LAUDERHILL — The Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) announced the recipients of approximately $4.97 million for Youth FORCE programs for the 2016/2017 Fiscal Year. The recipients of the award are a mix of continued and new providers in the community.
Youth FORCE (Friends, Opportunities, Resources, Counseling, Education) programs provide middle-school students with year-round services designed to improve self-esteem, develop skills and increase access to community resources. Prior to participation, eligible youth typically present risk factors that include: poor school performance, delinquency, history of abuse/neglect, low-income, residence in high crime areas, among others.
The program has been one of the CSC’s most successful programs over the last few years. Past outcomes of the program revealed that after completion of the program, 75% of participants decreased risky behavior, 80% improved school performance, 95% had no new law violations, and 100% did not get pregnant or cause a pregnancy.
Through the duration of the contracts, CSC staff will monitor outcomes of the participants to ensure that these funds are being utilized in the most effective manner possible. Agencies approved for funding are: Memorial Healthcare System, Harmony Development Center, HANDY, YMCA, Smith Community Mental Health, Hispanic Unity, Center for Hearing and Communication, After School Programs, Urban League of Broward, OIC Florida, Community Access Center, City of West Park and Crocket Foundation.
“The CSC commends our returning providers for their continued pursuit of excellence and welcomes three new partners that have submitted winning proposals to expand the reach of this very impactful program,” said Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, CSC President/CEO.
The Children’s Services Council of Broward County is an independent taxing authority which was established by a public referendum on September 5, 2000, and was reauthorized on November 4, 2014, which, through Public Act, Chapter 2000-461 of the laws of Florida, authorizes the Council to levy up to 0.5 mills of property taxes. The role of the Council is to provide the leadership, advocacy and resources necessary to enhance children’s lives and empower them to become responsible, productive adults through collaborative planning and funding of a continuum of quality care.
