MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $66,000 to support programs that aim to prevent youth crime and recidivism in five northwest Alabama counties.
The grants will support programs that provide mentoring and counseling to youth and their parents who have been referred through the juvenile justice system with a goal of reducing further involvement in the judicial system.
“Youth who are at-risk of further involvement with the criminal justice system need good mentors and educational programs to help them find ways to be more productive and contributing members of our society,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend these organizations for working with youth and families to help them find a path to a better future.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“ADECA supports Gov. Ivey in her efforts to help these cities, counties and nonprofit organizations assist young people to turn away from dangerous choices,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA’s partnerships with these organizations will ensure that at-risk youth and their families have every opportunity to get on the path to a better future.”
The following grants were awarded to local agencies and municipalities who provide direct services to youth and their families:
Morgan County System of Services (Morgan County): $16,500 will be used to divert juveniles from further encounters with the justice system. The program also works with juveniles who have been placed in out-of-home arrangements and helps bridge the gap between placement and re-entry into the community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Shoals (Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale counties): $33,000 will be used for a specialist who will work to foster positive family dynamics and provide support, guidance and coaching to families and volunteers participating in the organization’s programs.
Winston County Commission (Winston County): $16,500 will be used for the Conquer, Open, Invest and Navigate (COIN) program which helps at-risk youth by providing positive interactions with counselors, life coaches, educational work programs and a liaison to help participants find a more successful path.
ADECA manages a wide array of programs that support law enforcement and traffic safety, energy conservation, water resource management, economic development and recreation.
-30-
