Boundless receives $600K grant to expand after-school services for Valley kids

Nonprofit organization Boundless recently was awarded a $600,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education to expand its after-school services to children in Mahoning and Trumbull counties over the next two years.

The organization plans to use the funds to provide more transportation services, hire additional specialized staff and serve families that do not have Medicaid or other funding sources in low-income areas. These are people who otherwise may not be able to participate in the programs, a news release states.

“Our biggest barrier for our program has been getting kids to our site and then back home. This grant provides funding for three more drivers, gas and maintenance of our buses,” Deborah Smith, director of Behavioral Health at Boundless, is quoted in the release.

The funds will also help support programs including autism fitness classes, a gardening group, a sensory room and community field trips, the release states.

“These kids have already been in school all day when they come to us. So our treatment program goal is to have a lot of fun and focus on social skills, increase positive behaviors, develop friendships and learn new skills,” Smith said.

The Boundless programs will serve about 30 children with intellectual or developmental disabilities, according to the release.

Boundless’ fall programs will begin in mid-August. To learn more, parents can visit the organization’s website or call 800-409-2729.