Press Conference and Payer Vigil 11:00 a.m., August 6, 2012 at Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola
 
(Long Island, NY) Faith leaders and community groups, dismayed by the loss of county funding to youth programs and family services, are forming a new group to speak about the impact of these programs on their communities. The new organization, Nassau Fight for Youth & Families, was created by faith based groups and concerned citizens to continue the effort to keep the public informed and have Nassau County Executive Mangano, Legislators Kevan Abrahams and Joe Schmitt to come to an agreement to restore funding.  The renewed effort began on Wednesday, August 1 when a group of prominent Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish leaders along with a group of children delivered petitions with more than 3,500 signatures to County Executive Mangano and legislators Abrahams and Schmitt.  These activities immediately attracted significant media attention.
 
Nassau County families and young people in need of youth service programs are in crisis.  County funding has been eliminated and programs cancelled.  Thousands of families and as many as 50,000 youth have been impacted due to of politically focused bickering.  Issues and individuals impacted by cuts will be part of a press conference and prayer vigil being held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 6, 2012 at Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Avenue in Mineola.
 
“All Nassau County residents, especially the working families and middle class, are being hurt directly and indirectly without these youth programs.  We as religious leaders see this as an important religious and community issue. We are committed to bringing our message to the media, the public and directly to legislators and the County Executive,” said Rev Mark Robinson of Community Bible Church in Inwood.
 
Every day without funding and programs, young people remain at risk. Those who will speak on the steps of the legislature building Monday and before the legislature itself will explain why programs are needed for today and for their future.  Clergy will outline why these programs are important for the future of Nassau County, families and young people, especially at-risk youth. 
              
The faith leaders and supporters of Nassau Fight for Youth & Families urge citizens to write, call and email their county elected officials and ask them to put aside partisan differences and put families and young people first.  Telephone numbers and email addresses for all legislators can be found at  www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Legis/index.html.