Malliotakis Joins Central Family Life Center Leadership & Students to Celebrate $1.2 Million Federal Grant Award

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today joined leadership and students from the Central Family Life Center on Staten Island in highlighting a $1.2 million federal grant award from the U.S. Department of Labor for the Center's YouthBuild IMPACT (Innovative Multiservice Programming and Activities for Community Togetherness) Program.

The Central Family Life Center was the recipient of a competitive $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The funding will go towards its YouthBuild IMPACT program that helps youth ages 17-24 obtain their high school equivalency diploma while also earning industry-recognized vocational training certifications in construction and healthcare. Students in the YouthBuild IMPACT program also provide community service through the construction of housing and rebuilding efforts following natural disasters for their neighbors.

"Everyone who knows Dr. Carolina knows that he is committed to lifting our community up and the Central Family Life Center has provided critical educational, social, and vocational programs for youth on Staten Island for 30 years," said Congresswoman Malliotakis. "Through its YouthBuild program, they are providing real opportunity for vulnerable youth in our community. As a big believer in vocational training, I'm pleased to see this fantastic organization be able to continue giving young people the education, skilled trade, and employment opportunities to keep them off the streets, out of trouble, and on a path to bright and rewarding future.”

Since federal funding for YouthBuild began in FY93, more than 180,000 YouthBuild students in 46 states participated in the programs, built more than 35,000 units of affordable housing, and performed nearly 50 million hours of community service. Additionally, a recent study found that, compared with their peers who received alternative services, YouthBuild students earned more GEDs, enrolled in college and vocational school in higher numbers, and earned approximately 20 percent higher weekly earnings.

“The work of educating our youth is one of the most challenging and rewarding endeavors one can achieve," said Dr. Demetrius Carolina, Executive Director of the Central Family Life Center. "YouthBuild IMPACT has demonstrated a sincere interest in improving the lives of Staten Island youth. With the help of community partners, educators and businesses we plan to reach more and achieve more together to benefit the lives of all communities.”  

“YouthBuild is a proven program that helps to build the skillsets and mindsets that lead to employability, community leadership, and positive change," said Elizabeth Morgan, M.Ed., Director of YouthBuild IMPACT. "IMPACT is ready to engage and reconnect youth to bring out what is already in them and help them take control of their lives and enjoy financial self-sufficiency.”

About YouthBuild IMPACT:

YouthBuild IMPACT is a program under the Central Family Life Center which is dedicated to changing the trajectory of our opportunity youth on Staten Island’s North Shore by addressing the core issues facing low-income communities: housing, education, employment, crime prevention, and leadership development. At YouthBuild IMPACT, young men and women, ages 17-24, work towards their TASC High School Equivalency Diploma while gaining hands-on career skills necessary to secure long-term employment. 

YouthBuild IMPACT is an affiliate of YouthBuild USA, a non-profit support center that supports programs across the USA and internationally. There are 290 local YouthBuild programs in 18 countries, with 233 programs in 46 U.S. states and territories and 57 programs in 17 other countries.

About the Central Family Life Center:

The Central Family Life Center, Inc. (CFLC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to improve the lives and environment of Staten Island residents. The CFLC was established in 1991 under the aegis of the First Central Baptist Church, led by Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, and it continues today under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Demetrius Carolina. The 10,000 square foot facility is the only minority-led community center of its kind in Staten Island, and it houses many critical social services programs for the borough's diverse residents.

Central Family Life Center has maintained an active role in the Staten Island community for 30 years. CFLC serves the community through both educational programming and workshops, as well as through direct services designed to empower and improve the lives of the Staten Island Borough’s most vulnerable populations. CFLC has founded and operated several programs that provide tangible investments in the health and well-being of the Staten Island community.