LYNC is a program incubator and placemaker that catalyzes capital and community to expand economic, educational, and cultural opportunities for residents of New York’s Hudson Valley. Our mission is to upskill local community members, create pipelines to purpose-driven careers, and provide vibrant, collaborative workspaces for entrepreneurs and creatives who are working to bring about social and economic justice for all.

LYNC advised on the design & planning of the Newburgh YouthBuild program which launched in September 2021 with a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. As the program implementer, LYNC manages the day-to-day, oversees recruitment and mentoring, and provides supplemental resources to YouthBuild participants.

LYNC also spearheaded the restoration of an historically Black church that will soon be a 17,000 square foot community and culture space in the heart of Newburgh called Highpoint. Set to open in 2023, Highpoint is a social innovation hub where members of the Newburgh community link, learn, and launch. LYNC will manage the mixed-use space which will be home to YouthBuild and other community organizations, as well as a co-working space, Black bookstore and café, wellness center and commercial training kitchen.  

Melanie Collins, LYNC’s founder and president, has a long track-record as Newburgh’s community connector, having seeded and supported career programs and direct service initiatives over the years. Melanie recently received the 2021 NY State Senate Commendation Award for spearheading the Newburgh Mutual Aid relief program which delivered over a million tons of healthy food to families in need throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.