Lane County Youth Outreach Program to Receive Funds
Senators Wyden, Smith Announce $100,000 Grant for Looking Glass

July 31, 2003

Washington, DC -- Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) today announced that Looking Glass, a Lane County youth outreach program, will receive a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Funding will support Looking Glass’ New Roads Street Outreach Program, which helps young people get out of street life by giving them health, social and educational resources.

“Looking Glass helps Lane County youth get out of difficult situations and find a better quality of life,” said Wyden. “This funding will help benefit not only the area's young people in need, but the entire community.”

“Unfortunately young people and families sometimes face difficult situations that require special help,” said Smith. “This grant will help Looking Glass provide the important service of assisting youngsters in Lane County to successfully move past difficult circumstances.”

“We are excited about the continued federal funding of our New Roads Street Outreach Program,” stated Jim Forbes, the Executive Director of Looking Glass Youth and Family Services. “We provide young men and women with the skills and needed resources to resolve family conflict so they can return home or, if home is not an option, help youth access a safe and stable living situation.”

Looking Glass provides assistance with mental health treatment programs, educational training and substance abuse prevention and treatment. An emergency runaway shelter and a 24-hour crisis intervention are also available. Last year, Looking Glass made more than 7,000 contacts with homeless and runaway youth on the streets of Lane County.

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