Newburgh, Mount Vernon and Yonkers are among the seven communities in New York receiving an investment from the state for Project RISE – an effort to prevent gun violence and give young people more opportunities to thrive.

Each of the cities is receiving $4 million through RISE (Respond, Invest, Sustain, Empower). Both Yonkers and Mount Vernon leaders say it’s a step in the right direction.

"They're making a special investment and we are really happy about that,” said Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.

"We're the ones on the ground, we're the ones working with the local police departments, we're the ones working with the local nonprofits – and if you give us the resources we need, we can have an impact," said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado made the announcement Monday morning at the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon.

"Empowering our community-based organizations has to be the model if we want to do this the right way," he said.

The goal is to have plans rolling by the spring when gun violence typically shows an uptick. The other four areas receiving funding are Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse.

"The scourge of gun violence requires bold investments on multiple fronts, and by investing in local organizations through Project RISE we will help meet each neighborhood's needs, address local challenges, and provide effective, sustainable solutions," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in prepared remarks. "This funding and these partnerships will improve, enhance and expand the State's comprehensive response to gun violence in each of these cities, helping address the root causes of gun violence and create safer neighborhoods for all New Yorkers."