City Year, the volunteer organization that works with students at Hunts Point schools is breathing a sigh of relief.
Faced with elimination by the Republican budget proposal in Congress, City Year’s parent organization the Corporation for National and Community Service, won a reprieve when the final budget bill was passed.
Although its federal funding was cut by six percent, the organization, which also funds JumpStart for early childhood education, will survive.
Yolanda Colon, whose 10-year-old daughter Elizabeth Rodrieguez is in an after-school program at The Point Community Development Corp., where City Year is headquartered, imagined what would have happened if the funding had not been saved.
“All kinds of bad scenarios are playing through my mind. I can imagine some kids getting into trouble in the streets,” she said.
The fight is not over, said Ian Rees, communications director for City Year. “It is important for the 2012 year to maintain support, and not let the funding drop, further” he said.
“We need to bring more attention to programs like City Year,” said Earl Skinner, youth programs director at the Point, “They are essential.”
For now, Elizabeth Rodrieguez can continue to enjoy being in the program.
“I learn and have fun,” she said. “I am happy to have this program.”
