Senator Mikulski Announces Grant to HELP Harford County Boys & Girls Club Continue to Mentoring Youth - Press Releases - Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford County, Maryland

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: RANDY ACOSTA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SEN MIKULSKI ANNOUNCES GRANT TO HELP HARFORD COUNTY BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS CONTINUE MENTORING YOUTH

Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs mentoring program grant of $200,000

Edgewood, Maryland (10/19/2010) – United States Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) toured the Edgewood Boys & Girls Clubs today to view the impact from federal dollars through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Her visit also included spending time with community leaders in Harford County to talk more about the impact of BRAC on the county’s future.

During her visit Senator Mikulski had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact the Club is having closing the digital divide and mentoring youth. “Boys and Girls Clubs provide a safe place where children can learn and grow and develop a sense of community,” Senator Mikulski said. “Mentoring programs give our young people positive alternatives to drugs and violence, and are important resources for youth who have nowhere else to turn. Each year, I fight to put funds in the federal checkbook to mentor youth and I’m proud to be here today to make this announcement.”

The Senator announced a grant awarded to the Harford County Boys & Girls Clubs through the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP) in the amount of $200,000. “We are pleased with the continued support from Senator Mikulski who is a huge supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the nation. The Senator has a clear understanding of the need and works tirelessly to seek resources to meet the need.” said Randy Acosta, BGCHC Executive Director. The purpose of the funding is to positively impact the lives of current and new Club members through strengthening, enhancement and expansion of Boys & Girls Clubs mentoring programs for at-risk youth residing in distressed areas.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs: The Boys & Girls Club of Harford County was established in 1989 by a group of concerned citizens in the Aberdeen area. In its 20 year history, it has grown to 4 sites throughout Harford County and now serves more than 400 children and teens on a daily basis. Our mission is to inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Club is open to all youth ages 6 to 18 and provides positive youth development; Health & Life Skills; Education & Career Development; the Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

(photo: Senator Mikulski holds a lifetime membership card to Boys & Girls Clubs from youth at the Edgewood Branch. Also pictured (L-R: Tory Pierce, BGCHC Board President and Randy Acosta, BGCHC Executive Director)

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