YWCA NorthEastern NY receives grant to combat youth violence

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- YWCA NorthEastern NY was awarded a $500,000 Children and Youth Grant to combat youth violence across Schenectady County. The funds, made available by the Office on Violence Against Women, will benefit youth aged 11-19 impacted by various forms of violence and violence against women act crimes.

Funding will span over three years. In addition to enhancing prevention and intervention responses, the grant will expand economic justice initiatives for survivors of violence and provide support for their recovery and empowerment. Such crimes include domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, and sex trafficking.

"YWCA NorthEastern NY is thrilled to embark on this transformative journey, expanding our
commitment to youth well-being and safety,” said Kim Siciliano, YWCA NENY Chief Executive Officer. “This Children and Youth Grant underscores our organization's dedication to fostering peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all young individuals impacted by violence.”

Funds will be used to improve youth violence prevention services and allow the YWCA to hire a full-time Youth Violence Prevention Counselor and a part-time Youth Support Counselor. These professionals will conduct a thorough needs assessment tailored to the local youth community.

Funds will also be used to provide training to youth-serving agencies and offer workshops for local youth that will address red flags in relationships, dating violence, bystander training, and more.

Additionally, YWCA NENY will spearhead a community response team in collaboration with the local partners, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady, Safe Inc., Young Parents United, Mohonasen High School, and the Schenectady County Department of Probation.