Governor's Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee
Awards $13,478 to NuCity Corp in Newark

TRENTON - The New Jersey Governor's Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Committee has awarded a grant to NuCity Corp to involve disadvantaged young people in Newark in a program entitled, Spirit of Newark, Drum and Bugle Corps. The award is in the amount of $13,478.

This Summer Expansion Program grant provides young people with technical music training, and basic and advanced marching skills. It also instructs students in maneuvering to produce geometric designs, modern dance, free floating movements, flag synchronization and choreographed Broadway Stage theatrics. Through these music-based skills, the participants learn the concepts of teamwork, dedication, fellowship and commitment. After learning various musical and performance skills, the Corps will travel to Ohio for a performance and to Boston where they will perform at the Drum Corps International Championship. The grant allows 12 students between the ages of 10 and 17 to attend the program.

"We are very happy that the JJDP Committee has provided us with this funding, without which we would not have been able to bring these 12 deserving young people on our tour. We are grateful and would like to thank the JJDP Committee and JJC for everything they have done to help us. We hope that we can do more together in the future," said Glenn Eng, Project Director, Spirit of Newark, Drum and Bugle Corps.

The Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC), as the designated planning authority for the allocation of federal grant funds, works with the JJDP Committee to identify appropriate programs, award funds and monitor their success. The JJDP Committee is responsible for the distribution of more than $3 million in federal grant awards annually to local and state agencies. The JJDP Committee reviews proposals for programs that aim to reduce delinquency and/or seek to create local delinquency prevention strategies. Programs that receive funding work with individuals, families and communities to reduce the risk factors associated with delinquency. Programs that demonstrate success are eligible for continued funding for a maximum of three consecutive years.

"The JJC is committed to helping local communities address the specific needs of their young people. It is important to allow these young people a chance to engage in positive programs that keep them on the right track during the summer months," said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director, JJC. "We know that the earlier we reach out to children, the better chance we have of ensuring that they lead productive lives."

Created in 1995 to bring together services for delinquent young people, the JJC is the single state agency responsible for providing juvenile correctional rehabilitation and parole services. The JJC also funds local prevention programs that divert young people from involvement in the juvenile justice system.

The project is monitored by staff from the Program Development and Prevention Services arm of the JJC's Office of Local Programs and Services.

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com