ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) - Senator Chuck Schumer has secured a new round of funding for the Greater Ithaca Activities Center.

The center will receive $800,000 dollars to transform the former Immaculate Conception School gym next to the center. It will house their entire teen program, indoor recreation activities, and expand local job training.

Schumer said the expansion, once completed, will create 20 full-time, seasonal, and part time jobs.

It will also free up space at GIAC's current facility, allowing them to expand other programs such as affordable afterschool care.

Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, the GIAC Director said, "I am beyond excited and profoundly thankful for the passage of the Omnibus Appropriations bill establishing the FY 2022 federal budget, which include the congressionally directed spending. It is great to have earmarks back as they support projects like the GIAC gym that do not necessarily fit a prescribed box. In supporting this project, Hon. Senator Schumer saw beyond bricks and mortar to the real life-changing impact it would have – opening up scarce child-care spots, providing job training skills and jobs for those unemployed and underemployed in our community, and a safe space for teens as we develop young BIPOC leaders of tomorrow. Most importantly, with GIAC's people-first mission, this project will help to lift many in our community who are marginalized and minoritized out of the condition of poverty."

GIAC is one of the only agencies in Tompkins County that provides direct service programs daily to participants from young children to senior citizens.