Albany, NY – Assemblymember Phil Steck joined Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York (JFS) today to present a $25,000 state grant supporting PREsilience, a growing initiative focused on helping youth, teens and adults build the internal resilience needed to manage rising mental health challenges. The event took place at the JFS headquarters and brought together organizational leadership, community partners and local stakeholders.

PREsilience combines direct mental health services with evidence-based trainings, community engagement and alternatives to traditional therapy. The program also strengthens regional collaboration through Resiliency Roundtables, Youth Mental Health Summits and work with schools, community-based organizations, summer camps and faith-based organizations. Funding from the state will support a coordinator to lead the summit and related events, professional development for staff and partners and clinician salaries connected to counseling and community outreach.

Assemblymember Steck emphasized the importance of continuing to expand access to mental health resources for young people, stating, “We are seeing a significant increase in mental health struggles among youth and young adults, and organizations like JFS are stepping up in a meaningful way. PREsilience is creating opportunities for young people and the adults who support them to access care, build resilience and find the help they need. I am proud to support this initiative and the dedicated work that JFS brings to our community.”

Jane Ginsburg, President and CEO of JFS, expressed deep appreciation for the funding, stating, “Assemblymember Steck has been a longtime and steadfast supporter of the Jewish community and the broader Capital Region. The beauty of JFS and of the PREsilience initiative is that we serve all members of the community through the Jewish values of compassionate care, lovingkindness and respect for one another. We are deeply grateful for his support and for the opportunity this funding provides to strengthen the new JFS Center for Counseling and Resilience and the many individuals and families who will benefit from these services.”

Steck noted that this investment strengthens community mental health infrastructure at a critical time and expressed his appreciation for JFS’s leadership in addressing the needs of youth and families.