July 24, 2013

MANGANO ANNOUNCES STATE FUNDS TO REBUILD
HURRICANE SANDY-DAMAGED CHILDCARE FACILITIES

Mineola, NY - As Nassau County continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced the availability of more than $200 million in Federal funds to rebuild damaged child care facilities. County Executive Mangano made this announcement upon his return from the New York Rising Conference held in Albany last week.

County Executive Mangano stated, “To address the needs of our children who are under the supervision of Nassau County child care facilities devastated by Hurricane Sandy, New York State will distribute more than $200 million in Federal grants.  I urge Nassau County agencies who qualify for these funds to begin the application process now, since the filing deadline of August 30th is rapidly approaching.  These critical funds can be used to restore, rebuild and repair the facilities.”

According to the Director of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services for the Division of Child Care Services, the funding can be used for the repair, renovation and rebuilding of child care facilities in both family-based and center-based programs that were affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Mental hygiene and health care facilities that were impacted may also qualify.  Child care providers affected by Hurricane Sandy can apply for funding to obtain reimbursement for work already completed and/or for work that is still necessary.

Department of Social Services Commissioner John Imhof added, “If anyone has questions about this important funding opportunity, please call the Child Care Council of Nassau County at 516-358-9250 or your local NYS Office of Children and Family Services Regional Office at 631-342-7041.”

“It’s absolutely essential that we reach as many child care providers as possible. Our families and children had their lives turned upside down because of Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath.  It is my hope that these funds can be accessed quickly, the repairs made and our children and parents can resume their daily routine,” added County Executive Mangano.  Grant application information is available at http://nysandyhelp.ny.gov/content/sandy-social-services-block-grant-ssbg-funding.