Mount Vernon Gun Violence Prevention Plans Get Boost From Hochul

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A focus on providing a clear path in the right direction for at-risk youth is at the heart of a strategy to reduce gun violence in the city.

Three Westchester agencies have been awarded state funds by the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board as part of a $16 million package of grants to provide job training, credentialing, and placement in good-paying jobs to 250 young adults between the ages of 18–24 who live in specific zip codes of Mt. Vernon.

The effort is one part of Governor Hochul’s gun violence disaster emergency declaration and comprehensive strategy to build a safer New York. This initiative includes strategies for focusing on community-based plans to mitigate violence and de-stigmatize long marginalized communities.

"I am pleased my hometown of Mount Vernon will be on the forefront of benefitting from this program," Westchester County Executive George Latimer said. "Growing up on the south side of the city, I know young people will be able to take advantage of this, be given better alternatives to make choices that will steer them on the right path to success. I applaud this proactive program."

The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, the Guidance Center of Westchester and Westhab, Inc. have been contracted to provide the innovative Mount Vernon program. The Westchester Career Center Network, operated by The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board and the Westchester County Department of Social Services, will provide oversight and support for the three agencies who will conduct outreach encouraging the community to participate in the program.

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"Workforce activities that connect young adults with stable jobs and training that upskills to the growing needs of sectors like Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, and Information Technology can lower the risk of engaging in violence and reduce the risk of recidivism for previously justice-involved individuals," Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board Director Thom Kleiner said. "Our goal is to create a permanent solution, not just a temporary band-aid."

Officials said the agencies will provide access to an array of new services:

• Aptitude and skill assessment tests to identify skill and education gaps.
• Comprehensive and customized occupational training (literacy, job-specific skills, professional credentials, business-relevant computer literacy, and high-tech and job preparation workforce service).
• Referrals to outside providers to help with housing, legal and/or substance abuse issues, benefit programs and financial assistance.
• Pre-apprenticeship programs meeting all standard criteria necessary for entrance into apprenticeship training for specific trades.
• Placement services for both jobs and registered apprenticeship programs

To ensure the program’s success, the agencies will strictly track engagement, training and participant activities in the state's "One Stop Operating System" and will provide weekly progress reports to Gov. Hochul’s office.

"This program will also address the barriers to employment vulnerable young adults experience and help them attain credentials that lead them to a career path, not just a job, along with the soft skills they can take with them to any job," Westchester County Youth Services Director DaMia Harris-Madden explained. "Career exploration and counseling services as well as other wraparound supportive services will go a long way in ensuring long-term success for our participants."