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Ulster County Youth Bureau highlights new after‑school program for homeless youth and board growth
Summary
The county’s Youth Bureau reported growth in board membership and described a newly launched after‑school program serving children living in temporary motel housing in Kingston, plus transportation and partner services funded through state and nonprofit supports.
Soleil Melenciano Weed, director of the Ulster County Youth Bureau, and administrative assistant Myrna Rivera briefed the Ulster County Legislature on Feb. 18 about recent program expansion, board recruitment and new services for homeless and at‑risk youth.
Since Melenciano Weed took the post seven and a half months earlier she said the Youth Bureau rebuilt its board from a “very minimal” roster to eight members and expects two more candidates for the legislature’s next meeting. She said the bureau nominated Marie Noble from Ellenville High School to represent Ulster County on the Governor’s Youth Council; Noble’s proposal on texting-and-driving and driving safety is under consideration in Albany.
The Youth Bureau described a summer program for children residing at the Kingston Motel and a continuing after‑school program operating at Clinton Avenue Church. Melenciano Weed said the after‑school program runs roughly 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., provides a meal via Family of Woodstock, homework support from a special‑education teacher, social workers and recreational activities, and transportation arranged with Kingston City School District.
Melenciano Weed thanked community partners — including Kingston City School District, Go Beyond Greatness, BFI, Office of Training and Employment and Scribe Fitness — and said much of the program coordination is handled by the bureau’s two-person staff. She said many contracts are extensive and that additional administrative support would help the bureau grow programming countywide to places such as Marlboro and Ellenville.
Why it matters: Legislators heard that Ulster County is providing direct, county-staffed programming for unhoused youth for the first time and that the Youth Bureau seeks resources to expand beyond Kingston. That expansion could require budgetary or staffing changes, though no specific budget request was on the Feb. 18 agenda.
Quote: “We have an after school program operating out of Clinton Avenue Church every afternoon from 3 to 6 for any at risk youth in the county that's considered homeless,” Melenciano Weed said.
Next steps: The director asked for continued legislative support in upcoming budgets and continued collaboration with county departments and nonprofits. She said the bureau will present two board‑member nominees for confirmation in the next meeting’s agenda.
