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Larson Announces $691,000 in Federal Funding for Our Piece of the Pie

February 28, 2008

On Monday, February 25, Congressman John B. Larson presented Hartford’s Our Piece of the Pie (OPP) with a check for $691,000 in federal funding to support their youth services programs. The money will go directly to OPP two programs. The first is an employment enrichment program that helps out of school youth become productive members of the community. The second provides aid and social services to grandparents who are raising their own grandchildren.

Larson was joined by Bob Rath, President and CEO of Our Piece of the Pie, and Antwan Harris a Hartford resident and former OPP participant. After completion of the youth employment program, Harris went back to school and became a paraprofessional at Hartford Clas¬sical Magnet School.

Congressman Larson also thanked Connecticut Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman for their work in securing the funds for OPP.

OPP engages Hartford youth by offering development programs with a focus on college and workforce preparedness. The youth employment program prepares local out-of-school youth 14 to 24 years old with the necessary skills needed to succeed in the workforce. They provide life coaching and college/post vocational planning for the students.

OPP’s grandparent program offers counseling and guidance to grandmothers who are serving as their grandchildren’s guardian.

“OPP is truly one of the shining lights of our community”, said Larson. “The funding will allow OPP to further their dedication to the growth and development of Hartford’s youth.”

“This partnership with the Federal Government will enable OPP to expand its reach and help even more Hartford youth become successful members of the area’s workforce”, said Rath. “Programs such as these also help the region’s employers meet their labor needs and we thank Congressman Larson for his continued commitment to providing real opportunities for Hartford’s youth.”

For more information about Our Piece of the Pie, please contact Jo-Anne Leventhal at 860-761-7375.