Cash for street kids

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by GEORGE MADDUX

Fifty of the estimated 2,500 local street youth will have a chance to grab a bit of cash and try to get in on the straight and narrow, thanks to a provincial program announced last week at the Bon dieu dans la rue on Ontario E. The program, entitled Project Hope, will stuff $638 each a month for two years into the empty wallets of the youths, aged 18-24, who agree to a three-point plan.

The first step involves six months of determining aptitudes and organizing a plan, then comes a full year of work training or schooling. The third and final step will be to reinforce the recipient's financial independence. In all, the Ministry of Social Solidarity will be dishing out $419,000 for the cause, which aims to break the cycle of welfare that will otherwise perpetuate itself through generations, according to Ministry spokesman Nicolas Girard. Those who don't get in the program can take solace that the cash is only $30 more per week than young welfare recipients receive on their $508 welfare cheques.

The same ministry also announced another project on Monday, offering services and support to encourage young mothers to stay in school, although no new funds were granted for the cause.

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