PRIDE's annual report reveals optimism and progress

TICONDEROGA | When Nicole Justice Green assumed the position of PRIDE's Executive Director in August of 2022, it's hard to imagine she had any idea what the subsequent 10 months would bring. On Wednesday, June 7 on the top floor of War Cannon in Crown Point, amidst a backdrop illuminated with white string lights and an audience of board members and supporters that radiated with optimism, Green presented PRIDE's annual report. Proving that just like the Town of Ticonderoga itself, the 39-year-old organization was also in the midst of its own renaissance, leaving the area it serves far better in its wake of positive growth and expansion. "Since my arrival, I have been struck by the profound need in our community, but equally inspired by the immense compassion and dedication of our partners who are ready to help," praised Green. "As we reflect on the past year, I am incredibly proud of our accomplishments... At PRIDE, we believe that we can make a tangible difference by working together toward our mission of preserving homes, supporting people, and revitalizing our community." For 39 years, PRIDE of Ticonderoga has been an essential non-profit organization in the Tri-County (Essex, Warren, and Washington) service area, committed to enhancing and connecting the community through various programs, including housing restoration, downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and community development programs. Believing that everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home, over the past year PRIDE has continued to fulfill its mission by providing a range of essential programs and services to support the community. Through its grant programs, the organization has funneled over $15,400,000 of funding into its service area, the past ten months being full of significant and unprecedented achievements. As a Ti resident and mother of five, Green stepped into her role already deeply invested within the community and had approached her new position with humility and a genuine understanding of the community's needs when she began. Having to hit the ground running and consistently devote 50-60 hour work weeks to PRIDE, Green reaped what she sowed and was able to effectively double the organization's grant capacity, surpassing benchmarks she had originally set. "This achievement has allowed us to significantly expand our funding opportunities and support for vital community initiatives," she noted proudly with immense satisfaction. "As we move forward, I remain committed to maintaining and further enhancing our grant capacity, ensuring continued support for the growth and well-being of our community." PRIDE experienced significant growth and expansion this year, doubling its administrative capacity and staff. This growth enabled taking on even more projects and initiatives, currently administering a total of $2.4 million dollars in housing, business, and community development grants, bringing their total administrative grant funding over almost four decades of history to $15.2 million dollars. HOUSING PRESERVATION PROGRAMS Green said PRIDE's commitment to rehabilitating and maintaining older homes in the community has yielded significant progress over the past year, with 43 homes successfully rehabilitated and repaired in Essex, Washington, and Warren counties, enhancing the safety, energy efficiency, and overall quality of life for local residents. PRIDE in conjunction with various programs in accomplishing this feat such as the New York State HOME Program (dedicated to making housing more accessible for low to moderate-income residents), CDBG (this allows for special purpose programs such as energy efficiency, handicapped accessibility, emergency repair, and weatherization), the Restore Program (provides a critical lifeline to senior citizens who are struggling to make necessary repairs to their homes), and Neighbors Helping Neighbors (provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners who cannot afford emergency home repairs with eligible repairs include critical electrical updates, plumbing issues, furnace repairs, and other home emergencies, with awards of up to $1,500 granted to eligible homeowners). "Our commitment to providing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing options for all remains unwavering," assured Green. "We look forward to continuing our work." AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS An accomplishment of high acclaim was the administering of the Essex County Landbank to PRIDE, which is a significant departure from their past focus on home rehab and emergency repairs. Essex County, like so many others areas in New York State, is in the midst of a severe shortage of affordable housing, posing a huge threat to workforce development, maintenance, and stability. program. Green said the program removes blight by rehabilitating taxed foreclosure properties, which aligns with the Governor's goal of creating affordable homes across the state, while adhering to the Adirondack Park Agency's guidelines. The Essex County Land Bank plans to start with rehabilitating three to five homes county-wide for the first three years, while building capacity. "PRIDE's track record in rehabilitating homes and buildings is impressive, and we intend to turn these foreclosure properties into affordable homes for young workers and families who live and work in the county," Green added. "Our top priority is to provide homes to those with the most urgent need, guaranteeing that they are sold to the individuals and families who need them the most, and who are ready to be homeowners." MAIN STREET AND REVITALIZATION PROJECTS Perhaps the greatest victory for PRIDE this past year was their influential involvement in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, which was announced in January of this year that the Town of Ticonderoga would be a recipient. According to Green, PRIDE coordinated and led the application effort with the Town of Ticonderoga collaboratively with all of the DRI committee members. Securing of the $10 million grant required nine months of careful coordination, information gathering, and public engagement and input to ensure a strong application. "This approach has undoubtedly contributed to our success, as we have received overwhelming support from the community," Green praised. "As we move forward, we are excited to begin working with the Department of State to develop the final roster of projects and to continue involving the community in every aspect of the revitalization process. We are proud of the progress we have made so far, and we are more determined than ever to create a thriving and attractive downtown area that will be the pride of Ticonderoga." ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS After two years of dedicated and hard work, the latest joint project between PRIDE and LaChute Ventures is nearing completion with an anticipated grand opening this summer in Ticonderoga; Paper & Pencil, a year-round, 200-seat restaurant and banquet space in the formerly dormant 1820s furniture factory at 119 Burgoyne Road. Incorporating many of the original architectural elements, the industrial-themed space will be a blend of new and old, its centuries-old charm interwoven with modern elements to create a much-needed upscale dining experience along downtown's underutilized waterfront. The new establishment was made possible in part thanks to a $500,00 award from the 2020 New York Main Street Program, with the total restoration cost projected to be $2 million, with Green referring to its predicated impact on the community as "priceless." "This is just the beginning of a new era," noted Green enthusiastically. "Not only is this restoration project significant for its design, but it also plays a vital role in the revitalization of Ticonderoga's downtown area. With the opening of Paper & Pencil, LaChute Ventures will now have the only waterfront restaurant in Ticonderoga, putting the downtown waterfront on the map and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. This historic renovation has created a riverfront magnet, expected to attract visitors from far and wide, creating jobs and bringing new opportunities to the area." COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS In September of 2022, Green initiated PRIDE's "End School Hunger" project after the Executive Director received alerts from families and school employees that some students were unable to pay for lunch and were opting to go without a meal since they knew they would incur a debt. Recognizing that the universal free school meals provided during the pandemic would no longer be exempted by the USDA and that over 10 percent of households in the state experience food insecurity, Green sprung into action. PRIDE leveraged $5,000 in seed money to create a tax-deductible school lunch reserve account. Receiving a boost from the Adirondack Foundation and Urgent Needs Fund, at the end of every month PRIDE administers the funds to the district finance office to pay off as much outstanding debt as possible. "Childhood hunger can have serious consequences, including poor academic performance, behavioral problems, and physical health issues," Green said. "PRIDE's project is a critical step in addressing the root causes of food insecurity in Ticonderoga by ensuring that every child has access to healthy and nutritious food, regardless of their socioeconomic status." The Ticonderoga Ice Rink underwent significant improvements thanks to the assistance of PRIDE, transforming it into a top-notch recreational facility for all ages to enjoy. The Adirondack for Kids Grant removed income barriers by providing 40 pairs of ice skates in various sizes, with the Adirondack Community Recreation Alliance granting the Ticonderoga Ice Rink $4,000 towards any rink improvement the town desired. This initiative received support from various organizations, including PRIDE of Ticonderoga and the Town of Ticonderoga, who partnered with the Charles R. Wood Foundation to provide an $8,000 grant for the project. With over $10,000 in funding, the rink opened numerous possibilities for expansion and improvements and now has a long-term plan in place for its continued growth. "Community development is crucial for creating a sense of belonging and socialization within a Community," said Green. "Children are the future of any community, and the ice rink plays an important role in their development. Winter outdoor recreation provides an opportunity for children to be physically active and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving." And for the summer months, PRIDE also has another large and overdue project in store. The playground at Black Point Beach is slated to get a massive upgrade, with $27,000 having already been raised, including $15,000 in grants alone. A huge champion of outdoor activity, Green said that PRIDE's vision for the beach playground includes a number of large multi-climber sets, an activity area similar to one that the Hague Beach boasts, and a slide replacement. The hope is to also install a toddler and small child installation with spring riders, as well as a pad for basketball, and regrade the sand for the volleyball area. "Childhood is short, and we want our children spending those summers playing at the beach and swimming because it's incredibly beneficial for their development," Green said. "For PRIDE, this project is building upon the fourth pillar of what we represent, which is community development. We believe that by building great houses and investing in the well-being of our children, we will attract new residents to our town. AWARDS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Aware that a large part of PRIDE's monumental success the past year can be attributed to its partnering agencies, a grateful Green closed her presentation by bestowing two Partner of the Year Awards, one to the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) and the second to the Essex County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). "We recognize that our work has a direct impact on people's lives, and that is why we are passionate about creating a better future for all," said Green. To find out how to support PRIDE in their work or to become a sponsor, email Green at executive.director@prideofticonderoga.org. Donations are still being accepted towards the Black Point Beach playground. Checks may be mailed to PRIDE of Ticonderoga at PO Box 348/111 Montcalm St., Ticonderoga, NY, 12883. Please write "Black Point Beach Playground" in the memo. To read the PRIDE annual report in its entirety, please visit https://prideofticonderoga.org/annual-report/.

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PRIDE's annual report reveals optimism and progress

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