3 give $50,000 to start Amer-I-Can program

YOUNGSTOWN -- Three local businessmen will contribute $50,000 to help establish a program aimed at helping people improve their lives.
Anthony Lariccia, Anthony Cafaro Sr. and Bruce J. Zoldan will present the $50,000 check today to NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown, Mayor Jay Williams and Andrea Mahone, community youth director.
The check is to provide seed money to establish an Amer-I-Can program in the city. The program will be administered by the Increase for Peace initiative operated by the city, city schools and Mahoning County Juvenile Court.
Mahone operates the Increase for Peace program.
Brown founded Amer-I-Can, which is designed to equip participants with skills needed to overcome obstacles in their lives and to achieve their full potential.
The program's curriculum is designed to empower people to take charge of their lives.
The three local businessmen said they hope the seed money will generate interest in the program and provide a springboard for more contributions for the program. Some areas that offer the program have realized a reduction in gang violence, supporters said.