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Funds will provide proven out of school programming for two New Albany schools

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 21, 2016) – Metro United Way, acting on the recommendation of the Community Impact Cabinet and Southern Indiana Council, has awarded $23,170 to Family & Children’s Place. The agency will use the grant to offer out of school programming at two Floyd County Schools – Hazelwood Middle and Slate Run Elementary.

“The mission of our Family & School Services program is to give a hand up to students toward social and academic success,” said Jo Cruz, director of FSS. “By giving us the means to implement our Families and Schools Together (FAST) program, Metro United Way is helping build positive connections and social capital between students, their families and schools.

“In the end, relationships are better, grades are better and behavior is better,” she added.

The grant will provide for eight to 10 weekly sessions at the schools, both located in New Albany, for between seven and 12 families at each school. Hazelwood has more than 950 students in grades five through eight, and 64 percent of students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. Slate Run has more than 350 students in kindergarten through fourth grade, and 73 percent qualify for free or reduced price lunch.

The FAST program, which is built on evidence-based practices and has been rigorously tested, can change children’s lives. Studies have shown that after a single eight-week FAST cycle, children’s school behavior problems improve and emotional problems diminish at home and at school. Additionally, parent-child bonding strengthens, family conflict declines, academic performance improves and children get along better with their parents and with their peers.

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About Family & Children’s Place
Family & Children’s Place protects Kentuckiana children, families and communities from abuse, neglect and exploitation, and helps move them from hurting to healing.  We serve nearly 5,000 children and families annually through trauma-informed and impact-evident services.  For more information about Family and Children’s Place, visit www.famchildplace.org or call 502-893-3900.