U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) announced the release of $37,563.00 from the U.S. Department of Justice to support and expand Community Connections’ Teen Centers in Mercer and Wyoming Counties.  This funding was requested and secured by Congressman Rahall last year in the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

“Thanks in part to the assets they provide, Mercer County was named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America's Promise Alliance for several years now,” said Rahall.  “These Centers have done a truly commendable job of increasing community involvement in the lives of our youth in these two counties.  That is why I sought this funding to help Community Connections continue their endeavors.”

Community Connections provides a community-based atmosphere geared toward preventing youth drug and alcohol abuse and addressing the challenges young people face in rural communities.  The funding secured by Rahall last year will allow Community Connections to make facility improvements at their "Planet Xtreme" Teen Center in Mercer County and expand after school and weekend programming at their "The Spot" facility in Wyoming County.  The Community Connections facilities offer homework-based tutoring, computer labs, recreational activities, alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse prevention programs, and parental training programs.

“This very exciting endeavor for our agency would not have been possible without Congressman Rahall’s support,” said Greg Puckett, Executive Director of Community Connections.  “Having specific funds to work amongst our partners within Mercer and Wyoming Counties will not only unite two Teen Centers, but allow us the opportunity to unite the communities they serve in a very unique and innovate way.”

“Mercer and Wyoming Counties are blessed with organizations, such as Community Connections, that are working hard to put young people first,” continued Rahall. "By expanding these facilities, our kids will have greater access to a safe, drug-free, environment, where they can learn to make healthy life choices.”