Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Youth Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
GIAC outlines program growth, staffing pressures; leaders say Assembly speaker pledged $13M for Alex Haley pool renovation
Summary
GIAC leaders briefed council on growth in youth and senior programming, staffing shortages and plans for expanded recreation offerings. GIAC said New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie pledged $13 million toward enclosing and renovating the Alex Haley pool; GIAC said it asked for $14 million and will seek the remaining $1 million.
Leaders of the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) presented an overview of the nonprofit/municipal partnership, program growth and budget priorities during the Oct. 15 departmental review.
GIAC described its history as a public-private model and said its programming — after-school care, teen programming, sports, senior services and workforce internships — has expanded but faces staffing constraints. GIAC leaders said they are reorganizing roles and relying on grant funding and fundraising to fill gaps; they expect to request restoration of some previously funded positions when finances allow, particularly a program coordinator needed to meet OCFS (New York State Office of Children and Family Services) recordkeeping and training requirements.
Officials described capital priorities including the Red & White Café (a teen-run catering/enterprise project) and a multi-year plan for the Alex Haley pool. Dr. McBean Claiborne and other GIAC leaders reported that New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie visited GIAC and pledged $13,000,000 toward an enclosed, renovated Alex Haley pool; GIAC said it had requested $14 million and plans to secure the remainder via fundraising and project planning.
GIAC leaders said the capital funds and an enclosed pool would allow year-round programming, expanded swim instruction and job training for teens. They also said they plan to restore and expand sports programming for middle- and high-school students, late-night offerings and teen travel teams as staffing allows. GIAC reported that it raises roughly $700,000 annually from non-city sources for programs and typically runs additional capital campaigns for big projects.
Council members asked about staffing levels, program capacity and next steps for capital projects; GIAC said it will continue seeking grants and to report back on project timelines and staffing needs.
