Senator Rachel May Helps to Secure Nearly Half a Million Dollars in Funds for Several Central New York Organizations and Programs

Syracuse, NY – Senator Rachel May (D-Onondaga, Madison, Oneida) is pleased to announce that she helped secure $470,000 in funds for local organizations and programs that will significantly benefit Central New York. These funds were part of the FY23 budget and specifically allocated in the last week of the session via resolution.

$100,000 for Syracuse Build Pathways to Apprenticeship 

• An 11-week training program teaches jobseekers skills in the construction trade to prepare them for a union apprenticeship program in construction.

$75,000 for the Center for Community Alternatives Freedom Commons project

• This funding has allowed the Center for Community Alternatives to receive technical assistance from the Fortune Society in running the Freedom Commons housing development, assisting people who were formerly incarcerated to thrive in life.

$70,000 for the City of Syracuse Mayor’s Office to Reduce Gun Violence “Neighborhood Peace Ambassadors.” 

• This new program by the City of Syracuse is designed to reduce conflict in the community before violence breaks out. The funding will help hire Neighborhood Peace Ambassadors, who will come from areas that have been impacted by gun violence, and teach peers how to de-escalate and resolve conflict. 

$65,000 for Vera House to Prevent Financial Exploitation of Old Adults 

• Creates a training curriculum and class to educate professionals who engage with older adults about preventing 

$50,000 for the Housing Support Coordinator 

• Will help homeless individuals and families who can face several barriers to finding housing. The coordinator will also inspect potential housing for safety, and cleanliness and ensure it meets HUD standards. 

$30,000 for the Senior Mobility Center 

• Create a new center that will provide tools for seniors to increase mobility and stay engaged in their community. 

$25,000 for Interfaith Works Senior Companion Program

• The program is a volunteer-based companionship service for older adults facing isolation. 

$22,500 for Library Neighborhood Services Worker/Community Support Navigator 

• This worker will deal with child welfare cases, mental health crises, housing, hunger, addiction, and other issues. The coordinator will be stationed at the Mundy Library Branch. 

$20,000 for Children’s Health Home and Adult Health Home Programs 

• The program provides comprehensive care and coordinates all of the professionals involved in an individual's care. 

$12,500 for CNY Jazz Cultural and Public Health Program 

• The program supports underserved communities and public health, among other initiatives.