PLATTSBURGH — Multiple social programs throughout the 115th district received necessary funding this week, Assemblymember Michael S. Cashman announced.
“The North Country has a wide variety of needs, and each of these programs provides life-changing services for many of our residents,” Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) said.
“I thank everyone who helps put together these great programs to assist our neighbors in need. I am proud to have brought these resources back to the district and look forward to continuing to work with community partners to further understand regional needs to bring more support back to the North Country.”
CHILDCARE
The Child Care Coordinating Council of the North Country, which has faced a pause in funding as a result of recent federal allocation changes, will be receiving $50,000 to help support their services across the North Country.
Executive Director Jamie Basiliere shared her excitement for the funding and thanked Cashman for securing the grant.
Basiliere said they will use the money to continue their long-standing Adirondack Family Resource Center Network, which includes Family Connections Resource Center in Plattsburgh, Families R Us in Malone and Family Matters in Tupper Lake.
“Collectively, these three family resource centers serve 1,000 families raising over 1,000 children with programs and services like parenting education classes, parenting support groups, children’s support groups, parent-child play and social activities, developmental screenings, and information and referral,” Basiliere said.
“At the end of the day, we work to build and strengthen families’ — both the parents/caregivers and the children’s — protective factors which include resiliency, social-emotional wellness, social connections, knowledge of child development and parenting, and concrete supports in times of need.”
SENIOR CITIZENS
Cashman also secured $25,000 for the Community Friendship Volunteer Program, a service provided by Community Health Center of the North Country in Franklin County.
The volunteer-run organization provides friendship, companionship, transportation and additional social support to seniors throughout the area.
“On behalf of my incredible senior volunteers, I want to thank Assemblyman Cashman for following in the footsteps of Billy Jones in supporting the Community Friendship Volunteer program in providing services for seniors that no other organization can accomplish at no cost to the person we are assisting,” Schrader said.
An additional $20,000 is being designated to the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton and Franklin counties for their assorted hardship assistance programs.
“JCEO provides incredible services to the North Country,” Cashman said.
“Our region is significantly food insecure. During my travels throughout the district, I have spoken with staff and volunteers from JCEO, the Regional Food Bank and other community food banks, and it is clear that we have a rising need for additional resources.”
The funds were allocated to the district during one of the final votes of the 2026 legislative session.