A Brooklyn mentoring and anti-violence program is getting much needed funds to help it expand.

Due to a special vote held within the Brownville community, the Next Steps Initiative received $40,000 to expand its program. The special vote was done by RiseBoro, the city's taskforce for racial inclusion and equity coalition. They asked residents to decide which of three potential initiatives would be funded and Next Steps was the lucky winner.

Next Steps provides mentoring for Brownsville youth ages 16 to 24.