The US federal government this week announced a new round of funding - nearly $120 million - for programs across the country that promote marriage or fatherhood, an initiative that began under President Bush and has now been continued by President Obama. The Administration for Children and Families, (ACF), which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, announced Monday that it was awarding $119.4 million in grants to 120 organizations - $59.9 million for 60 marriage programs and $59.3 million for 60 fatherhood programs.
Among the recipients are religious organizations, state departments of family services and non-profit groups. The maximum grant was $2.5 million, which several organizations received, and the lowest was $338,000 for Youth and Family Services in El Reno, Oklahoma. "A strong and stable family is the greatest advantage any child can have," George Sheldon, HHS acting assistant secretary for children and families, said in a press release. "These grants support programs that promote responsible parenting, encourage healthy relationships and marriage, and help families move toward self-sufficiency and economic stability."
The $119 million is part of a $150-million fund Congress authorized after the initial five-year grants expired at the end of last month. The rest of the money will be used for research, training and administrative costs.
