“IT’S A GAME CHANGER”: Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick continues to deliver funding for local organizations

SPRING VALLEY, NY - Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick delivered $40,000 in state funds to Konbit Neg Lakay and $25,000 in state funds to West Street Child Care, two Spring Valley based non-profit organizations that serve high needs communities in Rockland County. The money is part of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of line-item appropriations in the New York State 2021-22 budget that Senator Reichlin-Melnick was able to secure in budget negotiations, along with record levels of investment in infrastructure and education.

“It’s a game changer,” said Renold Julien, President and Executive Director of Konbit Neg Lakay. “We have been trying for years to get this new program up and running. Now that Senator Reichlin-Melnick has secured this funding, we will finally be able to train new healthcare workers who can work right here in Rockland County.”

The $40,000 in funding will be used to support the brand new Konbit Neg Lakay Healthcare Worker Readiness program for educational equipment and instruction. The program will train and certify local residents as home health aides and certified nursing assistants (CNA) to fill hundreds of local vacancies in the healthcare field. The program is expected to graduate 40 students each year. 

“Investing in people is the best thing that we can do for our communities,” said Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick. “Providing critical funding for childcare and human infrastructure will ensure kids have strong foundations, and seniors can get the healthcare they need from fully-staffed medical institutions. I am proud to be able to continue delivering these state funds for organizations here in our district.” 

The $25,000 in funding for West Street Child Care will be dedicated to improving and supporting the mental and physical health and wellness of staff, families, students and community members. Especially with the mental health impacts of 18 months living with covid, Alexus T. Williams, Director of West Street Child Care, felt it was necessary to create programming that is centered on mental health, mindfulness, wellbeing and the overall physical and mental wellness of the West Street family and community.

"We are so grateful,” said Williams, “The services we currently provide are already so vital to the community and this funding will add so much more support to the families and community we serve during such unpredictable and trying times. We are extremely thankful for Senator Reichlin-Melnick’s ongoing support. It is very gratifying to know that financial aid will be available to assist the early childhood community and the very serious issues that affect our children, families, and staff. The West Street family thanks you, Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick". 

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