New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the allocation of $17.2 million through the Family-Centered Services initiative to strengthen social services aimed at helping low-income families achieve financial stability. The Finger Lakes region will receive over $1.8 million, while the Southern Tier and Central New York will get approximately $1.65 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The funding is intended to enable local social services departments to hire additional staff—ranging from one to seven full-time employees—who will provide essential services including case management, crisis intervention, and resource navigation for families facing challenges such as mental health issues, substance use disorders, and homelessness. Hochul emphasized the initiative's role in bolstering critical resources for struggling New Yorkers, aiming to lift families out of poverty. Local departments will tailor their services to meet the specific needs of their communities, fostering targeted interventions. This initiative reflects the state's ongoing commitment to addressing family poverty and supporting vulnerable populations across New York.