ALLENTOWN,  – State Rep. Ana T. Tiburcio, D-Lehigh, announced that Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania received $500,000 in grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee.

These grants are awarded to violence-prevention programs. The funding will grow their advocacy efforts.

“I worked for youth empowerment organizations in Allentown before I took office, and it remains one of my greatest priorities as a state representative,” Tiburcio said. “This funding supports mentorship, prevention strategies, increased opportunities and mental health support. It ensures that this vital organization can expand its programs to reach more at-risk youth, support their staff and provide life-changing services for years to come.”

A total of $500,000 was awarded to CISEPA to continue providing school‑based prevention services for approximately 5,800 students each year. Services include individualized case management, goal setting, attendance and behavior interventions, mental‑health and social‑service referrals, and school‑wide prevention activities aligned with positive climate, engagement and safety goals. Through these services, CISEPA’s mission is to reduce early-warning indicators before they escalate into more serious safety concerns.

Tiburcio added, “As their former Program Coordinator, I am also thrilled that $119,000 was awarded to Fine Feathered Foundation Inc., a nonprofit empowering youth through creativity, education and mentorship.”

These grants are provided by PCCD’s Violence Intervention and Prevention and the Building Opportunities Through Out-Of-School Time programs.

Information provided to TVL by:
Madeline Lylo