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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced today that the House Appropriations Committee has approved $1.9 million he requested for organizations that help children in Central New Jersey. The funding was included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Crime, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
Pallone secured $200,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County. The New Jersey congressman said the funds will be used to expand services in Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Red Bank. The Asbury Park facility plans to increase its successful College Bound Mentor Program, which provides students with mentors who work with them to develop a personalized plan based on the student's specific needs. Both Long Branch and Red Bank plan to build on their programs that focus on leadership, education, career development, health and recreation.
The New Jersey congressman also secured $200,000 for the YMCA's Youth-at-Risk Program. The initiative specifically targets children who are economically disadvantaged and aims to prevent the formation of gangs.
The House Appropriations Committee also approved $1.5 million for the Police Athletic League (PAL) of New Jersey to launch a statewide effort to coordinate a comprehensive after-school program among 50 local PAL Chapters with the goal of deterring juvenile crime.
The program will target children between 8 and 16 years old, incorporating youngsters across the state in a diverse program of athletics, recreation, education and cultural awareness. Pallone requested this funding along with U.S. Reps. Rush Holt (D-NJ), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) and Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ).
"I commend the House Appropriations Committee for recognizing the essential services the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA and the Police Athletic League all play in the lives of children in Central New Jersey," Pallone said. "The $1.9 million in federal funds will allow these organizations to expand upon already successful programs that are making a real difference in children's lives. I will fight to ensure these funds remain in the legislation as it works its way through Congress."
The legislation now heads to the full House for its review. The new fiscal year officially begins on October 1, 2008.
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