Goldman Presents $250,000 Federal Grant to Grand Street Settlement
Funding Will Create A Mentorship Program For High School-Aged Youth In The Lower East Side
Initiative Will Help Reduce Violence, Support Local Law Enforcement
New York, N.Y. - Today, U.S. Representative Dan Goldman presented a $250,000 federal grant to Grand Street Settlement for their new Justice Mentoring Initiative. Grand Street serves over 18,500 New Yorkers throughout the city through early childhood, youth, and older adult programs. The federal funding that Rep. Goldman secured will allow Grand Street to pilot the Justice Mentoring Initiative, a program that will engage a cohort of high school-aged youth in a nine-month long program at Grand Street’s Best Buy Teen Tech Center in order to deter them from becoming involved in crime. Participants will plan community-wide events for their peers, engage in one-on-one mentorship, and learn skills in coding, Photoshop, and music production.
Rep. Goldman requested and secured funding for the project, which was included in a package of bills to fund the federal government. Goldman secured $13,756,000 for 15 community projects in NY-10 in the FY 2026 appropriations process.
Rep. Goldman was joined by CEO of Grand Street Settlement Robert Cordero, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Council Member Harvey Epstein, Assemblymember Grace Lee, and program participants.
“By developing innovative programs like the Justice Mentoring Initiative, Grand Street Settlement is not only helping our young people thrive but also investing in the future of our community and city,” said Rep. Goldman. “I am proud to have secured this $250,000 grant and will continue working to bring federal dollars to successful programs like this one in our district.”
"Gun violence among young people continues to rise throughout New York City and especially the communities we serve at Grand Street Settlement. We know from first-hand experience that investing in youth programs keeps our children and teens safe, engaged, and preparing for their future. We're grateful to Representative Goldman for taking action and partnering with us on this deeply important issue,” said Robert Cordero, CEO of Grand Street Settlement.
"Many of our youth participants have major challenges in their lives that make it hard for them to see a better path. Our afterschool programs help them realize and achieve their potential by providing social-emotional support, career coaching, and mentorship that allows them to thrive,” said Maurice Rawls, Deputy Director of Manhattan Youth Programs at Grand Street Settlement.
“From the Lower East Side to East Harlem, organizations like Grand Street Settlement are helping keep Manhattan’s young people safe, supported, and on track. This federal investment will expand mentorship opportunities that steer students away from violence and toward brighter futures. I’m grateful to Congressman Goldman for delivering these resources to Manhattan communities that need them most,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.