The United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra has contributed $5,000 to launch the Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Northern Nevada "Reaching for the Stars" mentoring program designed to help children of prisoners in Carson City and Douglas County.
The United Way contribution will compliment a three-year grant the organization received in October 2006 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop the "Reaching for the Stars" program in Carson City and Douglas County.
"Reaching for the Stars" was developed to reach some of the state's most challenged youth. Studies have shown children with one parent in prison are 70 percent more likely to end up in prison, and children with two parents in prison are 90 percent more likely to be incarcerated.
As of October 2006, the group had matched 197 Washoe County children of prisoners with mentors.
