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For Immediate Release
September 15, 2006 |
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Fairfield University to
Receive HHS Funds for Youth Partnership in Bridgeport
Washington, D.C. – The Department of Health and Human
Services will award Fairfield University a $245,570 grant
for a Youth Power Partnership with FSW and Bassick High School
in Bridgeport, Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) announced
today.
The Youth Power Partnership works as a community partnership
working to reduce adolescent risk behaviors, providing young
people tools to make healthier choices. A Youth Center will
be established at FSW, located across the street from Bassick
High, offering after school and weekend programming. A cornerstone
of the program will be the Fairfield University student-mentoring
component, where each high school student will work closely
with a University student throughout the three years of the
program.
“This partnership will provide the youth in our community
resources and support to make healthy decisions,” Shays
said. “Fairfield University students will mentor local
high school students, offering support and guidance to their
younger peers for three critical years of the high schoolers’
development. This is an exciting and effective program and
I appreciate HHS’ support.”
“We have proposed a comprehensive approach to address
the health issue of risk behaviors in adolescents, with the
overall goal of enhancing factors that we know help young
people make healthier choices and go on to lead productive,
successful lives as adults,” noted Lydia Greiner, the
project director and a nurse practitioner from Fairfield University.
“Youth Power Partnership will provide activities and
education designed to develop or expand individual, family
and community factors through a program of academic enrichment,
personal development and wellness, career planning, cultural
enrichment and service opportunities. We are excited about
our partnership with FSW and Bassick High School, and look
forward to implementing a program designed to prevent risky
behaviors in our young people.”
Brian Langdon, President and CEO of FSW, recognized the importance
of the continuity provided to the students who will participate
in Youth Power Partnership, “What’s different
about this program, as compared to some others, is that it
will follow kids for three full years, at a time when there
is they are most vulnerable to the problems of violence, drugs
and other risky behaviors. It will provide kids with a base
of resources that they will need over the long term.”
Youth Power Partnership will foster positive relationships
with adults, provide role modeling by University students,
encourage involvement in the community through service, and
expose students to possibilities for success through improved
academic performance and cultural enrichment. Internships
will be an integral part of the program and each summer, an
intensive experience will be offered on Fairfield University’s
campus.
“Just last week I challenged the incoming freshman
class to dream big dreams for themselves,” said Ron
Remy, principal of Bassick High School. “The real challenge
for these students is that, once they have the big dreams,
they struggle to realize them. This program will help our
students reach their big dreams.”
Contact: Sarah Moore, 202/225-5541
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