Agencies retained for mentoring programs

YOUNGSTOWN -- The Youngstown City School District will continue using two outside agencies to provide services for its fifth- and sixth-grade mentoring programs.
The board of education has approved contracts with the Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic of North Canfield-Niles Road , Austintown, and Recovery Restoration Inc. of West Delason Avenue.
Both organizations were involved in the program last year and will continue their services under the new agreements, said Dr. Wendy Webb, superintendent.
The contract amounts are the same as last year. Neil Kennedy Recovery will be paid $61,702 while Recovery Restoration will get $44,985, Webb said. Both contracts will be paid with federal grant funds.
The agencies will provide a variety of program activities that include tutoring, cultural activities and etiquette, as well as mentoring, Webb said.
A key focus of the program is to promote self-responsibility and accountability among the children, she said.