Rum River Project

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 Sheriff's Youth Programs of Minnesota plans to use their funds to enhance and expand programming by adding a transitional housing section on the Rum River Equestrian Farm in Princeton, Minnesota. The Sheriff's Youth Programs acquired the facility in 2007. There is a three bedroom house on the property that will accommodate the transitional housing. Homeless young adult men and women 18-21 will use the single room three-bed facility to help them live successfully on their own. They will receive financial guidance, help in how to apply for employment, obtain health insurance, and learn independent living skills to transition into adulthood. The program also increases their self confidence, self-responsibility and self-awareness. A full-time staff member performing case management will supervise the transitional housing residents.

NCA/NCF