In 2013 a group of volunteers with the support of generous donors created a new fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County — At-Risk Boys Fund. The goal for the men and women on the all-volunteer committee was simple. They wanted to make a difference.

Together, they wanted to support programs and projects that will enhance positive educational, work and life experiences for boys and men.

Based on what’s been accomplished, they’re more than well on their way.

This first year of grant making, the At-Risk Boys Fund Grants Committee has awarded grants totaling $11,235 to help over 140 at-risk boys and young men throughout Middlesex County:

$3,080.00 to fund field trips for sixth grade boys who are working on bettering themselves through the X-Men program at Keigwin Middle School, Middletown.

$6,655.00 to support the culinary program for teenage boys working on earning certification in kitchen skills at the Academy of Mount Saint John, Deep River.

$1,500.00 to provide emergency shelter, transitional housing and counseling for boys and their families in need of emergency or transitional housing at Columbus House’s Middlesex Family Shelter Program in Middletown.

Additionally, $10,000.00 from last year’s fundraising event established a permanently endowed At-Risk Boys Field of Interest Fund at the Community Foundation. This fund will grow in perpetuity and all future distributions from the fund will be used to support programs and projects that will enhance positive educational, work and life experiences for at-risk boys and young men.

This is a good start. However, the need is great.

To help grow the fund and reach more boys in more towns the Committee has planned the Let’s Hear It for the Boys event on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester. The community joined in the fun and helped grow this unique and special fund.

To learn more about the event, the boys and young men whose lives are touched by it and to help the committee make a difference, please visit their website www.atriskboysfund.org.