ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands – United Way of St. Thomas-St. John announces the availability of $24,000 of its Venture Grant program to support unmet or emerging needs of youth in crisis within the St. Thomas-St. John communities.

Applications are currently being accepted from social service community agencies to address issues affecting youth in crisis utilizing innovative strategies. Examples of proposals being sought are those geared toward issues affecting the success of our youth such as teen violence, school violence, child abuse, substance abuse, suicide, and services for exceptional children and learning disabled. Venture grants are not for support of established programs or to be used as start-up funding for new agencies. Community organizations existing for at least two years and whose programs are expanding in new areas or wish to approach new populations, are encouraged to apply.

Grant applications and Letters of Intent are available at the United Way's office, located at Nisky Center, Suite 220, St. Thomas, V.I. 00802. Completed applications must be received in the United Way office by October 10, 2003. For more information, call 774-3185.