The SNUG program will make its return to the City of Newburgh with $200,000 in state funding to keep the program running for the year. Senator James Skoufis announced the programs return to the city outside RECAP Inc. The organization that will implement the SNUG program.

SNUG, simply guns spelled backward, is a grassroots organization that takes volunteers and workers into communities to prevent shooting and violence within a community. The money will be used to hire staff and create job opportunities for members of the community, as well as to fund rallies, block parties and barbecues within the community.

“It is imperative that the City of Newburgh is empowered by programs like SNUG that share a mission of keeping community members safe,” said Skoufis. “The state has long been missing in action when it comes to assisting the people of Newburgh with basic quality of life matters; residents have historically been left to fend for themselves. Those days are over and this anti-violence funding is the first of many steps I’ve taken to engage the state like it’s never been engaged before.”

The organization was in the city two years ago but had to close down due to financial obstacles. This time there is confidence RECAP will be able to implement the program long term. The funding for the program is in the budget for one year, Skoufis is confident if run properly the program will continue to receive long term funding through the state.

“Funding secured under the SNUG program will be another piece to the puzzle in our comprehensive efforts to rid this city of gun violence. I applaud the Senator for his concern and support,” said City of Newburgh Police Chief, Doug Solomon.

SNUG is one of a dozen programs across New York State run by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The DCJS will have oversight on the program and train all workers properly to engage with the community.

The organization has members of the community that have experienced incarceration or violence and came out on the other side, go out into the community. They develop connections within group members and either pull them out of their situation or find other options for them.

The program in Poughkeepsie is run by Coordinator, Danny Hairston. He is committed to supporting the program in Newburgh however possible.

“We know how resilient the community is in Newburgh. For us to implement SNUG, it’s going to be important for the city to come together on the ground,” said Hairston. “Not only will this program save lives, but it will educate the community at large. If we rally together, it will play a huge role in spreading the message throughout the City. I look forward to supporting Newburgh in their implementation of SNUG.”

The program will take some time to secure the funding and get up and running but anyone interested in joining SNUG can reach out to RECAP Inc by visiting their office at 201 Broadway or call 845-568-3445.