Growing Green! in NYC

Long Island City, NY, September 13, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement, the community-based non-profit organization serving youth, adults, and families in Western Queens, has received a $92,000 grant from TransCanada, facilitated by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), to launch Growing Green!, a multi-disciplinary environmental science initiative serving young people from kindergarten to college at the organizations’ four campuses in Long Island City and Astoria, Queens.  

Highlights of the project include: the hiring of a dedicated environmental educator; expansion of the hydroponics learning model; enhancement of intergenerational programming at the organization’s community garden; development of an environmental-themed computer game; and equipment for Riis Academy’s Green Science Lab. Executive Director Chris Hanway said: “This is the type of partnership that will help level the playing field by offering our young people access to 21^st century skills and technology. We are extremely grateful to TransCanada and the NYCEDC for their support.” The program is designed to enhance critical-thinking, academic, and problem-solving skills, raise awareness about recycling, green space and locally grown food, and further STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) ability among all participants.

“I am pleased to hear this grant will provide Riis Settlement with the means to help young people protect the environment and develop the technological skills needed to succeed in today’s economy,” said New York State Senator Michael Gianaris. “It is our children who will have to lead the way for future generations, and I take pride in knowing kids in Long Island City and Astoria who participate in Growing Green! will have a head start.”

Bill Taylor, senior vice-president, U.S. and Canadian Power at TransCanada said: “Our goal is to help build strong and vibrant communities where our employees live and work across North America; through our partnership with Riis Settlement and NYCEDC we can improve education and strengthen the health of New York City communities by ensuring youth have access to current environmental and green-living program. Taylor continues, “Supporting Riis Settlement aligns directly with TransCanada’s desire to improve the quality of life for local residents in the Long Island City, Astoria and Queens areas, we realize the importance of these programs in the success and growth of healthy, vibrant communities.”

The Growing Green! initiative’s launch event will be Thursday, September 19 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at Riis Settlement’s Long Island City, Queens headquarters located at 10-25 41^st Ave. There will be a check presentation and remarks from local officials and delegates from Riis Settlement, TransCanada and the NYCEDC.  For more information, contact Aimee Simpierre, Director of Development and Communications at Riis settlement (718) 784-7447 x116.

With more than 60 years' experience, TransCanada is a leader in the responsible development and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure including natural gas and oil pipelines, power generation and gas storage facilities. TransCanada operates a network of natural gas pipelines that extends more than 68,500 kilometres (42,500 miles), tapping into virtually all major gas supply basins in North America. TransCanada is one of the continent's largest providers of gas storage and related services with more than 400 billion cubic feet of storage capacity. A growing independent power producer, TransCanada owns or has interests in over 11,800 megawatts of power generation in Canada and the United States. The company, based in Calgary, Alberta, has safely and reliably operated the Ravenswood Power Generating station since 2008, which has the capacity to generate up to 21 per cent of New York City’s electricity. TransCanada proudly partners with organizations like Riis Settlement through its Community Investment Program. For more information visit: www.transcanada.com or check us out on Twitter @TransCanada or http://blog.transcanada.com.

Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement House, Inc. (www.riissettlement.org)serves as a catalyst for change by supporting residents in their efforts to achieve greater social and economic self-sufficiency.  Founded in 1888, Riis Settlement provides integrated educational, social, cultural and health services to more than 1,700 individuals each year.  Riis Settlement’s award-winning programs support community members of all ages-- from after-school programs for kids to English-language classes and case management for immigrants to health services, meals, and transportation for older adults.  Follow Riis Settlement on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.