HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. -- The Hoosick Armory, Youth Center and Community Coalition (HAYC3) earned high marks following a summer site visit confirming compliance with federal grant requirements.

Staff and volunteers touted the results of the recently released report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Angela Richardson, a SAMHSA public health advisor who completed the site visit this past August, said the coalition had "many accomplishments and has made significant changes in the community."

"One recent notable accomplishment is the acquisition of the local armory in order to expand its efforts," Richardson wrote in her report Oct. 26. The evaluation came as a component of HAYC3’s Drug Free Communities Support grant, which contributes roughly half or $125,000 toward the nonprofit’s annual operating budget.

During her visit, Richardson toured the nonprofit’s youth center and the Hoosick Falls Armory. "(Richardson) was particularly impressed with the sustainability potential that the armory provides," said HAYC3 Community Outreach Coordinator Jason Jansen in a written release. "Expanded programming in the armory as well as ongoing programming in the center will allow us to provide opportunities to the community and generate the funding needed to keep us going once the term of the grant has passed."

Operating on a five-year cycle, HAYC3 was awarded the $625,000 grant in 2010. Richardson wrote the nonprofit continues to seek alternative funding and the coalition has a "solid and realistic sustainability plan," looking ahead to when the Drug Free grant expires in 2015.

Richardson also attended a coalition meeting during her visit, and in her report said the coalition was doing a good job mobilizing the community to address issues like underage drinking and marijuana and prescription drug use. "The level of community involvement was seen in the well attended coalition meeting," she wrote.

The site visit took place Aug. 7 and the report is available online at www.hayc3.org.