CIS brings more than $250,000 to county years ago
Through Communities in Schools of Marion County, at least $259,845 in grant money was funneled to the county in 2003 for various human services.
Grant awards and their purposes include:
— Parents As Teachers (PAT) — $52,145.
This money was pooled with other grant money and contributions from the five school districts to provide two full-time trained personnel who visit homes and help parents interact with their children.
The grant is renewable and provides funding for training, salaries, curriculum development, monthly newsletter, toys, supplies, and transportation and cell phone expenses for personnel.
CIS director Linda Ogden said the program has proved to be popular in Marion County, with a waiting list of more than 30, so additional funding could be used to train another staff employee in addition to the two employed at present. Ogden said families in every school district are being served.
— Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Trust Fund (countywide — for at-risk PAT clients) — $18,987.
The current PAT program is for children up to three years of age. This grant provides services for those children who need them beyond three years of age. It also provides for more than one monthly visit, if needed.
— Community Service for Suspended/Expelled Students (Hillsboro High School) — $53,664.
— Community Service for Suspended/Expelled Students (Peabody Jr.-Sr. High School) — $54,774.
It is hoped these two programs will reduce the number of students who are expelled or suspended.
— JJA (Juvenile Justice Authority) Title V School-Youth Support Project — $18,709.
Most of this money is being used to contract with Prairie View to provide in-school services for students and staff, as well as group activities for select students.
— Drug Free Communities Support — $60,066.
This federal grant allowed CIS to hire and train a financial manager, giving Ogden more time to concentrate on the programs themselves. It also helps cover administrative costs.
Information on drug and alcohol laws is being provided to parents, and the prevalent issue of "bullying" in schools is being addressed in an effort to improve school climate. Another goal is early prevention of behavior problems among pre-schoolers.
— TASK Tobacco Use Reduction Grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (Marion County Youth Team) — $1,500.
The money is being used by the Marion County Youth Team. Members have been divided into groups to do things such as develop a web site, produce a flyer, organize a meeting including government officials, and organize a year-end celebration.
Communities In Schools of Marion County is an umbrella organization incorporating social service agencies and other organizations such as schools and churches which provide community services.
According to Ogden, the organization is part of a nationwide network whose mission is to help kids stay in school and prepare for life. It provides resources, assistance, and programs for children, youth, and families.
Ogden said each grant CIS receives is designated for specific purposes; therefore, funding still is needed for many programs.
