STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand secured $8 million in federal funding for three Staten Island organizations, including a hospital and a community center.
“This year’s funding will help support critical projects on Staten Island, from critical enhancements at community centers to hospital upgrades and services to better support small businesses,” Gillibrand said in a written statement. “With tens of millions of dollars going directly to organizations across the five boroughs, I am proud to be delivering this much-needed federal funding to improve the lives of New Yorkers and to keep New York City flourishing.”
The three organizations receiving money and what the money will be used for are listed below, as described in the statement:
Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation $3 million This money will be used to aid the NYC Small Business Resource Network. Launched in October 2020, the NYC Small Business Resource Network is a partnership between the five Chambers of Commerce representing the five boroughs of New York City. This funding will enhance the SBRN’s ability to offer small businesses free, personalized support and connections to curated resources from both the public and private sectors. $500,000This funding will be used to support the implementation and operation of the HR Services program. This funding will cover the costs of workshops, consulting services, AI tools, job board maintenance, and employee training programs.Catholic Charities of Staten Island $2.5 million This funding will be used to renovate a 100-year-old community center that houses a senior center, community hub, and food pantry, and provides recreational programming, case assistance, eviction prevention, and educational classes to the North Shore communities of Staten Island. Richmond University Medical Center $2 million This money will be used to aid the neonatal intensive care unit. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) serves one of the highest-risk populations in the United States, with a significantly higher percentage of low-birthweight babies born compared to the national average. These funds will support capital enhancements to the NICU facilities to create a more efficient, comfortable, and family-centered care environment.
“From enhancing newborn ICU facilities at Richmond Medical Center to supporting Staten Island’s small businesses, these funds are boosting projects that will make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers,” Schumer said. “I won’t stop fighting to deliver the resources needed to better our communities and support the incredible organizations that help Staten Island flourish.”