New York State Governor Kathy Hochul held an interfaith reception final week at Lincoln Heart in Manhattan that highlighted the state’s grant funding program for faith-based organizations to revitalize their neighborhood areas.
The occasion kicked off with snacks, refreshments, and two invocations. The room was stuffed with religion leaders and advisors from all backgrounds and ethnicities.
“I simply want the remainder of the world might do what we’re doing right here,” mentioned Hochul, talking about her youth as a Catholic in Buffalo, N.Y. “Folks of all totally different faiths, totally different components of our state. Folks from all walks of life. That is the reward I want we had all over the place, however it begins in rooms like this.”
Hochul mentioned that her upbringing was rooted in religion and social justice, an affect that has formed her management.
The Workplace of Religion and Nonprofit Growth Providers (OFNDS), previously often known as New York’s Workplace of Religion-Based mostly Group Growth and Providers, was launched again in 2023. The thought was to attach state companies to religion communities in want higher. Its govt committee members embody President Reverend A.R. Bernard, Jennifer Jones Austin, Reverend Dr. Franklyn Richardson, and Reverend Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd.
“Let me simply say that will we proceed to attract nearer collectively, to be impressed, not solely to have a good time what we’ve completed already, however to press ahead for what’s forward of us,” mentioned Bernard. “United, unshaken, and unwavering in our shared name to like and lead.”
Final yr, OFNDS started providing grant funding to faith-based and not-for-profit organizations eager about creating a Group Useful resource Room (CRR), which would offer public entry to important applied sciences akin to computer systems, Wi-Fi, and audio/video gear. Funded companies are meant to take away boundaries for individuals who want expertise assets to have entry to telehealth appointments, profession development companies, distant instructional alternatives, social companies purposes, or different laptop entry wants.
About $2.3 million is accessible in awards, and every grantee will obtain as much as $50,000. Thus far, there are 43 grantees statewide.
Grantees Reverend Arthur S. Rose and spouse Reverend Dana Rose, of Upon This Rock Ministries Included and the Household Restoration Undertaking One in Mount Vernon, had been on the interfaith reception. Rose mentioned he was “honored” and “deeply grateful” to be a recipient of a CRR award.
“Previous to this grant, we’ve been a company that provides cognitive behavioral lessons, profession readiness companies. We serve at-risk youth. We have now a meals pantry that feeds 500 households biweekly all year long. We host home violence seminars and digital coaching lessons all year long. We attempt to name ourselves the human restore store,” mentioned Rose.
He lamented that due to their church’s location in Westchester County, they don’t seem to be eligible for conventional funding and grants from New York Metropolis authorities entities, though they find yourself serving many individuals initially from the 5 boroughs.
“We’re proud to face within the hole and to function a bridge for these in want of entry, help, and relaxation restoration. We don’t flip anybody down,” mentioned Rose. “Due to Governor Hochul’s management, we’re excited to broaden our attain by asserting the event of our new neighborhood useful resource room.”
