An after-school program is set to receive $5 million next year, thanks to additional funding from the city.
The Beacon Program, which operates out of M.S. 45 in Fordham, is offered every day for children as young as first grade to adults.
For the last 25 years, the program has provided services, such as homework help, tutoring and others resources for free.
Stanley Romulus, director of the Beacon Program, has been participating in the initiative since he was 10 years old.
"This particular program provides that platform for our children where they feel connected, which is an area that a lot of people are lacking," says Romulus.
Shania Lemon says she looked up to the older children over the years to learn maturity, respect and was inspired by their opportunities.
"My mom knows I'm somewhere safe, she knows where I am, rather than being outside on the street," says Lemon.
The program will also receive nearly $17 million in 2018.