State Senator Thomas A. Colapietro
April 2, 2008
Colapietro Recognizes Youth For Outstanding Achievement, Presents Grant Supporting Cambridge Park
At last night's award ceremony, state Senator Thomas A. Colapietro (D-Bristol) recognized the outstanding achievements of both the Boys & Girls Club and Family Center at Cambridge Park and Youth of the Year award recipient and Trinity College student David Casanova.
Senator Colapietro presented Casanova with a state citation in recognition of his award. Casanova, a Bristol resident who is active in the Boys & Girls Club, for his leadership, dedication, excellence in achievements and positive attitude.
Senator Colapietro then recognized the Boys & Girls Club with a $45,000 state grant that will help support Cambridge Park. The funding will be used for general operating support for the outreach organization, which provides guidance-oriented character development programs for children ages six to 16.
"I was very happy to secure this grant for Cambridge Park, which provides so much to the Bristol Community and to dedicated volunteers like Mr. Casanova," said Senator Colapietro. "Kids depend on the Boys & Girls Club and on the programs that it offers. In tough economic times, the state of Connecticut is looking to fund programs with proven results. In my opinion, I don't think we can afford to not fund this program; it's a case of pay now or pay later."
Since 1995, staff and volunteers at the Cambridge Park Outreach Unit have worked with children who have been exposed to drug use, physical and sexual abuse, neglect, gang-related activity and premature sexual activity. The unit provides a safe and positive haven where children can come to face the pressures they face that can seem overwhelming.
The Cambridge Park unit was de-funded by the Bristol Housing Authority in 2006 due to a severe reduction in funding from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Since that time, the authority and the Boys & Girls Club have worked together to identify alternate funding. The program was in jeopardy of closing without additional resources this spring.
"The program's director, Jay Maia, really deserves a lot of credit for holding this program together during uncertain times," said Senator Colapietro. "I'm proud that I could help him, the staff, the volunteers and the children out with this grant."
The grant was administered by the state Office of Policy & Management and was released from state budget contingency funds.
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