Feb 13, 2006- Kaptur Announces "Real Valentine" for Toledo Youth and Families

Toledo,Ohio --Calling it "a Real Valentine" for area youth and families,Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) announced $200,000 in federal support todayto the Connecting Point, an intervention and treatment facility in Toledo.The award contributed to the facility's plans to expand and renovate its CherryStreet campusbuildings. This is part of a two-phase initiative over the next three yearsthat will include the addition of a residential facility. It will allowresidential services for both genders and the integration of a residential andintensive outpatient treatment center for youth with a dual diagnosis of mentalhealth and substance abuse.

"I applaud the caring work of the Connecting Point board, and staff, intheir unwavering commitment to improving the lives of each of our areasyouth," said Kaptur. "Our community believes in the potential ofevery young person. By securing a firmer foundation for them in their earlyyears, we know we will save lives. We also will see the benefit of this criticallife-saving facility providing at risk youth the chance to grow intocontributing members of society."

Statistics show that 25 percent of youth experience mental health orsubstance abuse problems. Many times these diagnoses are interlinked as youth wronglytry to self-medicate with alcohol or street drugs. In the greater Toledoarea, nearly 30,000 youth do not graduate from high school and many of theseyouth have spent time with the juvenile criminal system.

This award resulted from legislation passed by the Congresswoman as part ofthe Housing and Urban Development (HUD)/Economic Development Initiative (EDIprogram for Fiscal Year 2006.)

Kaptur joined Connecting Point director, Jeff Deckebach, for today's awardannouncement. "We really appreciate Marcy's support and we know it will bea great addition to our community." Said Deckebach, "We hope thatMarcy will be as proud of this project for the kids and families of Toledo and northwest Ohioas we are." Kaptur added, "I would like to call upon ourcommunity to offer its assistance to youth served by Connecting Point and helpmatch this support so every young person has a chance to succeed in living afull life."

Connecting Point is the largest child and youth-focused social serviceagency in northwest Ohio.It is the treatment provider for youth participating in the Lucas County Juvenile Drug Court.The organization offers a broad range of prevention, advocacy, and treatmentservices for children, youth, and families.