By 5 Towns Central Staff

LONG BEACH, N.Y. (July 6, 2026) — New York State lawmakers have successfully secured public funding to expand specialized personal safety and self-defense education for women and girls across the South Shore region. The financial backing will directly benefit GD Force, a regional training organization based in Long Beach that focuses on equipping participants with situational awareness skills and practical defensive techniques under the leadership of Rebecca Weiss.

The legislative effort, spearheaded by Assemblyman Ari Brown and Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, highlights a growing emphasis on community-based public safety initiatives that complement traditional law enforcement. The regional representatives emphasize that personal security extends beyond standard policing, noting the importance of providing individuals with the practical tools and knowledge necessary to identify potential threats, handle challenging scenarios, and navigate their daily surroundings with elevated confidence.

Through its structured, hands-on instructional programs, GD Force empowers local women and girls with real-world techniques that can make a meaningful difference in everyday life. Advocates of the initiative point out that investing in specialized educational resources helps build more resilient neighborhoods by fostering a heightened sense of personal security and self-assurance among residents. The newly directed state resources are expected to allow the program to scale its outreach, offering more structured classes and workshops to families and individuals throughout the local area.

The collaborative funding push reflects an ongoing commitment by Assemblyman Brown and Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick to deliver impactful state investments that strengthen families and improve the overall quality of life on the South Shore. By prioritizing partnerships with trusted regional instructional organizations, the lawmakers aim to ensure that women and girls have continuous access to critical safety resources, helping them feel secure and prepared each day.