Funding to Benefit Jefferson, Elk and McKean Counties
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Casey announced today that $453,713 in federal funding has been awarded by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to the Guidance Center, part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, in Bradford. This grant will allow local communities to expand mentoring and support services for youth foster care programs.
“Children in foster care too often lack a stable support system,” Senator Casey said. “This funding will allow the Guidance Center to provide additional mentors and volunteer programs so that foster children can go through their daily lives knowing that someone is there for them.”
This funding was awarded by the DOJ Mentoring Initiatives for Foster Care Youth Program. It will assist the Guidance Center to provide quality supportive mentoring services and to recruit volunteers within the children’s existing social networks. This will reduce juvenile delinquency, boost school attendance and performance, enhance familial relationships and prevent substance abuse problems. It is expected to help over 45 children ages 6-17 in Jefferson, Elk and McKean Counties.
More information on the funding is available here.
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