MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $24,000 grant to help Cherokee County students with incarcerated family members overcome obstacles related to those relationships.
The Extended Family for Kids program is available at all public K-12 schools in the county and is designed to help students rise above any stigma attached to having an incarcerated parent and prevent them from making the same mistakes.
“By lighting a path with hope for children, we can help them avoid the missteps of their parent or a close loved one,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend the Extended Family for Kids program for helping these children stay on course to becoming productive members of society.”
The nine-lesson program teaches students how to reduce stress, manage their anger, deal with bullying and taunting and make choices that will guide them toward a successful life.
Funds will be used to purchase equipment and other items needed to conduct the program. Program administrators will also be conducting workshops for school counselors in Baldwin, Jefferson and St. Clair counties.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice.
“As a former schoolteacher, Gov. Ivey recognizes that establishing a firm foundation for youth and helping them avoid pitfalls is key to a successful life,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to be a partner in this program.”
Gov. Ivey notified Laura Clemons, Extended Family executive director, that the grant had been approved.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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Contact Jim Plott or Mike Presley