Assemblymember Aron Wieder (D-97th District) and Assemblymember Patrick Carroll (D-96th District) presented a $100,000 funding check yesterday to Konbit Neg Lakay, the Haitian community-based nonprofit organization in Spring Valley.

The funding, secured jointly by the two Assemblymembers in the State budget, will support Konbit Neg Lakay's extensive workforce development and community programs, including Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Home Health Aide (HHA), and Personal Care Aide (PCA) training, English as a Second Language (ESL), literacy, citizenship preparation, computer literacy, youth development, and other social services.

Located at 16 East Church Street, Konbit Neg Lakay Inc. was founded in 1987 and has served Rockland County's growing Haitian community for nearly four decades. The organization is a Department of Justice-recognized agency and is widely regarded as a central resource for immigrant services, workforce training, and cultural programming in the county.

The presentation took place at the organization's Spring Valley office with Executive Director Renold Julien.

Assemblyman Patrick Carroll said the organization plays an irreplaceable role in the community that spans both legislative districts.

"It's an honor to be here with my colleague Assemblyman Aron Wieder and Renold Julien to present this funding for the amazing diversity of programs that this organization provides to the Spring Valley community," Carroll said. "Every time I'm here, I'm amazed by the offerings — whether it be citizenship preparation, CNA, Home Health Aide, and Personal Care Aide training, and so much more. Together with Assemblyman Wieder, we were able to secure funding for this amazing organization, which bridges both of our districts — the 97th for Aron and the 96th for myself."

Assemblyman Aron Wieder praised Julien's longstanding leadership and service to Rockland County.

"I'm so glad to be here again at Konbit Neg Lakay with Renold, who is such an amazing person running such an amazing organization that caters to the Haitian community — my brothers and sisters," Wieder said. "I have had the good fortune to work with Renold many times in Haiti relief efforts and so many other initiatives. I've seen firsthand what this organization does for the people who need it the most. Rockland County is fortunate, and we owe him a huge thank you for everything he has done for the community."

Executive Director Renold Julien thanked both Assemblymembers for their continued support and partnership.

"On behalf of the entire Konbit Neg Lakay family, I want to sincerely thank Assemblyman Wieder and Assemblyman Carroll for securing this critical funding for our organization," Julien said. "This support will allow us to continue and expand our programs to serve those who need us most — whether it is helping someone become a citizen, learn English, or gain the skills to become a CNA or home health aide and support their family. We are deeply grateful for their belief in our mission and their commitment to the Haitian community and all of Rockland County."

Wieder and Carroll said they will continue to work together to support community-based organizations that provide direct workforce training and essential services across Rockland County.