April 1, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Ensuring public safety requires many different strategies, one of which involves uplifting and empowering our youth to make good choices. Too many times, our young people fall into a life of crime due to lack of resources and opportunities.   That is why it is imperative that we fill those gaps with meaningful programs to enable our younger generation to develop vital social, emotional and cognitive skills.   This week, Mayor Eric Adams announced a new vocational training and apprenticeship program that will provide professional opportunities to youth, ages 16 to 24, in foster care. The program, titled V-CRED, will provide training for professional certifications, paid internships, and job placements.   In addition, NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams recently discussed ways to provide valuable, year-round job experience to young people in our City, especially those living in historically underserved communities. The Council has already expanded access to the Summer Youth Employment Program and, under Speaker Adams' leadership, will work to further enhance City workplace development initiatives through community and private sector partnerships.   We cannot prosecute our way out of violence and crime in our Borough or our City. We must ensure that our youth sees a better path forward. I commend our City leaders for understanding the importance of youth empowerment and taking proactive steps to ensure a brighter future.

In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

In The Courts

Queens man sentenced to 19 years in prison in stabbing death of his wife Queens man sentenced to 15 years in prison in death of woman hit by stray bullet in September 2020 Manhattan man indicted on attempted murder charges for brutal bludgeoning attack on woman in subway Former college lacrosse player convicted at trial of assault for stabbing teammate in 2019

Women in Law and Law Enforcement

Our Youth Empowerment Bureau held a Women In Law panel this week, along with our partners at the NYPD Youth Strategies Division. More than one hundred 11th and 12th grade students from the Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria were given the opportunity to learn more about these important career paths and ask questions from working women professionals.

Coats Giveaway

Along with professional opportunities, my administration has also focused on providing basic necessities for the young people of Queens County. Last weekend, I was delighted to meet some of the kids in Assembly District 35 during a winter coat giveaway, sponsored by Assembly Member Jeff Aubry. Whether it's making sure that our young people stay warm this winter, or providing summer internships, the Youth Empowerment Bureau in my Office works every day to connect with the youngest Queens residents. Email YouthEmpowerment@queensda.org or call 718.286.6440 if you'd like to learn more about our programs and initiatives.

Summer Youth Employment

As a reminder, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development is accepting applications for the 2022 Summer Youth Employment Program. The program is open to all youth, ages 14-24. Participants receive the opportunity to explore their interests and career pathways, develop workplace skills and engage in learning experiences that help to develop their social, civic and leadership skills. Visit nyc.gov/SYEP to learn more about this year's program and to apply.

Vietnam War Veterans

This week marked the National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a time to pay tribute to our service men and women. My Office staff attended a commemoration ceremony, hosted by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Queens Chapter 32, to honor their service on behalf of our nation.

Gathering with the Bengali Community

The Prothom Alo news agency brings vital information to the Bengali communities here and abroad. More than two-thirds of all Bangladeshi Americans live in New York City and nearly two-thirds of them live right here in Queens.  I was grateful to join their annual gathering, and humbled to receive a leadership award for the ongoing efforts of my Office to keep Queens County safe.