"This is why I love GYO," said Assemblyman Tom Alfano as he walked the halls of its Summer Program in the Elmont Union Free School District. Young people were having fun. First and second graders were having snacks in the cafeteria; fifth graders were playing basketball in the gym. Laughter, singing and dancing was heard up and down the halls. They were the sound of Gateway Youth Outreach's Summer Program.

Alfano and GYO Director Pat Boyle visited the classrooms where some 400 Elmont children were doing arts and crafts, learning dance moves, learning English, playing basketball and reading.

With that backdrop, Alfano presented Gateway Youth Outreach with a $20,000 grant to help continue its trailblazing program initiatives for Elmont's children. Alfano's grant is the 6th back to back grant he's channeled to the organization and comes on the heels of a $625,000 grant he helped channel to one of Nassau County's most respected youth agency.

"When I first visited GYO some 5 years ago it struck me that these were programs that help a lot of young people and working families. Unlike a lot of agencies with a lot of overhead, GYO puts the money they get in grants and applies it where it counts - young people," said Alfano.

The summer program Alfano presented the check to is a very popular GYO initiative. "The summer program is one of a kind youth outlet in Nassau County that truly is a fun and educational destination point for our community's young people," said Alfano adding "you can see it in the faces of the children who come here."

Boyle and Gateway Summer Director Laura Barfield led Alfano around his tour in the elementary school; Barfield walked Alfano into one classroom where some 30 young girls were practicing dance moves to a CD that they'll perform at the end of the summer. In another class, children were watching a video in an English Language Enhancement workshop. At the end of the hallway, creative thinking was employed in an arts project that was being completed. In the language class, Alfano spoke Spanish to a couple of the young people in an English Immersion Program that boasts 26 students. He asked if they were learning and having a good time. The answer - Si.

Alfano was introduced to the staff where he talked to many of the members about their experience. One student attends SUNY Buffalo and another out of state in Utah. "The summer staff at GYO really love what they do and it shows," said Alfano adding "Laura and all the people who work this program live right here in the community and have a stake in our young people. They truly are making a difference in these young people's lives. I hope they know how much Elmont appreciates them."

Pat Boyle, director of GYO noted that "this is one of my favorite programs that GYO makes available to the community. It helps children expand their horizons with art and music and provides a healthy outlet for children to grow."

"That's why GYO is so special in this community," said Alfano noting "it makes a positive contribution and helps our young people become good citizens.