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Q&A
Concerns about underfunding of Compass and SONYC after-school programs
1:08:12
·
3 min
Councilmember Avilés raises concerns about the chronic underfunding of Compass and SONYC after-school programs, citing a letter from nearly 60 providers to the mayor, OMB, and DYCD. The discussion focuses on the inadequacy of current funding levels, which are based on decade-old contracts.
- Providers are receiving less than half of the true cost of services
- DYCD Commissioner acknowledges the issue and ongoing discussions with OMB
- Councilmember Avilés emphasizes the need for additional funding to maintain quality services
Alexa Avilés
1:08:12
There's a lot of referring going on.
1:08:14
What's the point of the hearing if we don't to quickly segue on Sonic Encompass programs.
1:08:23
We talked a little bit about the the request from providers.
1:08:26
I know on January 30, almost 60 providers sent a letter to the mayor, to OMB, and to DYCD sounding the alarm about the underfunding, chronic underfunding of after school programs and a continuation of a ten year old contract.
1:08:46
So the cost of those services are going up and up and up, and we are not reimbursing at even comparable rate.
1:08:55
I think it's actually less than half of the true cost of these services are being covered.
1:09:00
How is DYCD addressing this issue?
Keith Howard
1:09:04
I have met with the with if not all, but most of the the nonprofit partners that have sent the email and the letter.
1:09:17
Again, we continue to to talk to OMB about the concerns that the nonprofit sector, not a composite Sonix are experiencing.
1:09:28
Those conversations are very robust.
1:09:32
We're bringing a lot of concerns from the sector.
1:09:39
We have concerns.
1:09:41
OMB has concerns as well.
1:09:43
But that's the the nature of the engagement.
1:09:46
We have not landed yet.
1:09:50
But those conversations are constantly and will continue to be ongoing.
1:09:56
Our deputy mayor Anna Amazar has been meeting as well.
1:10:00
Just expressing, you know, the city halls opinion to the sector and understanding the concern of the sector as well.
1:10:11
So the conversations are high happening at the highest level.
1:10:15
But as I told the chair, we understand that it's an old model.
1:10:20
It's an old program model.
1:10:22
And we understand the pain that the sector is going through.
1:10:26
But again it starts with everyone continuing to communicate and share what those pain points are.
Alexa Avilés
1:10:36
I think the sector has been pretty clear what the pain points are.
1:10:39
I guess the short of it is while we appreciate your understanding and your communication with the sector, the city has to dedicate the resources.
1:10:48
If it if it is in fact prioritizing our youth across New York City, then this program needs to get some additional funding.
1:10:56
And I'm sure you probably agree with me, but we need more money.
1:10:59
I know you can't say that, but we are gonna say it because continuing to renew contracts at a ten year old level and then expect continued quality services is both unfair and unrealistic.
1:11:14
I wanna hear you.
1:11:16
I hear you.
1:11:16
I I know you do.
1:11:17
I I know you can't say you need a lot more money, but we are
Althea V. Stevens
1:11:21
gonna Don't worry.
1:11:21
We have to it for them.
1:11:22
They need more money.