Assemblymember Phil Steck today presented a $25,000 programmatic grant to Higher Horizons Development Corporation, an organization dedicated to meeting the critical needs of the Capital Region through food provisions, workforce development, health and wellness, youth enrichment, and community empowerment.

The grant will help Higher Horizons strengthen its efforts to address food insecurity, provide skill-building workshops, and offer health-focused programming for underserved residents. In 2024 alone, Higher Horizons served over 2,092 individuals, from more than 500 households, and in partnership with the Regional Food Bank and Hannaford, they distributed over 41,000 lbs. of food, which according to the food bank equates to over 34,000 meals. In partnership with the Regional Food Bank, they also serve as a mass distribution site that provides food to over 350 additional households each month. 

“With programs like those offered by Higher Horizons, we are creating healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities,” said Assemblymember Phil Steck. “This investment ensures that residents across the Capital Region have access to resources that not only address immediate needs but also lay the foundation for long-term success.”

In addition to food security initiatives, the grant will also support programs such as:

• Youth enrichment and mentorship programs, including partnerships with Siena University, after-school support at Albany schools, summer camps, and rites of passage workshops that foster leadership and personal growth.
• Community empowerment projects, ranging from annual coat and toy drives to suicide prevention programming and partnerships with universities to address health disparities.

“We are deeply appreciative to Assemblymember Phil Steck for his generous support of Higher Horizons Development Corp. Through this vital funding, we will expand programming that addresses food insecurity, fosters community empowerment, and promotes health and wellness through accessible workshops and initiatives. This investment will directly impact families and individuals in our community, helping to create a healthier, more informed, and more resilient future for all,” said Michael-Aaron Poindexter, Board President of Higher Horizons Development Corporation.

This grant reflects a shared commitment between state and community leaders to ensure that families in the Capital Region have the resources they need to thrive. By addressing immediate challenges while also investing in long-term solutions, Higher Horizons is helping to build a healthier, more equitable future for all.