Congressman Adam Smith Announces Funding Request for the King County New Futures Children and Family Advocacy Program
April 14, 2004
Congressman Adam Smith (D-Tacoma) announced today that he is requesting funding for the New Futures Children and Family Advocacy Program in King County.
“The New Futures Children and Family Advocacy Program is a public-private partnership with a record of success,” said Smith. “Investments in our children, such as after-school programs and early childhood education, are important to the success of our community.”
New Futures serves King County, Washington’s poorest, most isolated children with child and family centers in three of the region’s toughest neighborhoods. The heart of their work is children and family programs with after-school programs serving children who are at the greatest risk of failing in school. Pre-K programs offer children and family literacy and parenting skills, and youth programs provide a supportive environment where teens develop a positive support network with peers, and build relationships with adults. The program is funded in part by the Cities of Burien and SeaTac, King County, and The State of Washington Readiness-to-Learn funds. Private funding partners include the Bill & Melinda Gates, Paul G. Allen, Medina, Marguerite Casey, Barry and Ginger Ackerley and Stuart foundations.
Smith requested funding through the 2005 Labor, Health and Human Service, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. It is expected that this bill will be finalized before Congress adjourns this year.