In total, GYO will receive $531,000 in funding to deliver and enhance programs and services for Elmont youth, according to Alfano's office.
"This is a homerun for Elmont and it couldn't have come at a better time," said Alfano in announcing the initiative.
According to a release issued by Alfano's office, "the grant will fund programs and services in the Elmont Union Free School District and the Sewanhaka Central High School District."
GYO Director Pat Boyle wrote the proposal, which received written endorsement by Alfano who lobbied the administration on GYO's behalf.
According to Alfano's release, state Sen. Craig Johnson also endorsed the grant and provided support for the initiative. Superintendents Warren Meierdiercks and Al Harper gave key support for the grant submission as part of a school and community based organization proposal.
"Pat Boyle wrote a great proposal with assistance from Warren and Al and was the workhorse in making this grant competitive for funding," said Alfano.
The grant is an outlay from the Office of Children and Family Services under Governor Eliot Spitzer. The announcement of the grant's approval came through the auspices of Commissioner Gladys Carrion.
"This funding is critical to the success of GYO," said Alfano, noting, "GYO provides essential programs for children from homework assistance, recreation, the arts, counseling and community building endeavors. I'm very pleased that this grant will help GYO and countless numbers of young people throughout Elmont for the next three years."
"The Advantage After-School Program funding, acquired through the combined efforts of Assemblyman Alfano and Senator Johnson, will help address the overwhelming need for After-School programs within the Elmont community. Assemblyman Alfano has seen and spoken with families GYO serves and knows the positive impact a safe, educationally stimulating environment can provide to positively affect young people and in so doing their families. The sincere thanks of GYO, it's Board of Directors, staff and most of all the families it serves go out to Assemblyman Alfano and Senator Johnson for their diligent efforts in helping us acquire this grant," Boyle said.
"This funding is essential for Gateway Youth Outreach to continue its vitally important mission of serving and guiding our youth," Johnson said. "Its success is not only important to the future of our children, but the Elmont community as a whole."
The funding for Gateway Youth Outreach comes on the heels of numerous waiting lists at schools for programs for the after-school agency. According to Alfano and Boyle, the funding will help reduce those waiting lists for parents and working families looking for after-school assistance for children.
"This grant comes right at the perfect time to help GYO meet the needs of the Elmont community," said Alfano. "GYO offers the highest quality services and insures that parents have a safe, nurturing and educational environment for their children."
"The stability that the Advantage After-School funding provides GYO and the community is a great help to students and parent alike in that the next three years New York State has made a commitment to Elmont and its youth," Boyle said.
