The Franklin Youth Initiative program has received a $10,000 grant from Investors Bank. The grant was acknowledged at the June 14 Township Council meeting with a commendation to Investors' vice president and Somerset branch manager Michael Harris, and a presentation by Harris of a ceremonial check. The bank has given the program $70,000 in the last seven years, said Township Councilwoman Kimberly Francois (D-At Large). The program was started in 2007, and has as its mission making "the Township better for teens by developing and organizing safety, social services, and prevention programs, teen trips and events, creating recreational and educational programs, and creating employment opportunities,” according to its web site. The FYI runs a number of mentoring, after-school help, sports and activities programs in township elementary schools and the high school. The Investors' grant will allow FYI to maintain and expand current programs, Francois said. The program also runs a teen drop-in center in Franklin Middle School which will also be expanded, Francois said. “We’ve been able to touch the lives of over 1,000 kids,” she said. Dab Glicklich, who was a councilman when the program was started, said FYI “has not only saved lives, but it also saved money for the township and taxpayers. Bruce Medley, the FYI coordinator, said FYI will start in September a transition program for students entering the high school. Also, three schools will offer homework support programs, he said. Harris said that when he first came to the township, he looked for programs to support that wold be “impactful, that would make a difference." “I am blessed and fortunate to work for a bank that provides me with the liberty and the opportunity to support things I think are worthwhile,” he said.
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