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County helps cover fuel shortfall so juvenile program expansion can operate locally
Summary
A nonprofit announced a TJJD grant to expand a Community Connections juvenile services program in Zapata County; commissioners approved allowing the probation department to use existing line items to cover an estimated $10,000 fuel shortfall so services can be delivered locally.
Cindy Leon, identified as the regional executive director for a national nonprofit, told the court on Oct. 27 that the organization won a one‑year Texas Juvenile Justice Department grant of roughly $38,000 to expand the Community Connections program into Zapata County. The program provides case management, family counseling and monitoring intended to reduce youth justice involvement.
Leon and staff explained the grant did not fully cover local travel and mileage for a case manager who must travel from a neighboring county. "They did allocate money for fuel... but that's still not going to be enough," a program representative said. Staff estimated a county contribution for fuel of about $10,000 annually to support in‑county services.
Commissioner Solis moved and Commissioner Moya seconded a motion to allow the county probation department to use available line items to cover the shortfall so the program can begin operations; the motion carried by voice vote. Commissioners noted the nonprofit’s plan would serve local youth and that program staffing and budget details will be coordinated with the court and the nonprofit.
Staff said the grant could be renewed beyond the first year if the program performs as expected; commissioners asked for follow-up reporting on expenditures and participant counts.
