Congress Supports Key Elements of Schiff's Kids First Initiative
WASHINGTON, DC – Later today, the House is expected to pass legislation that includes key support for Congressman Adam Schiff’s “Kids First” agenda of initiatives to improve education, safety, and health care for our children. Several local organizations will receive support:
• Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) – Pediatric Cancer Research. Funds will provide support for ongoing research at CHLA that is focused on the proteins that malfunction in cancer and other childhood diseases. “Childrens Hospital is an internationally recognized leader in pediatric cancer research,” said Schiff. “As a father of two young children, I am especially inspired by their dedication to finding a cure for this deadly disease.”
• Hillsides Altadena Family Center of Altadena – Teen Leadership Institute (TLI). TLI offers leadership development training for at-risk youth by teaching them to be role models for younger children. TLI teaches the teenagers skills and values that include academic success, decision-making, leadership initiative, effective communication, emotional well-being and classroom management.
• Foothill Family Service of Pasadena – “Future Success/Future Visions” Therapy Program for At-Risk Children. Studies show that the brothers and sisters of teen parents are at extremely high risk of becoming teen parents themselves. This program provides mentors for at-risk children. Federal funds will allow Foothill Family Service to hire an additional teen specialist to expand their services.
• Day One of Pasadena – Drug-Free Alternative Activities for Youth. Funds will be used to extend to year-round their August program that provides youth most at risk for substance abuse with healthy, educational activities. Youth will be involved in planning leadership and educational summits for their peers as well as designing and creating safe and fun activities to help reduce alcohol and drug abuse.
• We Care for Youth (WCFY) – Anti-Gang Program for High School Students in Glendale, Burbank and Pasadena. WCFY is a non-profit organization working to reduce violence among teenagers. Federal funds will allow WCFY to expand its successful anti-gang program and provide 4,500 teenagers with during and after-school workshops teaching violence prevention. Through mentoring and other activities, they will receive the leadership and self-confidence building measures they need to resist joining a gang.
Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. 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.