Senator Montgomery and Assemblyman Towns Hear From Family Dynamics of Bed-stuy Group Members Call for More State Funding

Albany, New York (February 9, 2005): The staff of Family Dynamics, along with children and parents who support the group’s after-school programs, brought their request for greater state support for after-school programs to Senator Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn) and Assemblyman Darryl Towns (D-Brooklyn) during a recent visit to the Capitol in Albany, NY.

Governor Pataki has proposed $20.2 million for the advantage after-school program, the same level of funding he approved last year. Family Dynamics and other after-school advocates say this amount is insufficient to sustain program operations and are calling for $24.2 million. They are also requesting an increase from $28.7 million to $30.2 million for the extended day/school violence prevention program.

“From homework help to art and music classes to recreational activities and youth development, Family Dynamics is a valuable resource for my young constituents,” the Senator said, noting that the group operates school-based programs for elementary and middle school students at MS 35 and PS 81 in Bedford Stuyvesant.

“I will do all that I can to make sure Family Dynamics and other after-school program providers in my district receive the funding they need to continue operating successfully,” pledged the Senator, who is the Ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Social Services, Children and Families.