MONTGOMERY— The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will be administering $66,000 in grants made available by the U.S. Department of Justice and awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey in support of programs aimed at preventing youth crime and recidivism in five North Alabama counties.
“Youths 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,” Ivey said. “I commend these organizations for working with youth and families to help them find a path to a better future.”
The Morgan County System of Services will receive $16,500 to be used to divert juveniles from further encounters with the justice system. The program works with juveniles who have been displaced from their homes to help them re-enter the community.
The governor has awarded $33,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Shoals for fostering positive family dynamics and to provide support, guidance and coaching to families participating in the program, which serves Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale counties.
The Winston County Commission received $16,500 for its Conquer, Open, Invest and Navigate program. It provides positive interactions with counselors, life coaches, educational work programs and a liaison to help participants find a more successful life path for at-risk youth.
“ADECA supports Gov. Ivey in her efforts to help these cities, counties and nonprofit organizations assist young people to turn away from dangerous choices,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “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.”
ADECA manages a wide array of programs that support law enforcement and traffic safety, energy conservation, water resource management, economic development, and recreation.
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