FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
-------------------------- 
Of interest to editors and journalists covering the 
Children, Parenting/Family, Education/Mentoring, Regional(Florida)


The Quiet Forgotten -- Providing Scholarships, Mentors, and Hope to
Children of Incarcerated Parents

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - August 7, 2003 (Send2Press Newswire) -- Take Stock
in Children, Florida's premier college scholarship and mentoring program,
has partnered with the Governor's Mentoring Initiative, the Florida
Department of Corrections, and Prison Fellowship Ministries to provide
scholarships, mentors, and hope to children of incarcerated parents. 
Florida's Children of Prisoners: Children of Promise project seeks to
break the cycle of violence, poverty, and academic failure that afflicts
children when a parent goes to prison.

On Thursday, August 7, Governor Jeb Bush hosted a luncheon at the
Governor's Mansion in appreciation of those who have recognized the vast
potential of the Children of Prisoners: Children of Promise project. 
Governor Bush stated,  "It's an honor to host such a fine group of
individuals and corporate executives that truly want to help Florida's
most vulnerable children obtain academic and personal success."

Project partners thanked the sponsors of the initiative, including
executives of ARAMARK Correctional Services, Wexford Health Services,
PRIDE Enterprises, Prison Health Services, Bridges of America, Veridian
Corporation, Pro-Tech Monitoring, and The Windsor Group.

The Children of Prisoners: Children of Promise project asked prisoners at
two state facilities to recommend their middle and high school-aged
children for admission to the Take Stock in Children program.  Children
must meet financial, academic, and behavioral requirements to be
considered for scholarships.  Take Stock in Children will select 70
students who meet the eligibility criteria and provide them with the
scholarships, mentors, and hope that characterize the mission of Take
Stock in Children.

With the help and support of caring adults and the promise of a college
scholarship, children who once were the quiet forgotten will begin to
realize unimagined successes. The historic partnership between Take Stock
in Children, the Governor's Mentoring Initiative, the Florida Department
of Corrections, and Prison Fellowship Ministries gives children of
incarcerated parents hope for a better future.

Since 1995, Take Stock in Children has impacted the lives of more than
7,000 students in the state of Florida.  Students admitted to the program
experience dramatic improvements in their academic attitudes and develop
meaningful relationships with adult mentors.  Within six months of high
school graduation, 80% of Take Stock in Children students are enrolled in
college, compared to 56% of all Florida high school graduates.  A recent
survey found that 97% of Take Stock in Children mentors feel they have
positively influenced the lives of their students, and 93% of students
surveyed wish to continue meeting with their mentors.



MEDIA CONTACT:				          
   Karin Griffin			            
   Director of Strategic Alliances 
   Take Stock in Children 
   +1-904-791-7434 
   kgriffin@takestockinchildren.com 
   
   http://www.takestockinchildren.com 
 



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[source of news = Take Stock in Children]
ref: http://www.send2press.com/2archive/2003/pr_03_0807-takestock.txt 
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