Several Lower East Side non-profit organizations are receiving millions of dollars from New York City’s District Attorney’s Office for youth programs.
DA Cy Vance announced $58 million in grants for crime prevention initiatives during a media event held at the headquarters of The Door, a community-based group in Soho, earlier today. The Criminal Justice Investment Initiative was created using criminal forfeiture funds from settlements with international banks. Vance said he’s convinced that law enforcement can’t just be about arrests in prosecutions. “We can deliver greater public safety and healthier communities if we prevent young people from coming into contact with the criminal justice system in the first place,” said Vance.
The program will allow five organizations in Manhattan neighborhoods “identified as areas in need of investment” to set up “Youth Opportunity Hubs.” They include East Harlem, Central and West Harlem, Washington heights and the Lower East Side.
In our community, Henry Street Settlement will receive up to $8.4 million, including $2.7 in capital funding for the new physical space. The local hub will knit together youth services offered by Henry Street and other not-for-profit groups on the Lower East Side.
Two other local organizations are receiving grants to expand their family and youth development programs. Educational Alliance was awarded $1.33 million for its dual generation initiatives, which seek to lift up young children as well as their parents. University Settlement is the recipient of a $1.33 million award for parenting groups and adolescents.
