$210,021 grant to boost efforts for at-risk kids; Foundation aids Boys and Girls Club goal.

Byline: John Dignam

WEBSTER - The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts yesterday announced a $210,021 grant to the Webster-Dudley Boys and Girls Club to begin its pilot program to help at-risk teens.

The grant follows a year of planning how to help teens, funded by a $100,000 grant from the foundation.

"The number one reason youths get involved with gangs and gang activity is lack of parent supervision," said Anthony J. Poti, executive director of the club.

What makes the biggest difference in youths' lives is how many adults care for them, Mr. Poti said yesterday morning in an announcement of the grant, at the Colonial Club on Thompson Road.

"It comes down to relationships, not just at the club but throughout the community. It's not basketball, but help, support and guidance" that helps at-risk youths, he said.

The Choices Program was developed to provide that help, support and guidance, he said.

Under the program, 30 at-risk youths, 12 to 18 years old, will be recruited next month for programs, which will also focus on positive relationships with staff members and community service agencies.

Staff members will be trained for the program and will work one-on-one with youths. The program will provide case management and individual plans for youths, and the communities will provide services for the youths.

Also involved are school departments and police departments in both towns, United Way of Webster and Dudley and Dudley District Court.

Goals include increasing the number of youths involved in positive activities after school, increasing the involvement of parents in their children's activities and reducing youth violence and substance abuse.

Other goals include helping the participants develop life-changing skills, such as getting along with others, teamwork and leadership, and setting and achieving individual goals.

Community leaders began developing the program in 2006, because of a high percentage of single-parent families, child abuse, unemployment and school dropouts, and below-average income in both towns.

Foundation President Janice B. Yost has praised the communities' efforts. Yesterday, she said she anticipates additional foundation funding of about $500,000 over the next three years.

She said the program's goal is to help at-risk youths lead productive and satisfying lives. While their lives might not be easy, she said, the program could provide "choices that make it easier."

A community needs assessment, done as part of the program planning, found that service providers and parents-caregivers were concerned about health, safety, education, economic and family issues relating to youths.

Young people participating in the focus groups said they worry most about getting hurt, getting into trouble, and substance use and abuse.

State Rep. Paul J. Kujawski, D-Webster, said growing up today is not the same as growing up when he was young. He said many local youths are "starving for help."

Webster School Superintendent Gregory M. Ciardi praised the program.

He said some youths start life with firm foundations and support, while others don't have that support and "need scaffolding around them."

Dudley-Charlton Regional School Superintendent Sean M. Gilrein said the program should give children who need more help an opportunity to "reach their potential and find success and happiness."

The pilot program and information developed will be evaluated three times during 2008 so that changes can be made in the 2009 Choices program.

ART: PHOTO

CUTLINE: Janice B. Yost, president of the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, talks about the pilot program yesterday.

PHOTOG: T&G Staff/DAN GOULD