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| (L to R): Bruce Campbell and Erica Grantier (Allegany County Program Coordinator) |
The Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) recently
presented a grant of $850 to Family Service Society to support the agency’s
youth mentoring programs at Genesee Valley and Whitesville Central Schools.
This award came about through the foundation’s Allegany Fund – an endowment
that supports a variety of local projects each year.
According to FSS Youth Services Director Mike Foster, the
grant will be used for a mural project at Genesee Valley, and also to fund
pottery classes at Whitesville. “Genesee Valley used last year’s funding for
pottery classes, and the children loved it” Foster noted. “We wanted to give
Whitesville students that same opportunity. Both programs,” he added “will use
the funding for yoga classes. This is a brand new opportunity for our youth to
learn important coping skills and relaxation techniques.”
The GVCS and WCS mentoring programs are expected to serve 20
and 40 students, respectively.
Participants and high school student mentors are identified through
GVS/WCS faculty and staff recommendations. Ms. Erica Grantier serves as
coordinator for both sites.
Family Service Society is now affiliated with the New York
State Mentoring Program (formerly affiliation with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters
program). Research has demonstrated that students involved in a mentoring
program are more confident and caring, and significantly less likely to fight,
skip school, or abuse drugs or alcohol.
The Allegany County Area Foundation holds assets of 9.4
million dollars. Endowed funds, like the
Allegany Fund, grow in perpetuity to enrich and improve the lives of county
residents. If you would like more
information on how you can provide a legacy of hope and good will in our
community, please contact Bruce Campbell at the Allegany County Area Foundation
at 585-296-5616 or visit the ACAF web site at:
www.alleganycountyareafoundation.org.
