FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Hines Tomlinson, The DREAM Program Inc.
Email: mtomlinson@dreamprogram.org
Phone: (802) 338-8979
DREAM EXPRESSES GRATITUDE FOR DOJ FUNDING TO EXPAND MENTORING PROGRAMS IN VERMONT
WINOOSKI, VT (Nov 12, 2024) — The DREAM Program (DREAM) is delighted to express our sincere gratitude for the invaluable support provided by our joint Vermont congressional leadership in securing the recent Department of Justice (DOJ) funding. This generous grant will significantly expand our one-to-one and group mentoring programs, enabling us to reach over 420 young Vermonters (ages 6-17) across 15 to 30 schools throughout the Green Mountain State.
The DOJ's funding will empower us to implement a comprehensive mentoring approach, including school-based instruction aligned with Vermont's Flexible Pathways Initiative. High school mentors will receive valuable credit and instruction, contributing to their own educational success while positively impacting the lives of younger youth.
We are particularly thrilled to receive this three-year, $2 million grant from the DOJ to support peer mentoring for elementary-aged youths in rural communities. This initiative will help prevent high-risk behaviors such as substance misuse and abuse, addressing a critical need in our state.
This is the third such award granted to Vermont mentoring programs since Senator Leahy, as vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, worked tirelessly to expand the program's eligibility to include rural states that have been disproportionately affected by drug addiction. His dedication to youth mentoring programs has been instrumental in our success.
We would also like to acknowledge the invaluable support of Senator Peter Welch, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Representative Becca Balint in advocating for this vital funding. Their commitment to the well-being of Vermont's youth is deeply appreciated.
“DREAM has played an important role in Vermont by providing kids preventative resources through one-on-one and group mentorship—reaching the rural communities that are too often left behind. I am thankful the Department of Justice is helping DREAM extend their services here in our State so they can continue to help connect kids to brighter futures and more opportunities, especially as kids face more pressure to try drugs or alcohol,” said Senator Welch.
With this new funding, DREAM is poised to make a profound difference in the lives of countless young Vermonters. Together, we can create a brighter future for our communities by fostering positive relationships, providing mentorship opportunities, and empowering youth to reach their full potential.
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