LCRA GRANT HELPS BUFFALO NATION PROGRAM BECOME A REALITY

  

Buffalo Nation, soon will open “Building 979”, a new center dedicated to helping at-risk teens and young adults.

The center is being made possible thanks to a $23,295 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Giddings.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $7,000 in matching funds from the organization, will equip the new center with ADA-compliant restrooms and upgraded electrical capacity to make Building 979 in downtown Giddings fully accessible, safe, and ready to serve the community.

The program currently operates in borrowed space, and the new building will be Buffalo Nation’s permanent location.

Founder and President Laura Cruise said that their mission is to help teens and young adults in tough situations realize that they have options. Then, they help them make a plan, offering them one-on-one mentoring, life-skills training and exposure to post-secondary education options such as workforce training, military service, trade school and college.

Cruise said intervention and education efforts can reduce the likelihood of high school dropouts, crisis situations, long-term unemployment and incarceration.

The building will also be available as rental venue for community gatherings, workshops and celebrations outside of youth programming hours. In addition, Buffalo Nation plans to host expanded community classes, including technology education for seniors.