November 15th, 2022
Funding would support “The Hive,” a collaboration of community nonprofits that will expand year-round workforce programming, wraparound services and career placement pathways for at-risk youth and families.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced $5.8 million in proposed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support “The Hive,” a community collaboration led by EnCompass: Resources for Learning that will expand access to academic support, job training and placement, career pathway navigation, mentoring experiences and behavioral health supports for at-risk youth and families.
“The Hive is inclusive, equitable, and eliminates barriers to participation,” said County Executive Bello. “These millions of dollars of proposed funding will develop tomorrow’s workforce through an innovative, youth-centered, ‘no walls, no wrong doors, shared focus’ model of layered services for those who need it. We want to encourage pathways to success here in Monroe County and we can do that by advancing organizations with proven records of success.”
Through youth-centered collaboration, shared resources, and accessible, quality services, The Hive Youth Workforce Consortium will equip at-risk youth and families to contribute to Monroe County’s economic recovery and participate in the community’s growth as a skilled workforce with the necessary resources to live, work and grow in Monroe County.
The Hive comprises youth-serving nonprofits EnCompass, Black Men Achieve, Boys and Girls Club, The Hub585 and Teen Empowerment. It is expected to serve as many as 3,800 youth each year.
The EnCompass proposal is one of nearly 40 projects selected as part of Bring Monroe Back, Monroe County’s plan to use federal funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Through the efforts of Congressman Joseph D. Morelle and Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Monroe County is the recipient of $144,080,127 in local fiscal recovery funds.
“Ensuring students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive has long been one of my top priorities, and I am proud to have secured funding to do just that,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “EnCompass does extraordinary work for young people in our community — using a holistic approach to better prepare our students to be productive members of our workforce and our society. I’m grateful for County Executive Bello’s commitment to advancing projects that help build a brighter future for families in our community, and I look forward to our continued work together.”
Senator Schumer said, “Building Monroe County for the future means investing in our youth and in workforce development. Encompass is laying the foundation for the success of thousands of youth across the county, including the most vulnerable, by ensuring they have the resources and skills they need to adequately plan for their future. I’m proud to have secured the funding for this program in the American Rescue Plan and I thank County Executive Bello for using these funds to ensure the future success of Monroe County.”
“We are resolute that no child, teen, or family be left out of Monroe County’s economic development and recovery, and set out to reach and serve youth facing barriers to success and communities experiencing disparities,” said Rebecca Ferri, EnCompass director of development and communications. “Over the next 4 years, The Hive will equip 15,000 teens for entry into mid- and high-wage careers through an innovative ‘no walls, no wrong doors, shared goals’ hive model, co-locating providers and resources and providing academic supports, behavioral health, workforce development services, job training and job placements.”
About the Bring Monroe Back ARPA initiative:
Under County Executive Bello’s Bring Monroe Back recovery initiative, the Department of Planning conducted a community wide survey, held numerous public meetings and heard testimony from community organizations to determine community-funding priorities. The plan is now before the Monroe County Legislature for consideration and approval. Selected programs align with one or more of County Executive Bello’s four pillars for Monroe County’s future: Public Health and Wellness, Public Safety, Economic and Workforce Development and Infrastructure.
Pending approval by the County Legislature, Monroe County will enter into a contract with EnCompass that will commence on or about Jan. 1, 2023.
