MAHOPAC, N.Y.—Several Putnam County and Yorktown community organizations have received state grant money that will help fund youth workforce training, substance abuse prevention, and domestic violence outreach programs.
State Sen. Pete Harckham helped secure $604,500 in an end-of-year resolution for the funding, which was distributed to 15 different recipients.
The funding, awarded at Harckham’s discretion, comes from several areas in the 2026 state budget, including the state’s Division of Criminal Justice Services, Division of Housing and Community Renewal, Department of Health, Department of Labor, Department of State, Office of Mental Health, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation; State Education Department, Urban Development Corporation and New York State Council on the Arts.
“These investments are important to organizations that are providing frontline services to our most vulnerable residents,” said Harckham. “Many of these are nonprofits operating on shoestring budgets and they accomplish so much. I am glad to have secured this funding because these programs will help empower residents and benefit them in so many ways. Each of these recipients is deserving of our support.”
Among those in Yorktown and Putnam organizations receiving funding include:
· The Prevention Council of Putnam, Inc.: $7,000 for operations and educational programs
· Putnam Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center: $35,000 for advocacy outreach
· My Brother Vinny, Inc.: $50,000 for operations, storage costs and vehicle maintenance
· Support Connection, Inc.: $25,000 for educational programming
“This grant represents more than financial support, it’s a vital lifeline that enables us to continue providing compassionate, dignified care to survivors of violence,” said Jessica Grainger, associate executive director of Putnam Northern Westchester Women's Resource Center, which is headquartered in Mahopac. “It also allows us to enhance our confidential shelter, ensuring it remains a safe, healing, and hopeful space for those in need.”
Paula Miritello, founder and director of My Brother Vinny, Inc., based in Yorktown Heights, said the grant will empower her group to continue furnishing hope and dignity to formerly homeless U.S. veterans throughout the Hudson Valley.
Kristen McConnell, executive director of the Putnam Prevention Council, noted that the grant will help them to continue educating students and community members about the risks of substance abuse while expanding harm reduction opportunities across our region.
“With this support, we’re building a healthier, more informed community,” she said.
Article provided by Sen. Harckham’s office
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