Van Nuys, C.A.. - Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-CA) announced today that Congress has approved his requests to fund the following projects in the San Fernando Valley.    The funding was included in recently passed  appropriations bills.

 

$75,000  -  East Valley (North Hollywood) YMCA – for badly needed renovation and modernization.  Berman said, “This funding is vital for the continuation of the East Valley YMCA programs which serve more than 1,500 children and their families each month.” (Program contact: Jane Stanton,  818-763-5126)

 

$75,000  -  Valley Family Center (VFC) – for construction/expansion project of new wing. “The Valley Family Center has provided critical mental health services and educational programs for the low-income community of the San Fernando Valley for more than fifteen years, but demand has outpaced need and they’ve outgrown their Center,” explained Berman.  He added, “This funding will help VFC serve an additional 2,000 clients each year.” (Program contact: Sister Carmel Somers:  818-365-8588)

 

$75,000  -  Boy and Girls Club of the SFV – for facilities repairs.  Berman declared, “The Club provides an important safe haven for young people in my district and these renovations are long overdue and critically needed.” (Program contact: Leroy Chase, 818-896-5261)

 

$150,000  -  Providence Holy Cross Medical Center (PHCMC) –  to help fund a successful but underfunded Neighborhood Action Gang Prevention Program. “This program focuses on tattoo removal, which helps former gang members begin a new, productive life,” said Berman.  (Program contact: Sister June Wilkerson: 818-365-8051 x84243)

 

$440,000  -  Vaughn Next Century Learning Center – new sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and access ramps on Norris Avenue and Del Sur Street, new sidewalks on Herrick Avenue, and minor sidewalk repair on Vaughn Street in Pacoima. “These enhancements will greatly improve access to the school and help ensure the safety of our students,” said Berman. (Program contact: Dr. Yvonne Chen: (818-896-7461)

 

$250,000  -  San Fernando High School  – street and sidewalk repairs along the Northwest corner of the Fox Street and Laurel Canyon Boulevard intersection in San Fernando, California.  “Students walk and board school buses at this dangerous and long neglected corner.  This money will help rectify those unsafe traffic conditions and give them safe access to their school,” said Berman.

$260,000  -  The Tree People – to demonstrate new technologies which will mitigate the negative environmental impacts associated with standard parking lots.  “This cutting edge demonstration project will serve as a learning model for students, families, architects and developers for years to come,” said Berman.  (Program contact: Marisa Walker 818-623-4888)

 

$50,000  -  “Volunteer Friends”  San Fernando Valley Senior Transportation Pilot Program – based on an existing project run by the Beverly Foundation in other parts of Los Angeles, this funding will establish an 18 month pilot project to assist San Fernando Valley seniors that are no longer able to drive.  According to Berman, “Traveling to appointments or getting out socially is very difficult for seniors that no longer drive. This innovative program returns control to seniors by allowing them to offer a stipend to friends, relatives, and others who can drive them where they need to go. (Program contact:  Helen Kerschner, 626-792-2292)

 

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