New York is funding youth mental wellness programs in Tompkins and Ontario counties as the first state-supported Youth Safe Space opened Wednesday in Albany, the state Office of Mental Health announced.
The free, voluntary program is designed for people ages 12 to 24. Its services are peer-led and non-clinical, offering a place to connect with others, find support and access mental wellness resources rather than replacing clinical care.
The state awarded $7.5 million over five years for programs in four additional counties. Two awards will establish new spaces, while two will add core services to existing youth programs, according to the agency.
St. John's Community Services will receive $500,000 annually for five years to establish a program in Tompkins County. The Partnership for Ontario County will receive $250,000 annually for five years to expand the EPIC Zone, an existing youth recovery clubhouse at 81 North St. in Geneva.
Four counties receive new funding
RiseWell Community Services will receive $500,000 annually for five years for a new space at 18 South St. in Wyandanch, Suffolk County. The Police Activities League of Massena will receive $250,000 annually for five years to enhance a program at 30 Bayley Road in Massena, St. Lawrence County.
The announcement does not give opening dates for the newly funded programs. Separately, the Office of Mental Health said state-funded spaces are expected to open this fall in the Wayne County village of Newark and in Queens.
The Albany site, called the Landing, is on the LaSalle School campus. The agency expects it to serve about 500 young people a year and work with schools, social service agencies, health care providers and culturally specific organizations.
LaSalle School Executive Director Dave Wallace said teenagers and young adults have helped shape the program through a rotating advisory board since late March. He said the space aims to connect participants with supports that can include transportation, Wi-Fi, tutoring and job-search assistance.
Peer-led spaces complement clinical care
The Office of Mental Health describes the spaces as accessible community settings, including schools and youth centers. They are intended to reduce isolation and help young people form supportive relationships while connecting them to traditional and other resources.
State officials said the non-clinical model is meant to complement treatment and address barriers that can make it harder for young people to seek help. The release did not specify operating hours or enrollment procedures for the Tompkins and Ontario county programs.
Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration developed the initiative after a 2023 youth mental health listening tour and summit. A student advisory board established after the summit also supported expanding the spaces statewide, according to the agency.
State Sen. Lea Webb highlighted the Tompkins County award, saying St. John's Community Services works with young people on housing, mental health, employment and other needs. The state has not announced a location for that new program.
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