ARIZONA NEWS
Arizona to provide more than $2 million in programs to help children
Nov 9, 2021, 12:15 PM
(Facebook Photo/Boys & Girls Club of America)
(Facebook Photo/Boys & Girls Club of America)
PHOENIX — Arizona is investing more than $2 million in programs aimed at helping children recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and for at-risk youth.
Gov. Doug Ducey announced Monday that $1 million in federal funding will go to the Arizona Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs to assist kids in recuperating from the social and emotional tolls brought on by the pandemic.
Ducey also announced two groups will split $1.25 million that will go toward mentorship programs for at-risk youth and training programs for parents of underrepresented families.
A one-year program through the Arizona Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs will provide up to 5,000 children with life and social-emotional skills training.
The organization will increase support staff salaries, develop curriculum and provide necessary equipment with the funding.
“Our kids have been through so much, and we should do everything in our power to get them back on track,” director Josh Stine said in a press release.
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“This investment will help us improve our kids’ emotional and mental wellness after all the devastation of last year.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Arizona will get $750,000 in federal funding to create a new youth mentorship program.
The-Time-Is-Now program will increase in-school mentoring and college/career readiness programs.
The program will serve about 550 Arizona children over two years.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona has been at the forefront of the pandemic, providing life skills and a host of other resources to children in our community,” CEO Laura Capello said in a press release.
“We know that in order to continue to thrive, our littles need all the care and attention we can give to them.”
The remaining $500,000 will go toward the Black Mothers Forum to expand its parent training program.
The organization will be able to develop virtual training modules that will be available 24 hours a day and seven days a week with the funding.
“We are working hard to ensure parents have access to training that covers mental health, academic growth, safety and so much more so they can continue to protect their children and communities,” founder Janelle Wood said in the release.
“I look forward to ensuring these important services continue to reach families throughout the state.”
