LARSON ANNOUNCES FIRST ROUND OF FEDERAL GRANT TO AID SOUTHEND COMMUNITY SERVICES IN HARTFORD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 24, 2003

LARSON ANNOUNCES FIRST ROUND OF FEDERAL GRANT TO AID SOUTHEND COMMUNITY SERVICES IN HARTFORD

HARTFORD- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson today announced that a $65,000 installment of a $500,000 federal grant has been awarded to Southend Community Services (SCS) of Hartford from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funding announced today will allow SCS to plan and develop future services, to determine which of their current services should be expanded and to rehabilitate their existing facility at 427 Franklin Avenue. The remaining $435,000, which will be awarded after SCS has met certain requirements, will fund the new or expanded programs.

"This grant installment will provide a solid base from which Southend Community Services can work to meet the needs of low-income residents," said Larson. "I believe that this full grant will go a long way towards providing new and expanded childcare, employment, youth development and elderly services in the city, helping to build greater economic security for low-income city residents."

Bob Rath, CEO of Southend Community Services said: "Southend Community Services will be able to celebrate its 30th Anniversary in May 2004 with the hope of improved facilities for the thousands of youth, adults and seniors it serves each year in the Hartford community. A new facility will strengthen our capacity to deliver on our mission of promoting independence and economic success."

In a letter sent in June, Congressman Larson urged Clarence Carter, the Director of the Office of Community Services in the Department of Health and Human Services to award the funding to SCS.

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