Mayor Eric Adams was joined by elected officials in the Bronx Monday and discussed how young people who’ve had run-ins with the law should be given resources to turn their lives around. 

One way, Adams says, is by expanding the neighborhood opportunity networks, more commonly known as NEON, and adding more in the Bronx and across the city. 

It was mentioned that $5.5 million will be used to further fund the program, some of it coming from the city. But it was also said there are partnerships between organizations to help fund these programs–one being Carnegie Hall. 

The program offers courses such as photography classes for those on probation. 

Andre Whitehead was one of those on probation when he was younger and was part of NEON. He says he is thankful for a camera and the photography classes for changing his life. 

"It doesn't stop here, and for those at home, and you feel down and out, just know it's not over. You're still breathing, you’re still living, you're still learning, it's not over, you still have a chance,” said Whitehead.