House Republican Press Release

August 7, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Powers and Rep. Floren Announce Grant for Family Centers

GREENWICH – State Representatives Livvy R. Floren, R-149^th District and Claudia “Dolly” Powers, R- 151^st District, today announced a $7,500 grant from the state Office of Policy and Management for Family Centers of Greenwich.

Family Centers is a private, nonprofit agency that offers education and human services in Fairfield County. More than 1,000 professionals and trained volunteers work together to provide a wide range of responsive, innovative programs. Through the Family Centers and their five Centers of Excellence, more than 20,000 children, adults, families and their communities have received educational services.

Rep. Powers said, “We’re so lucky to have Family Centers in our early childhood mix. The “Dancing Dolphins” educate both children and their families. Livvy and I are very pleased to recognize their important contribute with this state grant.”

Family Centers at Armstrong Court has been in an ongoing fundraising effort to collect at least $50,000 by the start of the school year on September 1^st to enable them to fund their school readiness class.

Rep. Floren said, “Early childhood education is so important – especially for youngsters in families where English is not the primary language.  The Family Centers program helps students arrive at kindergarten prepared to learn. I am a firm supporter of the concept that school readiness program dollars should follow the child.”