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Newburgh, NY - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced that the City of Newburgh has been awarded a $225,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to continue its community improvement and crime prevention efforts. The Weed and Seed grant, which focuses on "weeding out" violent crime and gang activity while "seeding" the community with youth services, is the third of its kind the city has received.
"These funds will allow Newburgh to continue its important and commendable effort to both improve the quality of life for residents today and ensure a positive future for the city's children," Hinchey said. "By creating a positive environment for our children that is free of drugs and crime, we are providing them with the opportunity to succeed in school and in life overall. The challenge that lies ahead for Newburgh is great, but I am confident that the city will rise to the challenge and create a much better future for itself and future generations of residents."
The Weed & Seed grant for Newburgh will be used to support a crime mapping effort by the Newburgh Police Department and for surveillance/undercover operations. Funds are also included for after school, evening and weekend services for at risk youth. These services are proven to reduce drug use, gang involvement, and other criminal activity by youth.
"The Weed & Seed program is an important tool which we've used in cooperation with other city programs to maximize the impact we make in our community," Newburgh Mayor Nick Valentine said. "This initiative allows us not only to focus on increased community policing, but also to work directly with youth and their families to support them in making positive choices in their lives. We appreciate the continued funding and Congressman Hinchey's support for this critical program."
Karen Mallam, Site Coordinator for the Newburgh Weed & Seed program said, "This grant funding will help us continue the ongoing collaboration between local government, community based organizations, citizens and the Newburgh police aimed at 'weeding' out criminal activity and 'seeding' in positive opportunities for youth. These efforts are having an impact on reducing drug use, gang involvement, and other criminal activity by our city's youth."
The Weed & Seed Project in Newburgh is a collaboration between 36 organizations and individuals, committed to weeding out criminal activity and seeding in positive opportunities for youth. Rural Opportunities, Inc's. local affiliate, Newburgh Community Improvement Corporation, serves as grantee for this project and provides the site coordinator.
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