GREYSTON RANGERS

The Greyston Rangers program is a robust transitional workforce and urban beautification program that serves our community. It started in 2015 with an idea and a phone call to the City of Yonkers, who then pulled together the funds to launch a pilot. The program creates employment opportunities for individuals typically excluded from the workplace while keeping our community clean and well maintained.

The Rangers crew consists of individuals facing various and often multiple barriers to employment. A typical cohort may include veterans, seniors, low-income Yonkers residents, and citizens re-entering society from jail or prison. Over 135 individuals have served as a Greyston Ranger since the program’s inception.

The Rangers program offers a lifeline for those recently released from the criminal justice system as it hires them into immediate transitional employment on an apprenticeship basis. In addition to the apprenticeship, Rangers participate in essential life skills training and job preparation. Rangers then work with a career specialist to find a permanent job placement upon completing their apprenticeship.

While on the job, Ranger apprentices are also paired with a Ranger mentor. The mentor provides guidance, motivation, and role modeling for the apprentices. Currently, there are two full-time Rangers who work as mentors.

One of the program’s main goals is to reduce recidivism of formerly incarcerated participants through skill development, mentorship, and meaningful work. The most remarkable result is each Ranger’s renewed sense of purpose, pride, responsibility, and hope during the apprenticeship.

While the participants benefit at a personal and individual level, the benefit to the community cannot be overstated. With three routes covering roughly 12 miles per day, the Greyston Rangers help keep city streets and parks safe, clean, and beautiful.

The Rangers are doing an amazing job, and people are constantly complimenting the job they’re doing, especially on Yonkers Avenue since everyone drives by on the way to City Hall. I tell my Commissioner all the time what a great partner Greyston has been with our efforts to clean the city.

Robert Greco, former Public Works Coordinator, City of Yonkers

Support the Rangers Program!

Today the Greyston Rangers Program is sponsored by the City of Yonkers & private donors like you! Make a donation today and become a part of something that is making a huge impact in our community.