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“IT’S A GAME CHANGER”: Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick continues to deliver funding for local organizations

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SPRING VALLEY, NY – Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick delivered $40,000 in state funds to Konbit Neg Lakay and $25,000 in state funds to West Street Child Care, two Spring Valley based non-profit organizations that serve high needs communities in Rockland County. The money is part of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of line-item appropriations in the New York State 2021-22 budget that Senator Reichlin-Melnick was able to secure in budget negotiations, along with record levels of investment in infrastructure and education.

“It’s a game changer,” said Renold Julien, President and Executive Director of Konbit Neg Lakay. “We have been trying for years to get this new program up and running. Now that Senator Reichlin-Melnick has secured this funding, we will finally be able to train new healthcare workers who can work right here in Rockland County.”

The $40,000 in funding will be used to support the brand new Konbit Neg Lakay Healthcare Worker Readiness program for educational equipment and instruction. The program will train and certify local residents as home health aides and certified nursing assistants (CNA) to fill hundreds of local vacancies in the healthcare field. The program is expected to graduate 40 students each year. 

“Investing in people is the best thing that we can do for our communities,” said Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick. “Providing critical funding for childcare and human infrastructure will ensure kids have strong foundations, and seniors can get the healthcare they need from fully-staffed medical institutions. I am proud to be able to continue delivering these state funds for organizations here in our district.” 

The $25,000 in funding for West Street Child Care will be dedicated to improving and supporting the mental and physical health and wellness of staff, families, students and community members. Especially with the mental health impacts of 18 months living with covid, Alexus T. Williams, Director of West Street Child Care, felt it was necessary to create programming that is centered on mental health, mindfulness, wellbeing and the overall physical and mental wellness of the West Street family and community.

“We are so grateful,” said Williams, “The services we currently provide are already so vital to the community and this funding will add so much more support to the families and community we serve during such unpredictable and trying times. We are extremely thankful for Senator Reichlin-Melnick’s ongoing support. It is very gratifying to know that financial aid will be available to assist the early childhood community and the very serious issues that affect our children, families, and staff. The West Street family thanks you, Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick”. 

Hispanic Heritage Month

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County Executive Day Honors Three Local Leaders

New City, NY, – County Executive Ed Day and Deputy County Executive Guillermo Rosa marked Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring local Latino leaders who have made outstanding contributions to Rockland.

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed nationally from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

According to the 2020 Census, Hispanic-Americans make up 19.6% of the population of Rockland County (66,451 out of 338,329).

“Our Hispanic-American population grew over 36% since the 2010 Census and shows how Rockland is changing demographically. It also shows that we are getting an influx of talented, hard-working individuals looking to start lives and raise their families in this beautiful county,” said County Executive Ed Day.

Honored during the ceremony were Miriam Avila, Family Resource Center Coordinator for BOCES in the North Rockland Central School District, Rosario “Charo” Urena, Proyecto Faro Executive Director, and Dr. Richard Hernandez Peralta.

Miriam Avila made a tremendous difference in the daily lives of so many when the COVID-19 pandemic struck Rockland, fielding phone calls and texts day and night from people who didn’t know where else to turn. Miriam collected and dropped off laundry detergent, shampoo, feminine hygiene products and anything that the families she served needed. She also helped set up mobile food pantries.

Proyecto Faro, a Stony Point-based organization whose name means Lighthouse Project, supports local immigrants in Rockland. During the COVID Pandemic, they saw that many more people were in need of food assistance than usual and launched a mutual aid-food relief program which distributes food twice a month, alternating between Spring Valley and Haverstraw. Building on these efforts, they opened the first community fridge in Rockland in July of this year to help anyone who is food insecure.

Dr. Richard Hernandez Peralta operates a medical practice in Haverstraw. During the pandemic he opened his doors to the community serving local residents at no charge. Dr. Peralta also used his practice, social media and local television to educate residents who were unsure what guidance related to COVID should be followed.

“The efforts of these individuals and organizations are truly incredible and worthy of recognition. Here in Rockland, this month is particularly special because of the outstanding contributions of so many from the Hispanic community. Rockland is extremely diverse but would not be nearly as successful without the people honored today,” concluded County Executive Day.

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