TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators John A. Girgenti and Nicholas J. Sacco which would establish a State grant program in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for youth mentoring programs was approved by the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee today by a vote of 4-0, with one abstention.
“Given the almost constant exposure to violence and massive levels of peer pressure kids face growing up in today’s society, it’s not really a surprise that many kids are making bad decisions, the repercussions of which will haunt them for the rest of their lives,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Passaic and Bergen, and Chair of the Law and Public Safety Committee. “Youth mentoring programs, which direct kids to more productive and positive avenues for their talents and interests, play such an important role in encouraging kids to avoid mistakes that could lead them to prison, or worse. New Jersey must support these programs that support our kids, and help keep at-risk kids on the right track.”