FAMILY SERVICES OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY RECEIVES GRANT FOR BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM

HARRISBURG, May 28, 2003 - State Senator Connie Williams (D-Montgomery/Delaware) today announced that Family Services of Montgomery County recently received a $5,000 grant to help fund a bullying prevention program.

“The Bullying Prevention Program focuses on the emotional and physical well-being of young people and on the prevention of abuse and violence in schools,” Williams said.

Family Services has worked in the past with at least one Lower Merion Township elementary school to implement the Bullying Prevention program.

Williams said that Family Services’ goal is to expand its program to several more schools in both the Upper and Lower Merion School districts.

“Victims of bullying may exhibit physical problems, school phobia, symptoms of depression, and low self-esteem,” Williams said. “I am pleased that Family Services of Montgomery County received the grant to address this problem.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development awarded the funding through its community-development projects program.