June 25, 2026
Just up the hill from Newburgh's waterfront, home to sweeping Hudson River views and popular restaurants, the city's more hardscrabble neighborhoods tell a different story. Many families face significant economic hardship, and for young people, opportunities for recreation and connection can be hard to find.
There is no movie theater or mall. A free summer camp recently closed. Many parents struggle to find safe, structured places for their children to spend time, and youth often navigate challenges largely on their own.
Last fall, tragedy struck just blocks from the city's vibrant waterfront. Eleven-year-old Matthew DeGroat was shot and killed inside a home where his family had recently relocated following the death of his father.
The loss shook the community. Friends and classmates struggled to process what had happened. A 13-year-old who was inside the home was later charged in connection with the shooting.
For a city that has experienced more than its share of violence and hardship, the tragedy became a turning point.
“It was a call to action,” said Newburgh SNUG Social Worker Abria Bonner.
Community leaders, faith organizations, SNUG staff, families and neighbors came together to create the Lunch Bunch, a safe and supportive space for youth affected by Matthew's death.
Hosted at the local middle school, the group gives students a place to gather, have fun and connect with trusted adults. They can drop in, spend time with friends and talk about issues affecting their lives.
Activities such as Jeopardy-style games cover topics ranging from vaping to community violence, creating opportunities for honest discussions in an environment that feels welcoming rather than clinical.
At first, many of the participants were skeptical.
“They said it doesn't matter what you do, there are still going to be shootings,” Bonner recalled.
Over time, trust began to grow.
One student, grieving the loss of his mother and lacking a stable place to live, confided that he had considered retaliating with violence after being disrespected by another student.
“Through motivational interviewing, we determined that he had a really bad day, but ultimately didn't want to do that,” Bonner said. “That was one of the most impactful moments for me.”
Another breakthrough came when a participant, who often struggled to find a safe place to be, looked around the room and asked a simple question:
“I feel comfortable here. Do you mind if I stay a while?”
For Bonner, that moment captured the purpose of the program.
“On Friday, he was playing air hockey,” she said. “It made me feel so good that he was just being a kid.”
