August 21, 2015
State Representatives Jason Rojas, Jeff Currey, Kelly Luxenberg and Henry Genga have announced state grants totaling $340,060 for East Hartford and Manchester youth services – money that was included in the state budget approved by the legislature in June.
Rep. Rojas (D-East Hartford, Manchester) said $170,300 will be given to East Hartford over the next two years for youth services, and Manchester also will receive the same amount for its youth programs.
“Our youth service bureaus do an incredible job of working with our youth to direct them toward positive relationship-building and decision-making and away from juvenile delinquency. It is far more cost-effective to invest in prevention, which results in better long-term outcomes for our youth and communities,” Rojas said.
“I am very happy we were able to obtain this vital funding for another two years to support our youth service programs in East Hartford and Manchester,” said Currey (D-East Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor). “These programs have tremendous value and obtaining the funding was challenging, given all the other needs of the state, but we were able to do it,” he said.
“Our children are our future and we must make sure they receive the services and help they need to guarantee their success in life,” Luxenberg (D-Manchester) said. “These grants will fund the programs families need and I’m proud we were able to secure the money.”
“Our children are constantly being challenged and these grants will pay for programs that will guide them and help them make the right choices in life,” Genga (D-East Hartford) said. “In the long run, we will all benefit from this funding.”
“I am appreciative of the work done by our East Hartford delegation to once again secure funding that continues the valuable programming performed by our Youth Services department,” Mayor Leclerc said. “With this money, important programs like Adventure Plus, which strengthens the bond between the youth of our community and our Police Department, as well as many others, can continue on with the great progress made in East Hartford over the years.”
“I want to thank the legislators representing Manchester for their efforts to secure this important funding for our town,” Manchester Mayor Jay Moran said. “In these financially challenging times, our children cannot be overlooked and I am grateful we can provide the services they need.”
Cephus Nolen Jr., director of East Hartford youth services, said the funding will be used for community-based programs for children who may be at risk. “Our goal is to make sure kids do not wind up in the juvenile correction system,” Nolen said. “In this time where money is tight these grants will give us the opportunity to do things we’ve wanted to do for kids and families. I’m excited about the opportunity to provide these important services for families,” he said.