Nonprofit groups are awarded funds to help uplift Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON—Eight non-profit organizations will receive about $360,000 in grants for programs designed to uplift Mount Vernon residents.

The grants are federal dollars provided by the Community Development Block Grant program. Locally, the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency distributes the federal funds.

“These funds will be used by the local charities to serve our most vulnerable neighbors. As a society, it’s our obligation to provide a safety net for our residents who are struggling,” said Mayor Richard Thomas.

Later this summer, the City is also taking unspent federal funds from 2011 through 2017 and applying them to street paving, playground upgrades, street signs and sewer repairs.

A dozen City parks will receive $650,000 in handicap-accessible upgrades, including the Fourth Street Playground, Madison Playground and Adams Playground. About $605,000 in sewer repairs includes new sidewalks, curbing, drainage and other improvements.

The local nonprofit organizations that will receive the grants are:

· The Guidance Center will receive $122,000 for culinary arts and construction trades training programs for Mount Vernon residents.

· Mount Vernon Public Library will receive almost $26,000 to improve its facilities so they comply with the American with Disabilities Act and computers for the teen center.

· Feeding Westchester will receive $50,000 for a soup kitchen, backpack program and other anti-hunger initiatives.

· Westchester Residential Opportunities will receive $55,000 to give Mount Vernonites foreclosure, eviction-prevention and fair-housing counseling.

· Women’s Enterprise Development Center will receive $20,000 for a 60-hour entrepreneurship program for 20 Mount Vernon residents.

· Family Services of Westchester will receive $25,000 to pay the salary of an elder abuse prevention program coordinator.

· Upon This Rock Ministries will receive more than $28,000 for reentry services to individuals recently released from incarceration.

· My Sister’s Place will receive $30,000 for domestic violence and anti-human trafficking services.

Mount Vernon City departments also received federal grants.

· The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau will receive almost $210,000 for job training, summer camp and after-school programs.

· The Mount Vernon Department of Public Works will receive almost $410,000 for public improvement projects.

· The Mount Vernon Department of Recreation will receive $78,000 to increase opportunities for low-to-moderate-income youth.

“The money received by City departments will be seen in action this summer at local parks and in our community centers,” said Mayor Thomas.