CITY program has new name, same service

By Staff
Melissa Cason
The CITY Program might have a new name, but the program offers the same services to at-risk youth in Franklin County
Ramona Roberson said the program became the Special Programming for Achievement Network Oct. 1 due to restructuring on the state level.
"We are the same program," Roberson said. "We can expect to service about 60 students each year, and we will continue our work in Franklin County."
The program has fallen under the Department of Youth Services umbrella instead of the post-secondary education umbrella.
"The decision to put the program under DYS was made by lawmakers in Montgomery," Roberson said. "Our program has been successful in Franklin County and expect that trend to continue."
Roberson said the program offers an alternative to other disciplinary measures by the juvenile court system. The program helps students prepare for re-entry into the school system; obtain a GED; or enter the work force.
Since 1999, the program has helped numerous students in Franklin County to obtain a new start through counseling and education.
Roberson said the program's advisory board re-structured itself last spring and now works under the Franklin County Youth Development, Inc.
"Our board is looking to take applications for a reading coach, and we will have our annual Christmas open house on December 3," Roberson said. "This is a positive step, and we are looking forward to continue helping students in Franklin County."