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City accepts Rapides Foundation grant to run Strengthening Families program, about $85,000
Summary
Council adopted a resolution authorizing the mayor to accept a Rapides Foundation grant to run an evidence-based Strengthening Families program for ages 7-17; staff said the award is about $85,000 and classes will begin in June.
The Natchitoches City Council voted March 24 to authorize the mayor to accept a grant from the Rapides Foundation for the Strengthening Families program, a science-based family skills training curriculum aimed at reducing risk factors and improving outcomes for youth.
Nicole Gray, community outreach and grants manager for the city, told the council the program is "an evidence based parenting program" designed for children ages 7 to 17 and runs 11 weeks. Gray said Dallas Russell, a program officer with the Rapides Foundation, supported the city's application. Gray said the city applied for the full allocation the foundation had available ($100,000) and adjusted the budget during negotiations; she said the award will be "around 85,000."
Gray said the program will be held at the MLK Recreation Center, with classes beginning in June and an April 1 grant agreement start date. The city said it will recruit and pay family coaches for the program rather than relying on unpaid volunteers.
A roll-call vote recorded council approval; members voting "yes" included Eli, Nelson, Smith, Harrington and P.T.
Council members praised the program's goals of reducing substance use and violence risk and supporting family dynamics.
