BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — The city of Binghamton is getting a big boost turning around its growing rate of poverty.

On Monday, 12 groups that fight poverty received more than $900,000 in state funding.

That includes the United Way, the Broome County Urban League and the Salvation Army.

They'll invest in job training programs and help with transportation and child care.

"The living experiences are what's important in this effort. It is important for us in the committee to have our projects so we can be a beacon of light to people who are lost in the dark tunnel and trying to find a way out," said Josephine Burrell, Binghamton resident.

Binghamton is one of 16 cities in the state awarded a combined $25 million.