NIA - Nurturing, Independence and Aspirations

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The Young Women's Christian Association of Greater Cleveland will use the grant for the Nurturing, Independence, and Aspirations (NIA) program. The goals of NIA are to prevent or combat criminal behavior in young women through encouraging and supporting educational achievement, preventing homelessness, and developing positive life skills and job readiness competencies in young women aging out of foster care. This is achieved through comprehensive services and support for individual empowerment and success. NIA targets young women, ages 16 through 22, who are currently in foster care and/or have recently aged out of foster care. Many young women in the target group have serious physical and mental health challenges, have experienced domestic violence, lack adequate child support, and lack any meaningful work experience and knowledge of basic workplace norms. Each participant will engage in enrichment and education services that include: (1) education support to complete high school through GED classes, enter a vocational training program, or be accepted at a college or university; (2) life skills training to build confidence and self-esteem, develop conflict mastery/anger management and decision making skills, prevent alcohol and drug abuse, and implement positive life plans; (3) job readiness and employment assessment to identify career path and appropriate training; and (4) parenting classes to teach nurturing parenting routines, positive discipline techniques, child development, and ways to build self-esteem and self-concept in children.

NCA/NCF