Dale E. Kildee (MI05) - Press Releases - Kildee Secures $600,000 in Funding for the Greater Flint YWCA

	For immediate release June 19, 2009	Contact: Erin Donar 202-225-3611

	Kildee Secures $600,000 in Funding for the Greater Flint YWCA
	Funding Will Benefit Program for At-Risk Young Women

	Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) today announced that he has secured $600,000 in funding for the Greater Flint YWCA “Partners in Transition” Program for At-Risk Young Women. This program helps young women as they age-out of the foster care system and begin their lives as adults. The funding was secured in H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which passed the House of Representatives last night. U.S. Senate action on the measure is pending. “This important program assists and supports young women during the often difficult transition between foster care and independent lives as adults. Young women who are just leaving foster care are at higher risk for domestic and sexual abuse, as well as unplanned pregnancies. But through adult mentoring and peer-to-peer support, ‘Partners in Transition’ offers a solid support system to these young women to help get them on the path to success. I am proud to support this program and I am thankful for the services it provides to our community,” said Congressman Kildee. Paul D. Newman, CEO, of the Greater Flint YWCA said: “For most young people, turning 18 is a reason to celebrate. Yet for those in foster care, exited abruptly from the system without support or resources, this milestone can be a frightening prospect. Often these young women have not completed high school and do not possess the skills necessary to gain employment; many end up living on the streets and in homeless shelters. Young women aging-out of foster care are at greatest risk, and many endure domestic violence, rape, and unintended pregnancy. We are grateful to Congressman Kildee and his staff for recognizing the need for a transitional program to assist these young women in Genesee County. The inclusion of the YWCA’s Partners in Transition program in the 2010 Federal Budget will help to address this need in our community.” Click Here to View All Projects in Michigan's 5th Congressional District that Received Funding at the Request of Congressman Kildee.

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