(Pittsburgh, PA) — U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-4) today presented the Holy Family Institute with a check for $141,000 in federal funding to implement a new behavior modification program that will help at-risk youth become successful adults.  Congressman Altmire secured this funding in the final budget passed by Congress in December.

“For over one hundred years, the Holy Family Institute has been a light in this community, helping children in trouble get their lives back on track,” Altmire said. “With the funding I delivered today, the Holy Family Institute will be able to implement a new behavior modification program that will help staff create a constant, supportive environment for children. I am very pleased I succeeded in securing funding that will enable the Holy Family Institute to continue helping at-risk children grow into healthy adults.”

The funding Congressman Altmire secured will be used to implement an intense behavior modification system that will utilize constant, positive reinforcement to help children break the cycle of abuse. All residential and educational staff at Holy Family Institute will be trained in the new treatment system to ensure children have a consistently supportive environment.

The Holy Family Institute believes that this new treatment model will improve children’s behavior and increase job satisfaction and retention rates among staff.  Research has consistently indicated that this new model is the one of the most effective treatment models available and results in significantly improved outcomes for children.

“We are pleased and honored to have the support of Congressman Jason Altmire,” Sister Rita Fanning, President of the Holy Family Institute said. “Congressman Altmire recently secured $141,000 for to support at-risk children served by Holy Family Institute. The appropriation will allow for a new model of care to enhance our ability to serve at-risk youth.”

The Holy Family Institute provides struggling families with a variety of counseling services and independent-living services for young adults. At their Emsworth facility, the Holy Family Institute offers residential treatment to children who have been removed from their homes because of family crisis, abuse or neglect, which the goal of reuniting families when possible or preparing children to join a foster family or live independently.