Senator Lea Webb Allocates $20,000 to the William George Agency for Children’s Services in Freeville

FREEVILLE, NY — Today, Senator Lea Webb announced that she has allocated $20,000 in state funding to the William George Agency for Children’s Services  (WGA) in Freeville, NY. This funding will support the development and programming of the Agency's Agriculture Education Center, a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity available to all youth receiving out-of-home services from WGA.

The Agriculture Education Center is designed to offer young people a chance to engage in agricultural and farming activities, such as tending to livestock, growing crops, and developing essential farming skills. The Center aims to provide participants with valuable experiences that foster responsibility, empathy, and self-regulation while teaching them pro-social behaviors and practical skills. In addition to its educational mission, the Center plans to produce organically grown crops for various programs on the WGA campus, offering youth the chance to explore careers in agriculture and related outdoor industries.

"I am thrilled to have secured this funding for the Agriculture Education Center at the William George Agency," said Senator Lea Webb. "Programs like this are essential to giving our youth the tools they need to build a brighter future. By engaging in agriculture and outdoor activities, they gain valuable life skills, develop confidence, and have the opportunity to discover new passions and career paths. I am proud to support initiatives that uplift our young people and strengthen our community."

“We are grateful to Senator Webb for her confidence in our mission and for securing funding for our budding initiative to create an Agriculture Education Center on our campus that supports farming and agricultural activities for youth. Such a dedicated space will help at-risk youth of all abilities in our residential and after-school programs to develop critical skills while creating positive memories. Funds will be used to help furnish the initiative with necessary equipment and supplies,” said Helen M. Hulings, Executive Director of The William George Agency for Children’s Services (WGA).

The William George Agency is committed to providing its youth with comprehensive educational, therapeutic, and recreational programming, and the Agriculture Education Center aligns with the Agency's mission to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed. The funding secured by Senator Webb will allow the Center to continue expanding its offerings and enhancing the lives of the youth it serves.

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Watch the Full Announcement (LINK) | Photos From the Announcement (LINK)