Funds Awarded to 44 Not-For-Profit Agencies Providing Summer Youth Anti-Crime and Enrichment Programs

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Erie County legislature chairperson Betty Jean Grant (D-Buffalo), legislators Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) and Timothy R. Hogues (D-Buffalo), Executive Director of the Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center of W.N.Y. Marlies Wesolowski, community leaders, and excited children at the T.J. Dulski Community Center in Buffalo to announce a summer full of recreational fun and learning with the return of “Summer Primetime” grants. 44 local not-for-profit agencies will receive some level of funding for their summer programs, with the amount of recipients’ grants ranging between $5,000 - $10,000.

“Operation Primetime” takes advantage of the prime summer months to provide new opportunities for children to enjoy structured, healthy activities during the time they are away from school,” said Poloncarz. “Of course, summer time is fun time, and this program provides the types of activities that children enjoy but that also add to healthy development and contribute to their quality of life, a topic I spoke about in my recent ‘Initiatives for a Smart Economy’ address. They will be learning, socializing, and taking part in community activities. Operation Primetime also allows agencies like the Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center to expand programming for the summer and give even more kids a chance to get in on the fun in a safe, structured environment.”

Primetime programs primarily serve youth in need, and offer positive development opportunities, access to safe places for summer programs, and a wide range of activities including arts, community service, recreation, and field trips  that are offered by the various program participants. Programs also include educational components. While many of the recipient programs are located in the City of Buffalo, there are others in Tonawanda, Orchard Park, Eden, Holland, East Aurora, and elsewhere.

Legislature Chairperson Betty Jean Grant said, “These programs funded by operation Primetime provide youths who want to stay on the right track with purpose and structure, as well as the proper supervision.  I appreciate that two of the programs will serve the youths and residents of District 2, which I represent, and who are hard-working, honest people fighting to achieve the American Dream. I am glad that County Executive Poloncarz and the County Legislature worked together to provide this vital funding.”

Legislator Timothy R. Hogues, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, said, “I am proud to stand with County Executive Poloncarz and the County Legislature in supporting the fine programs funded by Operation primetime, including several in District 1, which I am proud to represent.  We can see the success stories of the youths who participate in these programs and create opportunities for them to succeed, instead of falling into poor habits which could lead them on the wrong path.”

Legislator Lynn M. Marinelli said, “These outstanding organizations are receiving funds to provide productive, structured recreational activities to help prevent delinquency, increase youth socialization and stay involved this summer.  This is a successful 10-week school summer- recess that many District 3 residents have taken advantage of over the years. I am proud that about 25,000 – 26,000 children countywide are expected to take advantage of this program, and I appreciate working with the administration of County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz to provide these activities helping out youth.”

Erie County Deputy Commissioner of Youth Services Morgan Williams-Bryant said, “Operation Primetime provides an assortment of avenues for children all throughout Erie County to participate in positive youth development and continuing their educational enrichment throughout the summer.  We have many outstanding organizations that provide quality services and a safe haven for children to build lifetime memories.”

Programs receiving funding are asked to operate from 12pm – 7pm, Monday through Saturday. Prioritized program areas, designed for youths ages 6-18, include academic enrichment; cultural enrichment (arts, music, science); career enrichment; youth leadership, community service and civic engagement; and gang and violence prevention. Supervised recreation may serve as a part of a program but cannot be a program by itself.

Agencies receiving Operation Primetime funding in 2013 include: Girl Scouts, Young Audiences, Cradle Beach, Willie Hutch Jones Sports and Education, Willie Hutch Jones Sports Detention, WNY United Against Drugs & Alcohol, Computers for Children, Buffalo Urban League, Police Athletic league, UB Liberty Partnership, Firsthand Learning, Firsthand Learning Detention, Canisius Entrepreneurship, UB Center for Urban Studies, Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo, University District CDC-Gloria J. Parks, Love Alive Fellowship, Boys & Girls Club of the Northtowns, Seneca Babcock Community Association, Seneca Street Community Development, Valley Community Association, Northwest Buffalo Community Center, Moselle Community Development Corp., PBBC Matt Urban Center, Schiller Park, Community Action Organization, Girls Sports Foundation, Child & Adolescent Treatment Services, Elim Community Corp., Boys & Girls Club of Holland, Boys & Girls Club of East Aurora, Boys & Girls Club of Orchard Park, Town of Tonawanda Recreation, Access of WNY, Boy Scouts, Boys & Girls Club of Eden, Erie Regional Housing Development Corp., Concerned Ecumenical Ministry, Jericho Road Ministries, Peace of the City, Westside Community center, King Urban Life Center, Buffalo Museum of Science, and Be-a-Friend. Total funding for the program is $417,260.

For more information on Erie County Summer Primetime programs, visit: http://www2.erie.gov/socialservices/index.php?q=youth-bureau