BELOVED RED HOOK COMMUNITY CENTER SHUTTERS AHEAD OF DE BLASIO BUDGET CUTS

Good Shepherd Services Urges Mayor to Rethink Budget Ahead of Next Week’s Deadline 

1,300 Red Hook Youth and Neighbors Lose Vital Community Center

Brooklyn, New York – As a result of the Mayor’s Executive Budget proposal eliminating the Beacon, Cornerstone, School’s Out NYC (SONYC) and COMPASS programs, in Red Hook, the Joseph Miccio Cornerstone Community Center was forced to shut its doors on Friday, June 26. In response, Michelle Yanche, Executive Director of Good Shepherd Services, which operates the center, released the following statement:

“The closure of the Miccio is a devastating loss – as not only the site of essential Cornerstone programming, but also a true pillar of the community. For 7 years, seniors, youth and families have gathered to seek support, and work together, with the Miccio serving over 1,300 youth and community members annually. Since the pandemic began, the Miccio has served as a grab-and-go meal distribution site and in partnership with local community organizations, has provided over 4,300 meals and essential supplies to youth and families across the community.  Its closure will be deeply felt by a community that is still reeling from pandemic.

This loss is the tip of the iceberg of what’s to come next week if the city budget does not reverse the planned suspension of youth service contracts – putting thousands of children and families at risk. At Good Shepherd, the closure of the Miccio will be part of 20 overall program closures, forcing 300 dedicated and beloved staff members out of work and suspending services to approximately 3,000 young people and families as of June 30th. Tomorrow, June 28th, marks three weeks since the Mayor announced a plan to reallocate funds from the NYPD to support youth services, but there has been no concrete action to stem the loss of youth programming that would save this beloved site and the essential services we provide there. I am urging the Mayor to take decisive action to prevent the widespread loss of these critical community programs while there is still time.”

A Star-Revue Contributor