Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Schiff announced that the House Appropriations Committee has approved funding for local at-risk youth programs in the communities of the 29th district. His efforts to secure these funds are part of his “Kids First Agenda” of initiatives to improve education, safety, and health care for our kids. The funding is provided in two appropriations bills, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill and the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill, recently passed by the Appropriations Committee. These bills will now be sent to the Floor for approval by the full House.
“This funding represents an important investment in our future,” said Schiff. “Our youth are our most valuable resource, and we need to provide them with all the tools they need to grow and succeed. Keeping our kids productively engaged is also a sound anti-crime strategy.”
Last week, Rep. Schiff announced important law enforcement funding also aimed at keeping our communities safe. Four local law enforcement initiatives received federal funding to fight gang violence, improve communication between law enforcement agencies and first responders, and increase police presence in local parks.
Rep. Schiff worked hard to ensure the Appropriations Committee included $250,000 for the Asian Youth Center (AYC) of San Gabriel for renovations to the facility and for leadership programs. A portion of the funding will be used to renovate, improve and furnish its 6,000 square foot youth center facility. The remaining funds will be used to implement the AYC’s Teen Leadership Training Program. This program provides at-risk youth with after-school activities in a safe environment, including academic and English literacy tutoring, recreation activities, college and career preparation services, and leadership development opportunities.
The Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill included $250,000 for the Los Angeles Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Monterey Park. This funding will help expand its volunteer legal services to help advocate for the best interests of foster care children.
The Quality of Life Center in Altadena will receive $100,000 for its Bright Futures Scholar Support Program. The Bright Futures Scholar Program aims to ensure that students with academic promise have the resources and support they need to make use of their talents. This funding will promote one-on-one mentoring with successful adults including mayors, city councilmembers, and scientists. The students also have their own television show where they can share their views about government.
El Centro de Accion Social in Pasadena will receive $100,000 for youth education programs. El Centro de Accion Social helps at-risk youth succeed in school and stay out of trouble. This funding will be used to provide low-income students with life skills classes, leadership training and academic support.
“As a long-time mentor through the Big Brother program, I know first-hand how important youth programs can be in helping young people achieve their full potential,” Schiff said. “This funding will enable youth centers to improve and sustain the services they provide.”
Outward Bound Adventures’ Gang Intervention Program in Pasadena was also awarded $100,000 through the efforts of Rep. Schiff. Outward Bound’s Program provides long-term services that give at-risk youth exposure to our parks and forests and the miracle of nature. Its innovative efforts are an excellent alternative to gangs and have been shown to reduce delinquency.
The Positive Results At-Risk Youth Program directed by Rosemary Children’s Services in Pasadena will receive $100,000. This program provides at-risk girls with life skills classes and peer mentoring to prevent negative behavior. The funding will be used to employ a full-time staffer who oversees the program and to purchase education materials.
The Youth Mentoring Connection operating in Burbank and Pasadena will receive $75,000 to facilitate mentoring of at-risk youth with successful professional mentors. These mentors work with local youth in the Pasadena and Burbank communities to help deter them from negative behavior.
Rep. Schiff successfully secured $50,000 for the Glendale Chapter of Homenetmen for its After School Tutoring Program. The funding will be directed at programs for youth that strive to develop a sense of volunteerism, community service, citizenship, team work and leadership skills. More specifically, the money will help develop a new after school tutoring program for disadvantaged students who attend schools in south Glendale.
Rep. Schiff was appointed to serve on the House Appropriations Committee in the 110th Congress and is a member of its Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee, the State Department and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, and the Financial Services Subcommittee. He also serves on Select Intelligence Oversight Panel and the House Judiciary Committee and its Subcommittee on the Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.
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