GRANT PROGRAM DESIGNED TO HELP YOUTH RECOVER AND HEAL FROM PANDEMIC

Published on February 11, 2022

HARTFORD, CONN (February 11, 2022) – Today, Mayor Luke Bronin and the Department of Families, Children, Youth and Recreation (DFCYR) announced the second round of its youth engagement grant program, called the “Hartford Unity Grant”. The Hartford Unity Grant, made possible by American Rescue plan funds, is seeking applications for projects that will help Hartford’s young people recover and heal from the isolation and disruption of the pandemic.

Programs should offer social/emotional development opportunities for youth and can focus on recreation, employment, and enrichment. Other examples of program components include mentorship, positive peer relationship building, sports and recreation, mental health and coping skills, basic life skills, financial literacy, or entrepreneurial/business development.

The Hartford Unity (Understanding the Needs In Today’s Youth) grant program is targeted towards Hartford youth up to age 24, especially youth who are justice-involved, disengaged, or disconnected as well as adolescents in middle-school grade, young children under 5, girls under 18, youth living in high-need neighborhoods, and mental health and/or wellness services.

“We've dedicated a significant portion of our American Rescue Plan funds to helping our young people reconnect, recover and heal after all they've been through the past two years, and the Hartford Unity grant program is an important part of that effort," said Mayor Bronin.  "We've got some great youth serving organizations in our community, and this grant program helps give them the resources they need to reach more young people and do more for the young people they serve.  From sports, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial development to mental health services, life skills, and mentorship, we look forward to partnering with our community to support our kids in every way we can.”

“The best way to overcome the disruption of the pandemic is to re-engage and re-connect,” said Kim Oliver, Director of the Department of Families, Children, Youth and Recreation. “The Hartford UNITY Grant provides individuals and organizations the resources they need to help our children and youth succeed and thrive.”