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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Joneé Billy, Representative of PowerPlay/STAR CGI on Youth Services Funding
5:41:27
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139 sec
Joneé Billy, representing PowerPlay and STAR CGI, testified about the importance of their programs for empowering girls and gender-expansive youth across New York City. She highlighted the critical need for funding restoration and enhancement to continue providing high-quality youth development programming, especially in light of recent challenges to DEI initiatives and funding cuts.
- PowerPlay, in its 27th year, uses sports to empower girls across all five boroughs of NYC.
- STAR CGI, a coalition led by PowerPlay, serves over 6,000 girls and gender-expansive youth, focusing on social-emotional well-being and leadership development.
- The organization is seeking full funding restoration and an enhancement to $2,000,000, with PowerPlay's portion increasing to $600,000 to expand their impact in District 16 and beyond.
Joneé Billy
5:41:27
Good evening Chair Stephens.
5:41:29
Gotcha, no problem.
5:41:32
I am Janae Billy.
5:41:35
I am here on behalf, I'm in a dual capacity, on behalf of PowerPlay and STAR CGI and thank you for having us here as well as some of our young people from our organizations.
5:41:44
PowerPlay is now in its twenty seventh year.
5:41:46
It's dedicated to empowering thousands of girls across all five boroughs of New York City.
5:41:51
We use sports to propel girls beyond circumstances, providing access to experiences, strong female role models, and a blueprint for opportunities.
5:41:58
Moreover, PowerPlay serves as the lead agency for STAR CGI, a coalition of 10 nonprofits.
5:42:04
Together, we serve the healthy we support the healthy development of over 6,000 girls and gender expansive youth, helping them overcome barriers and become leaders in their communities.
5:42:12
STAR CGI is deeply committed to addressing the social emotional needs of our city's youth.
5:42:16
We have witnessed a significant increase in mental health needs, especially among young people of color.
5:42:21
Recognizing this critical gap, SAR CGI has prioritized equipping youth with strategies for social and emotional well-being while empowering them to speak out on societal issues.
5:42:31
Funding restoration will be critical in our effort to continue to provide high quality youth development programming to the communities we currently serve.
5:42:39
Today, federal directives against diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizations have left us in a tenuous position.
5:42:46
Not only do we derive nearly 50% of our funding from federal grants, but we fear for the effect that this will have on all avenues of funding.
5:42:53
A growing list of foundations and corporate donors have eliminated their in house DEI initiatives and all related giving.
5:43:01
Powerplace funding has already been impacted by the shift of foundations serving black girls rescinded $25,000 of pledged funds in f y twenty four, citing the fact that funders have very abruptly shifted their commitments to us with little to no warning.
5:43:15
We cannot anticipate the duration or severity of this new public sentiment and more so now more so than ever require New York City Council support to continue operations.
5:43:25
We appreciate your consideration of this request.
5:43:27
Currently funded at $1,400,000 of which Power Play receives $550,000, we seek full funding restoration and an enhancement to $2,000,000 to expand and deepen our impact.
5:43:38
PowerPlay's portion would increase to $600,000 ensuring we reach more young people in District 16 and beyond.
5:43:44
Thank you for allowing me this time to testify today.