MyndBridge launches after-hours youth support pilot in Hempstead

MyndBridge and partners are launching Safe Spaces After Dark in Hempstead with $300,000 in state funding to offer evening support for young people ages 16–24. Registration opens Oct. 15, 2026, and services begin Nov. 4, 2026, as the program aims to fill a gap in after-hours prevention, mentoring and workforce support.

Why it matters: - Safe Spaces After Dark is designed to reach young people when many traditional programs are closed. - The Hempstead pilot aims to reduce risk by pairing prevention, mentoring and services with evening access. - The model could be expanded later to Suffolk County and New York City’s five boroughs if MyndBridge secures more funding and partners.

What happened: - MyndBridge, Inc. launched Safe Spaces After Dark in partnership with LI TEAMWorks, The B.E.S.T. Inc. and The Inspirational Lawyer. - The program is a new evening youth development and prevention initiative in Hempstead, New York. - New York State’s Project RISE initiative provided a $300,000 grant for the pilot. - The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services administers Project RISE. - Registration opens Oct. 15, 2026. - Services begin Nov. 4, 2026. - The pilot will serve up to 60 young people ages 16–24, three days per week.

The details: - Participants will receive stipends, meals, mental health and wellness support, career services and workforce training. - The program also includes mentoring, life-skills development, creative and recreational activities, and connections to additional community resources. - MyndBridge will lead the Hempstead pilot and oversee implementation. - LI TEAMWorks, The B.E.S.T. Inc. and The Inspirational Lawyer will support violence prevention, youth engagement, mentoring, wellness, education and community support. - MyndBridge also plans to use the program as a prevention and referral resource for the Hempstead community. - The organization is seeking referral partners, volunteers and additional organizations to support the initiative. - More information on eligibility, program hours, registration and referrals will be available through MyndBridge.

Between the lines: - The program targets a gap in services during evening hours, when youth may have fewer safe places to go. - The partnership structure suggests MyndBridge is trying to build a broader referral network, not just run a stand-alone program. - Project RISE is focused on locally driven collaboration and on addressing underlying factors that contribute to violence. - DCJS says building local capacity and strengthening community partnerships are central goals of the initiative.

What's next: - MyndBridge will open registration on Oct. 15 and begin programming on Nov. 4. - The Hempstead pilot will be used to test and refine a model that can be adapted for other communities. - Future expansion depends on additional funding and partnerships. - MyndBridge plans to keep building local referral sources and community partnerships around the model.

The bottom line: - MyndBridge is betting that prevention works best when support is still available after school, after work and after dark.