Legislator Richard Nicolello approved an ordinance to appropriate $145,000 to the Nassau County Foster Grandparents Program. The Department of Senior Citizen Affairs will oversee the usage of the aid to the program. The service establishes relationships between senior citizens and children with special needs. Many of the participating children have some form of physical, mental or emotional problems and the seniors attempt to alleviate some of their conditions with one-on-one interaction.

"This legislation was an important one because it helps two very important groups of people in our society, the elderly and children. The willingness of the seniors to participate and try and change a young person's life is more than enough for me to realize how important this program is," Nicolello said.

The federal funding will go toward allowing senior citizens of Nassau County to continue to work with young children who may not have this type of influence in their lives. Foster Grandparents can be found in a variety of different environments throughout the county, including schools, hospitals, day care centers and group homes.

"When I hear about the Foster Grandparents program I think it is a perfect match because these children often need guidance and reassurance in their lives. Who better to provide those essentials than seniors who lived it and very often helped raise their own children and grandchildren. If all else fails in the program, then hopefully at least we helped create a lasting and constructive friendship between two people," he added. Those who would like more information about the Foster Grandparents program can contact the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at 571-5814.

Legislator Richard Nicolello approved an ordinance to appropriate $50,000 to the Safe Places Program of Nassau County. Safe Places, a program under the direction of the Nassau County Youth Board, is designed to give school children constructive activities after school before their parents come home from work.

"The hours after school are often the most critical in a child's day. The Safe Places program gives youngsters something to do after school so they can stay out of trouble," Nicolello said. The $50,000 will go toward the current Safe Places program at the Hispanic Brotherhood in Rockville Centre. The Rockville Centre program is home to kids ranging from kindergarten through high school.

The Hispanic Brotherhood is the only Safe Places program currently operating in Nassau County. Kids participate in a variety of different activities along with getting help with schoolwork. High school age children are often responsible for aiding younger children with the day's homework. "The older children working with the younger ones shows what type of students are in the program," Nicolello said. "Caring and dedicated young people are the backbone of our society and this program helps nurture those important principles." The Hispanic Brotherhood has ties with various organizations throughout the county. They use the facilities at Molloy College in Rockville Centre for sports and often conduct basketball games with a youth group in Glen Cove.

Governor George Pataki initiated the Safe Places Program in New York State. It gives communities the opportunity to establish positive youth developmental programs during non-school hours. These individual programs very often have ties to local libraries, museums, community centers and youth groups. Besides just after school, Safe Places operates on weekends, holidays and vacations including the summer to cater to the needs of school-aged children. Safe Places programs include leadership and empowerment programs, job-readiness activities, homework assistance, tutorial programs, community service projects, cultural enrichment activities and mentoring programs.

Nicolello added, "Children now have the opportunity to do something other than just hanging out after school. They can receive help with homework or participate in activities that will better prepare them for life while having fun at the same time.