New York State Governor Kathy Hochul held an interfaith reception last week at Lincoln Center in Manhattan that highlighted the state’s grant funding program for faith-based organizations to revitalize their community spaces.
The event kicked off with snacks, refreshments, and two invocations. The room was filled with faith leaders and advisors from all backgrounds and ethnicities.
“I just wish the rest of the world could do what we’re doing here,” said Hochul, speaking about her youth as a Catholic in Buffalo, N.Y. “People of all different faiths, different parts of our state. People from all walks of life. This is the gift I wish we had everywhere, but it starts in rooms like this.”
Hochul said that her upbringing was rooted in faith and social justice, an influence that has shaped her leadership.
The Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services (OFNDS), formerly known as New York’s Office of Faith-Based Community Development and Services, was launched back in 2023. The idea was to connect state agencies to faith communities in need better. Its executive committee members include President Reverend A.R. Bernard, Jennifer Jones Austin, Reverend Dr. Franklyn Richardson, and Reverend Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd.
New York State (NYS) Governor Kathy Hochul held an interfaith reception at the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at the Lincoln Center on Thursday, June 26. 
Reverend Arthur S. Rose (at podium) and wife, Pastor Dana Rose 
NYS Director of the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services Caura N. Washington greets guests at governor’s interfaith reception on on June 26. 
From left to right: Pastor Carl L. Washington, III from Pilgrim Baptist Church, National Action Network (NAN) Chair Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson from Abyssinian Baptist Church, and Senior Advisor for U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Clement James. 
State Assemblymember Al Taylor (far right) and staffer Wendy Olivo (center) at governor’s interfaith function at Lincoln Center on June 26.
“Let me just say that may we continue to draw closer together, to be inspired, not only to celebrate what we’ve done already, but to press forward for what is ahead of us,” said Bernard. “United, unshaken, and unwavering in our shared call to love and lead.”
Last year, OFNDS began offering grant funding to faith-based and not-for-profit organizations interested in developing a Community Resource Room (CRR), which would provide public access to essential technologies such as computers, Wi-Fi, and audio/video equipment. Funded services are intended to remove barriers for people who need technology resources to have access to telehealth appointments, career advancement services, remote educational opportunities, social services applications, or other computer access needs.
About $2.3 million is available in awards, and each grantee will receive up to $50,000. So far, there are 43 grantees statewide.
Grantees Reverend Arthur S. Rose and wife Reverend Dana Rose, of Upon This Rock Ministries Incorporated and the Family Restoration Project One in Mount Vernon, were at the interfaith reception. Rose said he was “honored” and “deeply grateful” to be a recipient of a CRR award.
“Prior to this grant, we’ve been an organization that offers cognitive behavioral classes, career readiness services. We serve at-risk youth. We have a food pantry that feeds 500 families biweekly throughout the year. We host domestic violence seminars and digital training classes throughout the year. We try to call ourselves the human repair shop,” said Rose.
He lamented that because of their church’s location in Westchester County, they are not eligible for traditional funding and grants from New York City government entities, although they end up serving many people originally from the five boroughs.
“We’re proud to stand in the gap and to serve as a bridge for those in need of access, support, and rest restoration. We don’t turn anyone down,” said Rose. “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’re excited to expand our reach by announcing the development of our new community resource room.”