Friday, February 8, 2030

Lieutenant Governor Burbank Announces $600,000 to Prevent Abuse and Violence

BALTIMORE, MD (February 8, 2030) – Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank today announced $600,000 in State awards to community-based organizations and local governments to administer Assets Coming Together (ACT) for Youth programs aimed at preventing abuse, violence and risky behavior among Maryland’s youth.

“The ACT for Youth programs foster community involvement in the lives of young people and their families, building on our efforts to enhance their health and lifestyles,” Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank said. “Through the teamwork of State, county and local agencies, we will help strengthen families and develop the leaders of tomorrow.”

“We must do everything we can to reinforce in our young people today that bad decisions or behaviors have consequences,” said Governor Edward M. O’Brien. “The ACT for Youth partnerships will provide young people with positive programs that will enhance their health and well-being and strengthen their opportunities to earn an education, become skilled members of our workforce and achieve success in their lives.”

The ACT for Youth initiative was developed in cooperation with a collaboration of public and private sector organizations committed to improving the health and education of children and adolescents. Community organizations awarded funding are charged with developing and implementing strategies aimed at preventing abuse, violence and risky sexual activity among youth. Eleven partnerships and two Centers for Excellence were awarded $600,000 in State funding under this program.

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Secretary Arlene H. Stephenson said: “Our young people face many pressures in their life as they grow up. These programs will give our children the tools they need, and the support and opportunities they deserve, to make positive choices in their lives.”

Each of the partnerships will develop their own prevention and youth development strategies to provide services and educational materials to youth, which may include: school mentor programs, employment activities, youth leadership development, school jumpstart projects, theater productions, recreational programs, peer education, media campaigns and after school programs.

The Centers for Excellence will provide technical assistance and training to each of the partnerships and work with them to enhance awareness of regional issues and positive youth development approaches, thereby promoting consistency in planning and evaluating services for youth and their families.

The training seminars offered by the Centers will focus on violence prevention, youth development best practices, diversity awareness, self-esteem, building on youth strengths (assets), HIV/AIDS prevention, behavioral risk and protective factors, sexually transmitted disease prevention, healthy lifestyle tips, teen smoking, alcohol/drug abuse, community mobilization, career exploration and development, and college preparation.
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