Hillcrest, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Queens) and Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-Queens), recently hosted a state resource workshop where community based organizations, religious institutions, and non-public schools learned about state resources that are available to them. Guest speakers included the Department of State - Office of Faith & Non-Profit Development, Department of Human Rights, Teach NYS, JCRC of NY, and Community Security Initiative.

The event provided community members with information about applying for grants, how state agencies can better support faith-based organizations, anti-discrimination laws, and local community security strategies. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage directly with agency representatives, ask questions specific to their organizations, and build connections to help them access critical funding and services moving forward.

“I was proud to host this State Resource Workshop with Assemblywoman Rozic for religious institutions and non-public schools, because passing a strong State Budget is only part of the work, said Assemblyman Sam Berger. “Ensuring the resources we fight for in Albany actually reach the communities they’re intended to serve is just as critical.”

“Ensuring the safety of our schools and communities is a shared responsibility,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “By working together—state agencies, community organizations, and elected officials—institutions will be better equipped and secure to protect our families.”

"This briefing helped ensure nonprofits are aware of the significant security funding currently available through the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant,” said Sydney Altfield, CEO of Teach Coalition. “We’re grateful to Assemblymembers Berger and Rozic for partnering with Project Protect, Teach Coalition’s security initiative, to connect organizations with resources that can make a real difference in protecting their communities.”