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The two initiatives are a basketball program for kids ages eight through 17 and a multi-component youth development program intended for county residents between seven and 21.
“These two programs provide a critical support system for a number of Westchester’s at-risk youths,” said Legislator Lyndon Williams (D-Mount Vernon), in a press release. “Instead of hanging out on the street, getting involved with gangs or abusing drugs, our younger residents can stay fit and better themselves in a safe environment.”
The legislation allows the county to reimburse Mount Vernon with $174,000 for the Positive Youth Development Program and $20,000 for the summer basketball program.
The basketball program, which runs four hours a day for five days a week until Aug. 29, serves 150 children, according to a press release. It is run by Bob Cimino, head coach of Mount Vernon High School’s varsity boys basketball team. Participants engage in league and intramural games. They also are regularly evaluated on their agility, motor skills and team-work abilities.
The Positive Youth Development Program provides academic enrichment, violence-prevention activities, employment-readiness programs and job placement, according to a press release.
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