79107 Community Youth Development

The Community Youth Development (CYD) program was established in 1995 through funding authorized by the 74thTexas Legislative session for the purpose of reducing the high incidence of violent juvenile crime in areas of Texas. Texas counties having the highest number of juvenile arrests for violent offenses were identified in 1995 by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), followed by identification of zip codes with the highest number of juvenile probation referrals within each of those counties. Eleven zip codes were initially funded by the 74th Legislative session with two zip codes added in each of the two subsequent legislative sessions (fifteen zip codes are currently funded throughout Texas). Effective September 1, 2010, United Way of Amarillo & Canyon became the new fiscal agent responsible for managing the Amarillo CYD program. This transition was made easier and much more manageable through collaboration with the Amarillo Area Foundation. Mary Jane Nelson continues to be the main contact for the 79107 program.

 

Amarillo Area Foundation had served as fiscal agent for Amarillo's CYD program since its inception in 1996, managing funds provided by DFPS for the 79107 CYD program. During this time, CYD funding for Amarillo's program totals nearly $8M.

 

CYD programs are available at no cost for youth 10-17 years of age living in the targeted zip code (79107), or attending a school located within the zip code. Because the CYD program is intended to deter juvenile delinquency through "prevention" in the selected zip codes, youth who have already been involved in the juvenile justice system are ineligible to receive services through this funding source. For more information contact Mary Jane Nelson, Assistant Program Director at maryjane@unitedwayama.org.