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New program aims to help at-risk youth in St. Petersburg

In January, the city launched the Youth Development Grant Program, a new source of funding for local organizations to develop programs for at-risk youth.
Credit: WTSP

We've told you about the car theft epidemic in Pinellas County. Youth stealing cars at records numbers.

MORE: Sheriff: 'We're doing all we can' to curb teen car theft epidemic

Now, The City of St. Petersburg has started a program hoping to help with the problem.

In January, the city launched the Youth Development Grant Program, a new source of funding for local organizations to develop programs for at-risk youth.

The program offers funding ranging from $1,5000 to $25,000 to non-profit organizations dedicated to helping youth.

Sunday morning, 53 applications were reviewed by the City’s Youth Development Grant Review Committee.

The committee will also be making their recommendations to Mayor Rick Kriseman soon.

Cassie Kackley wants youth in her community to succeed. That's why she's a part of the Boys and Girls Club of the Suncoast.

The organization offers numerous programs to kids in City of St. Petersburg.

But they could use more funding to help them grow.

When the City of St. Petersburg announced a new grant development program, Kackley jumped at the opportunity.

He applied for $20,000 to add academic based and workforce development programs to the organization.

“They're going to be the future leaders in our community. So, having opportunities like this with the City of St. Petersburg. It's how we're going to go set up for the next 10-20 years from now. We have to invest back in our youth, we have to invest in future generations,” says Kackley.

Reggie Reed, chairman of the youth grant review committee says teen car thefts are a big issue in the city and hopes investing more money into youth programs will pay off.

“There is no such thing as a bad kid, in my opinion. You just need to put them in the right situation and the right places. I think with all the different resources we have in St. Pete, which we have a ton, we just have to do our job to get the information out there, so that parents and the youth, they're aware that they do have access to these services, so they can improve their lives,” says Reed.

The St. Petersburg youth grant review committee will narrow down which non-profits have been approved to receive the funding in the coming weeks.

A total of $250,000 will be given away.

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