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Date: Friday, June 6, 1997 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael Kharfen (202) 401-9215
"The children and youth of Grand Forks have shown remarkable courage in the face of real hardship," said Secretary Shalala. "Now we're helping to restore the critical programs and activities that are fun, educational and healthy to give back hope to these brave kids."
Many children in Grand Forks endured traumatic experiences -- the fear of raging floods, damage or loss of their homes, and the disruption of their lives including coping with living in temporary shelters and with family and friends far from home. The youth programs that serve children and youth also suffered serious disruptions, including damage to properties where children received vital services before the floods.
More than 10,000 children and youth, aged 0 to 22, will be served in a multi-component, age appropriate, program funded by the HHS grant. The programs will be free and every effort will be made to reach the most needy and diverse populations. The program will run for 17 months.
Grand Forks will set up approximately 10 emergency infant/toddler child care centers which will serve about 5,000 children. Parents will be able to leave their children at these centers while they address the problems of rebuilding their homes or re-entering the workforce. The centers, located in public buildings temporarily converted for child care use, will teach cognitive skills and engage in age-appropriate creative activities with the children. The centers will be periodically inspected by local authorities. During the grant period, the city will work with displaced licensed child care providers to relocate and reopen their programs.
School age children will be offered a summer camp program. Parents and children will have the option of either a full-day or half-day program. The activities will include sports, swimming, arts and crafts, counseling support and meals. When school begins, the program will provide after-school and weekend activities. As many as 6,000 children are expected to participate.
Teen-agers will be able to obtain summer youth employment training. The youths will be organized into work crews to improve city parks, schools and other public facilities. In addition, they will be offered recreational and educational activities. The funds will supplement the salaries for the youth from other state and federal youth employment programs. Also, the teen-agers will receive a meal and transportation. The grant funds will also purchase tools and supplies for the projects.
The funds will be administered by the Grand Forks Park District.