Manatee County Government
America’s Promise Alliance names Manatee County in Top 100 list of Best Communities for Young People
MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Nov. 18, 2011) – America’s Promise Alliance, a national youth advocacy organization, recently named Manatee County as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People, Manatee's fifth time on the list.
“Manatee County continues support the development of its young people with a variety of mentor programs, health initiatives and volunteer opportunities,” according to an Alliance press release. “Hands On Manatee helps youth find volunteer opportunities and scholarships, while ManaTEENS offers teens from underserved communities opportunities to give back to their community and attend after-school programs.”
Manatee Board of County Commissioners each year provides funding to 39 community agencies that serve children up to age 17 and their families, using a voter-approved Children’s Services dedicated millage. The Board has budgeted an estimated $8.8 million for those groups in 2011-12.
“We have an excellent foundation of youth programs and services that contribute greatly to enhancing the health, safety and educational needs of our young people,” said Mike Neuges, Manatee County Children’s Services Manager, “young people who have an umbrella of positive supports in their lives have a much better chance to grow up to be successful, contributing members of society, paying their fair share of taxes and taking part in civic life, which benefits all of us.”
America's Promise Alliance recognizes communities that make a youth a priority by implementing programs that keep children in school and prepare them for college and the 21st century workforce. This is the fifth time Manatee County has received the distinction.
According to its website, www.americaspromise.org, the group was founded in 1997 with Gen. Colin Powell as Chairman and chaired today by Alma Powell. It is “a cross-sector partnership of 400+ corporations, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and advocacy groups that are passionate about improving lives and changing outcomes for children.”
For more information on Manatee County Government’s Children’s Services funding, visit www.mymanatee.org/community or call (941) 749-3030.