The YOU is a visionary initiative connecting youth throughout Dutchess County to places and activities where they can play, learn and grow.
About
The YOU is focusing on the recreational, educational, and healthy opportunities — both physical and mental – of children from infancy to young adulthood. It’s an integral part of Dutchess County’s Path to Promise initiative that employs strategic ways to ensure all young people in the county have the assets they need to realize their full potential as they grow into young adults.
Dutchess County Government annually spends more than $70 million on youth services through state and federal initiatives, including significant investments in early education and early intervention. The County also invests nearly $6 million each year on youth development “discretionary services,” such as child care, teen parent supports, education, employment and drug awareness programs, most of which are contracted through community agencies.
Dutchess County remains focused on a comprehensive and holistic approach to youth development and eliminating intergenerational poverty while concentrating on children, their families and the greater community.
YOU Facility Project in Poughkeepsie
Dutchess County purchased the former YMCA site on Montgomery Street from the City of Poughkeepsie in 2021.
The County spent millions of dollars to demolish the dilapidated, contaminated building and has secured $10 million from the NY Swims program and $1 million from Congressman Patrick Ryan's office to go with county funds to build a facility dedicated to youth services. Planning for this project continues, with the county intending to put an emphasis on creating a countywide system of youth services and activities by expanding its “YOU Without Walls” initiative and collaborating with community partners.
YOU Advisory Committee Members 2024
The vision for the YOU was developed by the 35 Montgomery Community Coalition, a unique group of architects, designers, grassroots community leaders, youth service providers, educators, healthcare providers, government officials, and community members.
The Coalition was formed by the City of Poughkeepsie; Community Matters 2; DAY ONE Early Learning Community; Dutchess Community College; Dutchess County; MASS Design Group; Nuvance Health; Poughkeepsie Farm Project; Poughkeepsie Public Library District; Vassar College; and the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County.
Project partners, in addition to the Coalition, include: Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc.; Family Services, Inc.; Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet; Poughkeepsie City School District; and Scenic Hudson
Announcements
Serino Announces $121K in Youth Team Sports Grants
County Seeks Proposals for 2025-2026 Youth Program Funding
Serino Makes Youth a Priority in 2025 Budget
11 Local Youth Sports Teams Awarded Grants to Provide Opportunities to Underserved Youth
County Awards $237,300 in Youth Development Program grants