SULLIVAN COUNTY – Four local organizations will receive funding as part of the fiscal year 2027 New York State budget, announced by Assemblymember Paula Kay last week as the budget was enacted on May 28 two months after the April 1 deadline. 

EverGreen Meadow Services will receive a $10 million Capital Funding Grant to develop a residential treatment center and middle school for girls in Rock Hill. 

“This investment is a commitment to curbing the ever growing mental health epidemic that we find ourselves in today,” Assemblymember Kay said. “Their programming offered through a variety of schools in Sullivan County is already having an indelible impact on students, and this new center and middle school will make even larger differences for young girls and their families all over the state.”

President of EverGreen Meadow Services, Stacey Millman said, “At EverGreen Meadow Services, we believe every girl deserves the opportunity to heal, learn, and grow in an environment built for her success. This transformational funding will turn that vision into a reality for girls and their families.”

The project previously received $2 million from the state, through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in January of this year to build a 15,750-square-foot educational building, a 15,050-square-foot residential building and a 2,400-square-foot administrative building with Passive House standards.

The budget also includes a $10 million Capital Funding Grant for The Center for Discovery to construct their Transitional Living Community. This project will provide medical care neighborhoods for aging adults with complex disabilities.  

The goal is to reduce hospitalizations for that demographic, resulting in savings for the state by avoiding prolonged hospitalizations and inappropriate nursing home placements and creating 200 new jobs in Sullivan County.

“The Center for Discovery continues to be an invaluable asset to Sullivan County and New York as a whole,” Kay said. “Their work pushes the limits and redefines areas of care for individuals with developmental disabilities and this new project is a testament to their consistency and their compassion.” 

President and CEO of The Center for Discovery, Dr. Theresa Hamlin, said, “This investment represents hope and peace of mind for families who have too often struggled to find the right level of care for aging loved ones with complex disabilities. We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul, Assemblymember Kay, and our agency partners for supporting a more proactive and coordinated model of care.”

Two non-profit organizations focused on protecting the upper Delaware River—Friends of the Upper Delaware River and the Upper Delaware Council (UDC)—will receive jointly $550,000.

“They are the stewards of the river and take care of one of the most important features of our area, which is our water,” Kay said.

The funding comes as the UDC sounded the alarm over a lack of funding, explaining that since its founding in 1988 both the states of New York and Pennsylvania, along with the federal government, were part of a funding partnership. However, since then neither state has contributed. 

This will be the first time that the organization based in Narrowsburg is receiving its allocated state budget line item. 

“Assemblymember Kay pledged to be our champion and catalyst for New York State to fulfill its

fiscal obligation for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River’s management and maintenance, and she absolutely came through for us,” said UDC Executive Director Laurie Ramie.

Ramie said the operational funding “will enable the UDC to enhance its value and impact in the river valley” and implored Pennsylvania to follow the state’s lead.