Dear Friends and Neighbors, |
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I was excited to recently join the NYPD and the City District Attorneys to announce the expansion of the "Saturday Night Lights" youth sports program.
Queens County, specifically, is now home to 17 new program sites, which offer recreational programming for young people on Saturday evenings from 5 to 7pm for ages 11-14 and from 7 to 9pm for ages 15-18.
The growth of this City-wide program reflects the importance of empowering young New Yorkers to make good choices. Saturday Night Lights enables young participants to spend their time in positive ways, engaging in team building experiences, high-intensity sports and other recreational activities. This program creates an opportunity for kids to be with coaches, mentors and a community that cares about the path of our youth.
During a summer of increased violence, this expansion across Queens represents keen investment in our youth, our communities, and public safety in our borough. I encourage you to visit our website for more information, which includes the locations of the new programming sites.
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In Friendship,
Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
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Three men indicted by grand jury in death of Bronx man shot at Rufus King Park last year
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Queens man indicted for stash of firearms found in Far Rockaway home
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Second defendant indicted by grand jury on murder charges in shooting death of man in Long Island City
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Queens man indicted by grand jury on murder charges in shooting death of 10-year-old Far Rockaway boy
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Commemorating A Life Cut Short |
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Two years ago, 14-year-old Aamir Griffin lost his life to senseless gun violence while doing what he loves: playing basketball near his home.
This week, I took part in a beautiful dedication ceremony in his honor with the unveiling of a refurbished basketball court that everyone can enjoy safely. Although Aamir is gone, he is never forgotten by his mother, his family, his friends, and the entire Baisley community. My office will continue to use every resource to make sure justice is brought in this case.
I express my gratitude to the NYPD, the 103rd Police Precinct, and the New York City Police Foundation for providing this safe haven for our youth in the wake of tragedy.
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Twenty one years ago this week, Jayme Loder was killed inside her own apartment in Briarwood, Queens. Unfortunately, those responsible have yet to answer for this crime.
As part of our weekly call for help, we urge anyone with any information to contact NYPD Crimestoppers. All tips are confidential and can help bring long-awaited justice!
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While we successfully combat the COVID-19 pandemic, many Queens families continue to experience food insecurity. That is why I am grateful to the many Queens non-profit organizations that help anyone in need, such as CHAZAQ.
It was a pleasure visiting their Kosher Food Pantry recently and meeting with local residents who benefit from CHAZAQ's humanitarian efforts. I thank Rabbi Yaniv Meirov for his continued leadership. I also extend my gratitude to the Met Council and Tomchei Shabbos of Queens for their valuable partnership.
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The Shekina House of Worship, in partnership with the NYPD, FNDY, Jamaica Hospital, and New York Life, hosted the Immunity, Unity, Community Health Fair in Jamaica last weekend. Residents received free screenings, groceries, COVID testing and vaccines, giveaways and more.
My staff was also on-site to provide information on legal resources, fraud prevention, and immigration affairs services available within my Office.
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Youth Development and Crime Prevention |
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As a weekly reminder, the deadline for applications for proposals to implement the Queens DA's Youth Development and Crime Prevention project is August 2, 2021.
The work solicited in this request will provide youth activities and wrap around services as part of a more holistic approach to helping young people reduce criminal justice involvement and increase engagement in recreational, academic and career development activities.
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This upcoming Tuesday marks the holy holiday of Eid ul-Adha for our Muslim friends and neighbors. On behalf of everyone at the Queens District Attorney's Office, I wish you a safe and happy Eid ul-Adha! May you enjoy this time spent with loved ones in peace and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! |
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