunities for every child to grow and succeed.