Youth Endowment grants total $2,000
Pathways, basketball and golf programs benefit

Jason Rhinehardt, Chairman of the Clay County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC), announced this week that the council has awarded $2,000 in youth endowment grants to three local non-profits. These funds are available because of the work of volunteers with the JCPC promoting and organizing the annual Youth Endowment Golf Tournament and because of the widespread community support rendered the endowment by local businesses, individuals and industry.

"Every year we are getting more and more requests for grants. We had to make some tough decisions this year because we had some really good projects presented to the JCPC that we couldn't fund. I am convinced, though, that the youth endowment is one of the best investments we as a community can make in our youth. We are establishing a permanent source of funding that will continue to help our youth be successful. Already, our community has contributed more than $21,000 to our endowment and it will continue to grow. It couldn't happen without the support of everyone in our community and I thank you," stated Rhinehardt.

The Pathways program under the leadership of Mark Leek, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, and Cindy Curtis, Site Director, was granted $1,000 to use for scholarships for youth to participate in the Pathways summer program. The Pathway program is specifically designed for middle school students. During the 2006/2007 school year, Pathways served over 133 youth with an average daily attendence exceeding 35 youth. The program has won numerous awards for its innovative and creative programming in addition to sponsoring a host of recreational life skill activities for students.

The Clay County Youth Recreational Basketball League, under the direction of Doc Staton, was awarded $500 to help youth who otherwise could not participate due to lack of funding. Clay County youth basketball is unique in that every youth who tries out for a team is selected. The League anticipates using the newly constructed gym this season located at the recreation park.

The JCPC also awarded $500 to the Tri State Junior Golf Association to help low income youth participate. The Junior Golf Association is based out of The Ridges Resort and Club, and sponsors tournaments for youth throughout the summer and fall at courses throughout the area. Participating clubs, in addition to The Ridges, include Brasstown Valley Resort, Butternut Creek, Chatuge Shores and Cherokee Hills.

Rhinehardt went on to state, "These programs really help our youth develop into solid citizens, and I am proud to announce these grant awards. We are in the planning stages for the 2007 Youth Endowment Golf Tournament and will be releasing information to the public in the near future. I certainly hope we can count on your support to continue growing the endowment. "

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