Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that SCAN (Serving Children and Adolescents in Need) has been awarded a total of $5.5 million through five separate grants that will help in the prevention of AIDS/HIV, assist run-away kids transition back into stable living environments, and help those suffering from substance and drug abuse. The grants were awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services.

“As a member of Congress, ensuring that our citizens live in a healthy environment is an issue I take very seriously,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I commend SCAN for working hard to secure this grant that will help improve the lives of many of our residents.”

One of the grants, the Border Enhancement and Expansion Act (BEEP), will expand and enhance substance abuse treatment and outreach services to those who might be at risk of contracting AIDS/HIV or those who are suffering with the disease. This $2.5 million will also be used to encourage follow-up testing every six to 12 months. In addition, home visitations, education, counseling, mental health services, and medical services also will be provided.

The second grant, known as the Futuros Saludables Recovery Services Program, is aimed at assisting those suffering from substance and drug abuse. This grant for $1.4 million will help establish peer-to-peer recovery services and help prevent substance abuse and relapse, while at the same time monitoring the clients’ progress.

The third grant, the Corazon Street Outreach Program, and the fourth grant, Arcoiris, will provide education and prevention services for runaway, homeless, and street youth who have been subjected or are at risk of sexual exploitation or abuse. This combined total of $1.3 million will also help these youth move and adjust to a stable and living environment. Outreach workers will provide the youth with supportive guidance, clothing, education, and transportation to the agency’s Emergency Youth Shelter. As part of the project, counselors and case managers will provide sexual abuse screening and assessment, substance abuse services, and individual, group and family counseling. This grant will also provide transitional living housing for these individuals.

The fourth grant will assist SCAN in continuing operating its emergency shelter. This $379,500 grant will serve youth up to 18 years of age who are homeless, runaway, and living on the streets. The awarded money will help SCAN conduct runaway and homeless youth community-wide prevention and will also provide 24-hour emergency shelter for these individuals. As part of the program, SCAN caseworkers will also help strengthen family relationships and encourage stable living conditions for these youth. Counseling and other types of services will be provided.

“On behalf of SCAN, Inc., I want to thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for his commitment to enhance and expand services in South Texas.  This new funding will give SCAN the ability to enhance some of its current services and to bring new services to this area,” said Isela Dabdoub, Chief Executive Office at SCAN.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.

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