District 2 To Split $100G Funding Among Four Programs

City councilwoman Carlina Rivera, of District 2, is allocating the $100,000 given for victim services funding among four different programs.

One program which will benefit is Young New Yorkers, a restorative art diversion program which works with young people in the criminal legal system to help get their cases dismissed and sealed and avoid a life-long criminal record.

Another is Exalt, a youth program for teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19. Exalt, too, focuses on those who have been involved with the criminal justice system. According to the organization, they help provide “structured classes for tangible skill development, individualized support to navigate the education and justice systems, placement in paid internships and an alumni network of resources equips youth with the tools and experience to avoid further criminal justice system involvement.”

Midtown Community Court, the third program to receive funding from Rivera’s office, is an innovative organization which aims to find alternatives to fines and jail time as a response to low-level and petty crime.

Finally, a portion of the funds will be allocated to Educational Alliance, which offers “high-quality, affordable education programs, health services, and diverse cultural enrichment right where New Yorkers live and raise their families.” The program is aimed at New Yorkers of all ages.