Washington, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) announced today at a ceremony at the Montgomery County Youth Services office in Conroe, that the F.A.C.E. to F.A.C.E. program has been awarded $75,000 by the Department of Health and Humans Services, Administration for Children and Families.

"The grant awarded to the Montgomery County Youth Service's FACE to FACE program is welcome news to our county and reflects the good work Youth Services has long provided the community.

"This program is important because children need positive role models involved daily in their lives, especially in families where a parent is in prison. Hundreds of children right here in our community are in need of a friend and role model to broaden their horizons and to help get them on the right track in life. This program gives children that chance," said Brady.

FACE is an acronym for Friendships Advancing Character and Education. FACE to FACE is a mentoring program for children of prisoners between the ages of 4 and 15. The youth and their guardian or parent apply for a Mentor. Mentors are volunteers that are at least 19 years old and share individual time with the child for a few hours, twice a month. Mentors provide friendship, recreation and help with school work. Mentor from all economic, cultural and religious backgrounds participate in the program. Individuals, couples, or families can participate as a Mentor in the FACE to FACE program.

The Volunteer Mentor application process begins with a call from the volunteer to the Montgomery County Youth Services. Program staff interview the mentor, train and identify strengths in each volunteer. Matches are carefully made based on common interests, personality, and geographic area. If you are interested in volunteering or enrolling in the FACE to FACE program contact the Montgomery County Youth Services at 936-756-8682.