Monday, May 4, 2009

Governor Bredesen Recommends $7,500 ARC Grant For Kid's Place

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen has recommended a $7,500 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to assist Kid's Place/A Child Advocacy Center Therapy Project with providing therapeutic counseling, forensic interviews, court preparation and family advocate, and prevention and awareness programs for children who are victims of sexual and/or several physical abuse.

“I am proud to recommend Kid’s Place for assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission,” Governor Bredesen said. “Tennessee’s 52 Appalachian counties benefit tremendously from these grants, and we appreciate the ARC’s investment in the economic growth of our communities.”

“The projects that ARC Grants fund help to prepare East Tennessee communities for continued development and sustainable job creation,” Sen. Doug Jackson said. “The ARC’s involvement adds true value to the region, and we are honored to be on the receiving end of that involvement.”

“ARC grants give Appalachian communities the means to fulfill their unique economic development potential,” Rep. Joey Hensley said. “The leaders of Kid’s Place should be commended for their initiative and determination to encourage growth.”

“Investing in basic infrastructure and quality of life improvement projects is a pre-requisite to successful economic development, and ARC grants make that kind of investment possible in many Tennessee communities,” ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber said. “The funds benefit not only the local communities, but ultimately their region and the state.”

The project will benefit physically and sexually abused children by providing including medical examinations and counseling services, as well as counseling services, advocacy and prevention education to potential victims, non-offending parents, teachers and students. Funding for the $15,000 project will include $7,500 in local funds.

The grant was recommended following an application by Kid’s Place/A Child Advocacy Center Therapy Project and has the support of Executive Director Barbara Brewer, Sen. Doug Jackson and Rep. Joey Hensley. U.S. Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander and Congressman Lincoln Davis also aided in securing the funds.

Allocation of ARC funds is based on priorities set at local levels where community needs are best known. The recommended project will now be forwarded to Washington for review and approval. The Department of Economic and Community Development administers the ARC program in Tennessee. The program provides resources to help leverage community development and economic growth opportunities in Tennessee’s Appalachian communities.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. The commission is a unique partnership composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a presidential appointee representing the federal government. For more information, visit www.arc.gov.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to create higher skilled, better paying jobs for all Tennesseans. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tnecd.gov.