Congressman Higgins announces more than $950,000 for Chautauqua Opportunities Inc.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. (COI) has been awarded a total of $954,759 in three grants through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The largest award, totaling $618,031 will go to COI for the Chautauqua Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood Program. The project will target low-income fathers and expectant fathers ages 16-45 and their families. Activities include education in: parenting, financial literacy, relationship building and emotional regulation. In addition, a partnership with the Salvation Army will address domestic violence, child abuse prevention. Working with the Chautauqua Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Council the program participants will receive substance abuse prevention outreach. A job coach will also be provided and additional employability support will be made possible through collaboration with the Chautauqua Works Workforce Investment Board.
COI will also receive $185,000 in federal funding for the Safe House of Chautauqua County Program and $151,728 for the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Street Outreach Program.
Opened in Jamestown in 1993, the Safe House serves as a temporary shelter for runaway and homeless youth serving more than 120 young people annually. Services provided at the Safe House include: life skills training, health and mental health services, academic assistance, employment training, entrepreneurial and community service opportunities.
The Street Outreach program works as a component of Safe House. The grant will allow expansion of the program to facilitate coordination with Cattaraugus County and the Seneca Nation. COI will use street-based outreach, school presentations and drop-in centers in both counties to provide outreach to homeless and at-risk youth.
