Senator Gallivan Announces Funding to Support At Risk Teens & Young Adults

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announces $50,000 in state funding for the Service Collaborative of Western New York Inc. to support the organization’s WNY YouthBuild program.  YouthBuild provides education, job training and leadership development skills for low-income, out of school teens and young adults throughout Western New York.  

“The YouthBuild program gives teens and young adults an opportunity to learn valuable job skills in the construction trades while they work to complete their education or earn their GED,” Gallivan said.  “Students learn to be self-sufficient, productive members of society while providing hundreds of hours of service to their community by building or renovating low income housing, schools and other facilities.”

YouthBuild is an alternative education program for individuals between the age of 16 and 24, many of whom have been in the juvenile justice system, involved in foster care, are high school dropouts, or are at-risk of failing to complete their education.  The program provides training and hands on experience for “in-demand” industry careers. 

“This funding will equip WNY YouthBuild with the necessary tools to continue providing valuable opportunities to the students who participate in our program,” said Executive Director Kate Sarata.  “Our students succeed because of the holistic support they receive from committed and dedicated staff.”

Earlier this year, Gallivan was one of 10 Senators to request that additional state monies be allocated to the program.  A total of $450,000 was included in the FY 2017 state budget to support YouthBuild programs across New York.

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