MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded eight grants totaling more than $313,000 to guide troubled youth away from crime and guide them toward productive lives.
The grants range from mentoring programs to programs aimed at strengthening families.
“As a former educator I know that proper guidance and a basic education can help build a foundation on which our youth can grow and reach their potential,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend these agencies and organizations for their work with our youth, schools and court systems to produce positive results.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Gov. Ivey realizes that productive youth are our future and our hope,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey and these programs in guiding our youth on the proper path to fulfilled lives.”
Gov. Ivey awarded the following grants:
City of Decatur ($50,000) to work with families of troubled youth by providing a 14-week parenting and family skills program aimed at improving family relationships, improving school attendance and correcting bad behaviors in children.
One Place (Tuscaloosa) ($50,000) to continue Championing Successful Futures, a program designed to strengthen family relationships and increase parental involvement to improve decision making, improve school attendance and decrease risky behaviors.
Council on Substance Abuse-National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency ($50,000) to continue its Families in Recovery Staying Together program which is intended to help adolescents and adults with substance abuse disorders in Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery counties.
City of Andalusia/ Youth Advocate Programs ($49,982) to provide family and community activities for youth who have been referred to the program by the Covington County family court system, Andalusia and Opp police departments and the Covington County Sheriff’s Department.
Teens Empowerment Awareness with Resolution ($47,525) to expand its substance-abuse treatment program for youth involved in the Macon County juvenile court system and determined to have a drug or alcohol problem.
Vineyard Family Services of Central Alabama (Pelham) ($33,000) to provide support and instruction to parents of at-risk youth in Shelby County as an alternative to detention. The program also works with youth who have been placed in detention.
Family Counseling Center of Mobile Inc. ($16,500) to work with truant children, their families, schools and the juvenile court system to reduce school absenteeism.
City of Bessemer ($16,500) to enable the Bessemer Police Department’s Youth Services Division to continue its Marvel City Youth Program which provides mentoring and intervention for up to 75 youth who may be at risk or have committed truancy or other violations.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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