Author: Leigh

The Bronx Daily | Assemblymember Grants YAOI $150,000

Posted on by Leigh Reid

The image shows three men standing in front of a banner that reads "Young Adult Opportunity Initiative." They are holding an oversized check from New York State for $150,000 made out to "New Settlement." The date on the check is June 17, 2024. The memo line notes the assistance of Assemblyman Landon C. Dais. The man in the middle is holding the check, while the two men on either side are smiling at the camera.

Originally published on June 20, 2024 by Jonas Bronck | The Bronx Daily

*Edits made to correct factual inaccuracies.

Assemblymember Dais granted New Settlement, a non-profit organization within Assembly District 77, $150,000. The check presentation took place at the building of their YAOI program (Young Adult Opportunity Initiative) which helps youth from 16-24 with career readiness, workforce development, and job placement. This grant will expand and support the various programs that this organization offers to the community, including YAOI. This is an impactful investment not only for New Settlement, but also for the community that New Settlement serves.

“New Settlement has demonstrated that it is a true anchor in the community. They impact throughout every community in the 77th District and in the South Bronx in general. I do recognize that New Settlement is an organization that changes lives, and they’re changing lives in a positive direction. I will always support any organization that is changing lives in my community. They all have my moral support, my spiritual support, and when I can my financial support as their Assemblymember. They are a safe place for our children which is why I want to expand their reach and expand their ability. In doing so, that shows my commitment, not just to New Settlement, but to the children of our community.” said Assembly Member Landon Dais.

Founded in 1989, New Settlement has been a cornerstone of the community and has only expanded since then. The organization has various sites on Mount Eden, Jerome Avenue, and Townsend Avenue in the Bronx. In addition to YAOI, New Settlement offers the community afterschool programs, housing advocacy support, and health and wellness resources such as swimming and fitness classes. Their community center is located on 1501 Jerome Avenue where many of these resources are available. This funding will allow for New Settlement to expand its reach and continue to fulfill its mission which is building equitable futures by providing resources and wrap around services in education, employment, housing, wellness, and creative expression for the community.

“This is making it possible for us to change lives, impact the young people of our community, and move their futures forward. Without [Assemblymember Landon Dais’] support, that would not be possible, so I truly appreciate it personally and professionally.” said Javiel Vega, Director of Young Adult Opportunity Initiative & Workforce Development of New Settlement.

“Having an Assemblymember invest so much into the community is rare and it is great that Landon found New Settlement important enough to invest 150,000 dollars into our young people. It is very significant, and I am really thankful that we get to work together” said Rigaud Noel, Executive Director of New Settlement.

News 12 | Community organization holds town hall to address uptick in gun violence

Posted on by Leigh Reid

Originally published by News 12 – The Bronx, May 15, 2024

 

A community town hall was held on Wednesday in Mount Eden in response to the escalating issue of gun violence in the neighborhood.

Local leaders, law enforcement representatives from the 44th Precinct and community members came together to discuss how to address the uptick in shootings.

New Settlement, a community-led organization hosted the event.

“Our students, our young people and their families have experienced this type of trauma, we want to really speak to our elected officials and give community members access so that they can ask the important questions about what they are doing to combat gun violence,” Rigaud Noel, New Settlement executive director.

The organization says its youth centers were on lockdown twice this year because of shootings in the neighborhood.

“We have young people that are scared to take the train home. So, we actually started to send some of our young people home in cabs so that they feel safer. And so it really impacts our ability to provide critical services to the community,” said Noel.

In April, a 29-year-old man was shot and killed, and three other men were injured when gunmen on scooters opened fire. It happened on East Mount Eden Avenue and Townsend Avenue at 6:15 p.m.

Two months prior, on Feb. 12, six people were shot on a subway platform at the Mount Eden Avenue station. The victims ranged from 14 to 71 years old. A 35-year-old man died.

“Regarding resources, we are down 50 police officers compared to last year,” said NYPD Capt. Yoel Hidalgo, of the 44th Precinct. “But if we get more resources, we can move mountains”

Shootings are up 35% in the 44th Precinct compared to this time last year, with 19 shootings so far this year from 14 at this same time in 2023, according to NYPD crime stats.

Hidalgo says policy changes could make a difference in their policing efforts.

“We are handcuffed the way we have been policing, there are people who have been arrested and they’re out the next day,“ said Hidaglo.