Video of Congressman Sherman in Action
Washington, D.C. - The House on Thursday voted for a proposal by Congressman Brad Sherman to help build a new youth center in Northridge.
“The new youth center will provide an atmosphere where the youth and families will feel safe,” Sherman said. “The result will be less crime, less gang participation, a safer community and happier families,” he added.
The project was included in a bill that the House approved 418 to 7 to fund the Justice Department and other federal agencies.
The Los Angeles Police Department will run the juvenile delinquency prevention program designed to provide after-school and weekend services for more than 800 San Fernando Valley youths.
The new $3.3 million, 5,000-square-foot center will provide educational programs, tutoring, field trips, computer training, cultural activities and sports.
Sherman made helping the project a top priority in an April 8 request to the House Appropriations Committee. He sought $525,000, but the exact amount of the federal contribution won’t be specified until later in the congressional appropriations process. “I believe that when the process is completed we will secure significant federal funds for the youth center in Northridge” Sherman said.
Business and community leaders in the Valley have launched a campaign to raise other funds to construct the new youth center.
Devonshire PALS (Police Activity League Supporters) will run the program in coordination with the Devonshire Division of the Los Angeles Police Department and community volunteers. The police department will provide a full-time officer to plan programs. A reserve officer and other program volunteers will assist the officer in supervising the children.
