For more information, contact:
John Tyson
Office 251-338-1284
jtyson@hfialabama.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Helping Families Initiative, A Program of VOA Southeast, Gains a $500,000 Increase in Funds to Tackle Truancy and Support Alabama Students
Mobile, AL – The Helping Families Initiative (HFI), a vital program of VOA Southeast founded by former district attorney John Tyson, has received a significant funding increase from the State of Alabama. This year, HFI’s budget has been raised by $500,000, bringing the total to $3.3 million annually. This funding will be distributed across 21 counties to support case managers addressing the root causes of truancy among children.
Since its inception over 20 years ago, HFI has worked to keep Alabama students in school by partnering with local school systems. With a focus on resolving issues before they escalate to the criminal justice system, the program sends letters home to parents via the district attorney’s office when children skip school. This approach, endorsed by Alabama State Sen. Arthur Orr, has proven effective in capturing the attention of families.
“We have to find out the circumstances of the child, of the student if you will,” Tyson said. “That involves more than just the student. If you notice, the program is called the Helping Families Initiative because we think the students’ behavior frequently is a symptom of another problem. We look for the underlying root cause of the symptoms.”
Tyson emphasized the impact of truancy on future success, noting that missing 10 to 14 days of school in the 9th grade reduces the chance of graduating by 60 percent. He expressed pride in the program’s ability to allocate 85 percent of the new funds directly to district attorney’s offices to enhance their efforts.
“What we try to do is make sure that every child in Alabama attends school regularly and behaves while they are there,” Tyson added.
For more than two decades, HFI has been a community-driven effort to support families and ensure students stay in school. Director John Tyson reiterated the program’s mission to address problems early, preventing them from entering the criminal justice system.
For further information and latest updates, see additional coverage by multiple news outlets:
- Chronic absentees drop 45% in Mobile County; DA credits ‘Helping Families Initiative’ (1819news.com)
For more information about the Helping Families Initiative, please contact John Tyson at jtyson@hfialabama.com.
About VOA Southeast
VOA Southeast is a nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Our ministry of service has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, homeless individuals and families, those recovering from addictions and many others. Through our human service programs, including housing and health care, VOA Southeast helps over 47,000 people annually. Our work touches the mind, body, heart and ultimately the spirit of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services.