WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes and Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) today announced $3,735,333 in federal juvenile justice funding for programs based in Baltimore and Cambridge that are designed to provide vulnerable youth with life skills.

“Everyone deserves a chance to succeed,” the lawmakers said. “These programs will empower children through valuable experiences to help them build life skills and connect with their communities. This will help guide at-risk youth through difficult situations by giving them the tools they need to pursue opportunities and thrive.”

Funds come from the Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention program. Awardees include:

• $2,000,000 for Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation – Badges for Baseball Program. This program will connect vulnerable youth with law enforcement mentors from local communities who use team sports to teach life skills

• $990,768 for Maryland DJS ReWire. This pilot project will provide community based juvenile justice services to address young people’s needs regardless of their assessed risk level or readiness

• $744,565 for Connecting For Success – Support and Services for Incarcerated Parents and their Minor Children. This program will include re-entry planning during incarceration and post-release, group interventions including parenting, life skills, and anger management; and mental health treatment for youth

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