Youngstown center for at-risk youth, those who have completed prison sentences gets funding

The Youngstown Foundation announced $100,000 in grants to be allocated toward a Youngstown learning center for at-risk youth and individuals who have completed prison sentences.

The organization, United Returning Citizens, trains individuals to find jobs after serving their prison sentence. It also helps at-risk youth toward achieving success in school and staying off the prison pipeline.

“We’re very excited about the new learning resource hub at United Returning Citizens and this organization’s dedication to at-risk youth and individuals who have served their time to society and are looking for a second chance,” Youngstown Foundation President Lynnette Forde said.

Dionne Dowdy-Lacey, executive director at United Returning Citizens, said renovations that began last month will be the latest improvements to the offices at 611 Belmont Ave.

“We’re looking forward to being a stronger resource for returning citizens and at-risk students,” Dowdy-Lacy said. “Our new learning resource hub will expand our capacity to help these individuals find their paths to success.”

These grants are a part of over $400,000 in grants the foundation is allocating for improving the city. Other portions of the grant are allocated to different projects and nonprofits, such as the United Way’s Youngstown Care Closet and renovations for Youngstown Business Incubator’s main building.

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