St. Petersburg, FL - Congressman Charlie Crist (D - St. Petersburg) announced a $4.5 million grant to AMIKids, a youth development non-profit with a significant presence and impact in Pinellas county. Distributed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Reentry Project grant awards fund community organizations and support projects serving young people involved with the criminal justice system.

"Everyone deserves a second chance - especially our children. This $4.5 million grant will allow our community to help bridge the gap for troubled youth, connecting them to the support and mentorship opportunities they need to rebound and ultimately thrive," said Crist. "AMIKids is a terrific resource for children and families throughout the Tampa Bay area, providing crucial interventions to break children out of harmful patterns and environments. I am grateful to see our government investing in change-makers like AMIKids, who are dedicated to moving our youth towards a brighter future."

Serving 135,000 children in nine states, AMIKids offers a variety of programs for children both within and outside of the juvenile justice system. Within Pinellas, the AMIKids Pinellas Center for Personal Growth in Pinellas Park provides preventative intervention for children involved in the juvenile justice system, serving over 5,000 students at its Day Treatment program since 1972.