LES Non-Profit Funds $5K For Kids' Sports, Dance And Events

LOWER EAST SIDE, NY — Henry Street Settlement will fund about $5,000 in neighborhood projects voted on by its community advisory board, the non-profit announced this week.

Six projects will get additional funding to help front the costs for various neighborhood events and expanding various arts and sports programs for kids.

The year-long process where neighbors can submit proposals for funding began three years ago, said Jeremy Reiss, the vice-president of public policy and external relations at Henry Street.

"I don't think anyone else is doing anything like this," said Reiss. "What I love about it is it's entirely community driven."

A community advisory board of neighbors interview each applicant and deliberate over the proposals. A vote was held this month.

With 13 proposals this season, Reiss said, "It was the most competitive year to date."

When Henry St. started the proposals process for community project funding, the idea was to "bring the street back to Henry Street," he said.

"We got the idea really based on the City Council participatory budgeting process that they do with their capital funds," Reiss said. "We decided, why don't we take some of our general operating funds and do the same thing?"

Here are the winning projects:

Sustainability & The City: $600

A community event to address sanitation and quality of life issues related to sustainability. Funds support the event costs, food, entertainment, and raffle prizes. Annisia Perry, a Henry St. community advisor board member, will lead the project for the second year in a row.

Mental Health Conference: $700

A community event in May 2020 with the Community Consultation Center, School-Based Mental Health Clinic program, Community Schools program to increase mental health awareness and fight stigmas. The free event organized by Henry Street Settlement will have panel speakers, informational sessions, and fun activities for kids and adults.

Jacob Riis Cornerstone Dance & Theater Program: $700

Theatre class "Children of the Iowa" and dance class "Rebel Force" will get funds to help support programming run by Henry Street Settlement.

Puerto Rican Community Event: $1,000

A community event to celebrate Puerto Rican culture on the Lower East Side with Puerto Rican food, bomba y plena dancers, and live music to mirror the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade in June. Daisy Paez, a district leader and community advisory board member, will lead the project.

Women’s Healing Circle: $1,000

A seven-session healing program to help empower women with workshops on self-healing techniques, leadership, healthy eating, community. The program would connect women to resources at Henry Street Settlement. It will be led by a New York City Housing Authority Baruch Houses tenant leader who is also on the non-profit's community advisory board.

Girls Basketball at Boys and Girls Republic: $1,000

Funds to help expand Henry Street Settlement's girls basketball at the Boys and Girls Republic with equipment, uniforms, and tournament fees.

Interested in participating in the community advisory board or submitting a proposal for funds next year? Email Talia DeRogatis at TDeRogatis@henrystreet.org.