Representative Adriano Espaillat Applauds Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone's Support of Critically Needed Workforce Development

Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) today applauded the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation's ("UMEZ") Economic Recovery and Capacity Building Grant program. The program awards $300,000 in grants to six local organizations that have each played a vital role in assisting communities most affected by pandemic-related job losses through upskilling, reskilling, and supportive services. These recipients, ranging from multi-service organizations to community-based workforce development entities, have helped fortify the local workforce ecosystem in Upper Manhattan amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the community's recovery.

Rep. Espaillat said, "The COVID-19 pandemic, has been unprecedented in its impact on our community. Over the past 18 months our community has demonstrated tremendous resilience during this economic recovery phase. I am appreciative of UMEZ for its ongoing contribution to support this cohort of community organizations that each play a critical role assisting local residents, helping them meet the workforce demands and challenges of a changing economy."

Blair M. Duncan, President and Chief Executive Officer of UMEZ, stated, "We are delighted to provide these organizations meaningful investments to support local workforce development in Upper Manhattan. We are proud to play a role in supporting this initiative and look forward to seeing the impact these organizations have on local residents and the community throughout Upper Manhattan."

The six organizations awarded Economic Recovery and Capacity Building grants in 2024 are:

• Community League of the Heights, Inc
• Community Impact
• Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation
• New York Urban League, Inc.
• STRIVE International, Inc
• Youth Action Programs and Homes, Inc./Youth Action YouthBuild

Yahshaanyah Hill, UMEZ Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer stated, "Each of these organizations has demonstrated innovation, dedication to growth and program enhancements, and a strong commitment to serving the Upper Manhattan community. The grants provided by UMEZ will support these organizations in building a strong foundation for the ecosystem of workforce development in Upper Manhattan."

"In the midst of the ever-changing landscape of technology and employment, the UMEZ Economic Recovery and Capacity Building Grant awarded to Youth Action couldn't have come at a more crucial time. These funds will be instrumental in equipping the students of our YouthBuild program to proactively navigate the forthcoming technological revolution. We extend our deepest appreciation to UMEZ for their steadfast support," said Robert Taylor, Executive Director, Youth Action YouthBuild East Harlem.

"With our national headquarters in Harlem, we at STRIVE see firsthand the devastating, lingering challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a drastic reduction in workforce opportunities for individuals re-entering the workforce, including young adults, individuals formerly incarcerated, as well as those with no previous work experience," said Ayesha George, executive director, STRIVE New York. "We are very grateful to the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone for its support."

"We are deeply grateful for the generous support of the UMEZ Economic Recovery & Capacity Building Grant. This funding will empower us to spearhead impactful research, strategic planning, and partnership development initiatives," said Maria Lizardo, Executive Director, Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation.

"We are extremely grateful to UMEZ for the capacity building grant to support Community League of the Heights (CLOTH) workforce development programs. The UMEZ grant will help us increase the salaries of our program staff and ensure we retain the talent needed to implement our plan to enable the residents of Washington Heights, Inwood and Hamilton Heights to create a better life for themselves and their families," commented Yvonne Stennett, Executive Director, Community League of the Heights.

For more information about UMEZ and its grant programs, please visit www.umez.org.

About Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation

UMEZ's mission is to sustain the economic revitalization of all communities in Upper Manhattan through job creation, corporate alliances, strategic investments, and small business assistance. UMEZ facilitates economic development in Central, West, and East Harlem; Washington Heights; and Inwood neighborhoods.