Requests for applications will be available beginning Nov. 1 with a Bidder's Conference to be held mid-November. Contracts will be geographically disbursed throughout the county. Contracts of between $500.00 and $5,000.00 will be awarded in December. A total of $75,000 will be awarded.

Applications should reflect the ability of the program to strengthen and enhance youth development programs with resource funds for booster clubs, art organizations, athletic leagues and other existing youth programs.

In providing this funding to community groups, the goal is to keep youth aged 13-18 involved in supervised, positive after-school activities. Generally, when young people are engaged in appropriate activities, they are less likely to become involved in high-risk behavior such as gang involvement, drug use and early sexual activity.

For more information, please contact Belinda Rolicheck at 558-5308.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (HSA) is an outpatient medical system with 9 medical offices located throughout Stanislaus County. The HSA operates the Public Health Department, an Urgent Care Center and multiple programs serving over 475,000 patients and clients each year in Stanislaus County. The HSA also is in local partnerships for the MOMobile project and the Stanislaus Family Practice Residency Program. The HSA has extensive community health information available at its web site www.hsahealth.org