Shafter "ACES" (A Community Ensuring Success)

This grant program is authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5) (the 'Recovery Act') and by 42 U.S.C. 3751(a). The stated purposes of the Recovery Act are: to preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery; to assist those most impacted by the recession; to provide investments needed to increase economic efficiency by spurring technological advances in science and health; to invest in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits; and to stabilize state and local government budgets, in order to minimize and avoid reductions in essential services and counterproductive state and local tax increases. The Recovery Act places great emphasis on accountability and transparency in the use of taxpayer dollars.

Among other things, it creates a new Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board and a new website ' Recovery.gov ' to provide information to the public, including access to detailed information on grants and contracts made with Recovery Act funds.

The Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program funded under the Recovery Act is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. Recovery JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system, from multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces to crime prevention and domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives. Recovery JAG funded projects may address crime through the provision of services directly to individuals and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice systems, processes, and procedures.

The city of Shafter will use their FY 2010 Recovery Act JAG funds to hire a part-time Youth Service Director (YSD) to develop and oversee programs for youth in Shafter. This person will act as the liaison between the kids, community and businesses in the area, police department, city of Shafter, schools, and other youth service providers to enhance and improve resources for youth in Shafter. Working under the direction of the police chief (or designee), the YSD will coordinate the efforts of recreational aides and volunteers to develop and deliver activities and programs that cover a broad range of needs for the youth. Youth will be exposed to positive activities and works in an effort to maximize their potential through sporting events, cultural awareness programs, arts and crafts, crime prevention programs and mentoring opportunities, public service projects and other recreational opportunities. The YSD will also communicate concerns in the areas community crime prevention programs and initiatives.

NCA/NCF