Kingston Receives Federal Funds

(Kingston) - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) recently announced that a Kingston-based drug free communities coalition has been awarded a $100,000 federal grant to continue its efforts to stop substance abuse among local children. Kingston Cares received the funds as part of the Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant program, which the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration administer. Kingston Cares, which is one of only 107 new grant recipients across the country, works to prevent and reduce drug, alcohol, and tobacco use among youth.
“These funds will serve the children and the entire community of Kingston very well,” Hinchey said. “When children turn away from drugs and alcohol, they say yes to getting a solid education and filling their lives with positive outlets rather than negative ones that far too often lead to a lifetime of problems. The work that Kingston Cares does is outstanding and the organization is very worthy of these funds to continue their efforts of steering local children away from drugs and alcohol and towards positive activities that enrich their lives.”
Kingston Cares was established in 1998 through the collaborative effort of the Ulster County Mental Health Department, Family of Woodstock, Inc., and Kingston City Schools Consolidated. The goals of the organization include preventing and reducing adolescent problem behaviors such as alcohol, tobacco and other drug use through education, vigorous media campaigns, and promoting policy and law changes regarding alcohol and tobacco advertising. Kingston Cares also does work to help strengthen families and has an awards program that recognizes the positive behavior of local children and rewards them for staying away from drugs and alcohol. The group also plans to work closely with the Kingston Police Department to develop a special substance abuse task force to address racial tension, gang activity, and violence.
Kingston Cares Project Director Megan Weiss said, “Kingston Cares is extremely excited about this news. With the continuation of our funding, we will be able to maintain successful programs that focus on positive youth recognition, like the Kingston Cares Mayoral Awards. We will also be able to once again cosponsor Midtown Make a Difference Day, an event that became a true declaration of community spirit. We are proud to be part of this ‘family,’ and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with members of this wonderful community!”
Family of Woodstock Executive Director Michael Berg said, “Family of Woodstock is very excited with the continued funding for Kingston Cares. It has made a significant difference in Kingston and we will continue to do that with the help of the young people in the community. Our Mayoral Awards project, our Make a Difference Day and the re vital ization of the Midtown and Broadway corridor will all move forward as a result of this federal grant.” Hinchey Announces $100,000 In Federal Funds For Kingston-Based Drug Free Communities Coalition
The DFC program provides grants to community organizations that serve as catalysts for citizen participation in local drug prevention efforts. The 107 new grantees were selected from 353 applicants through a competitive peer review process. To qualify for matching grants, all awardees must have at least a six-month history of working together on substance abuse prevention initiatives, develop a long-term plan to reduce substance abuse, and participate in a national evaluation of the DFC program.
In June, Hinchey announced a total of $75,000 in federal grants for three Kingston-based programs Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ulster County, the Kingston Police Athletic League, and the Kingston City School District that address the needs of at-risk children.