ILLINOIS CITIES RECEIVE YOUTH PROGRAM GRANTS

CAIRO, Ill. -- Cairo is one of a dozen Illinois communities which received grants from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services during the recent Positive Youth Development Conference held at Springfield.

"The Positive Youth Development program helps to establish prevention programs that aid youth in developing greater self-esteem and important decision-making skills," said James Wilson, Cairo mayor. "The grant here will be used by the Elmwood-McBride Positive Alternatives Committee (EMPAC) for youth services in the Elmwood and McBride Housing units."

"Positive Youth Development is about grassroots volunteer involvement," said Sue Suter, director of the Department of Children and Family Services. "It means giving youth alternatives to drugs and street corners and intervening before more children enter child welfare and juvenile justice systems."

Suter, who announced the grants, added that the $5,000 grants are designed to provide a base level of financial assistance for programs so they can hopefully expand.

"The intention of the PYD grant winners is to gain enough support so their programs can be continue after the DCFS grants has ended," said Suter.

EMPAC officials say the Cairo grant will be used to address problems of unemployment, poverty and crime in the area as it is associated with youth.

Also receiving one of the 12 grants was the Anna-Jonesboro PYD "Mission Possible" Committee which will use the funds to serve Anna-Jonesboro and surrounding Union County communities.

"Mission Possible" officials say they already have strong community support for its youth programs and will use the grant to promote additional programs for youth.

The addition of 12 grants winners this year brings the total number of PYD programs statewide to 30. Each of the grant winners have the opportunity to apply for grant monies for three consecutive years.