Two local youth programs received funds from the Centre County United Way, enabling the groups to continue helping children who have lost a parent. Day-care facilities also will be supported.

The Centre County Youth Service Bureau and the Bellefonte YMCA received the funding through the Centre County United Way Endowment Fund, said United Way Executive Director Howard Olson.

Two awards are given annually -- the Venture Grant, which provides "seed money" to support new and innovative human service programs, and the Special Grant for supplies for pre-school, kindergarten and elementary school programs.

The Venture Grant, in the amount of $3,500, was awarded to the youth bureau's Big Brother/Big Sister program and the Special Grant, in the amount of $500, was given to the Bellefonte YMCA.

United Way grants are awarded on the basis of proposals submitted by organizations who need funding. The organizations that show the greatest need for money will receive a grant, said Bellefonte YMCA Director Sandra Chubbs.

This year, 12 organizations asked for funding.

The youth bureau turned in one of the winning proposals, which described the service's program for children between the ages of seven and 10, who have lost a parent through separation, divorce or death, said Centre County Youth Services Executive Director Norma Keller.

The group, including the children and their Big Brother or Big Sister, meets four hours, one day a week during the summer. The first hour is devoted to counseling, in which staff members help the children express feelings of sadness and confusion over the loss of their parent. The remainder is spent in recreational activities, such as fishing and swimming.

"Very often, children feel that they're the only kids in the world in this situation," said Keller. "By bringing them together, it shows them that they're not the only children with the same problems and it teaches them to express their feelings to the parent."

The Big Brother/Big Sister program assigns volunteers to work with the children. Trained volunteers have to commit a minimum of nine months working with the children, Keller said.

Three hundred children are enrolled in the program. Children are referred to the program by either themselves, a school official or a parent because of a need for positive and emotional support, Keller said.

The Bellefonte Family YMCA will also use the United Way money for programs geared toward the area youth.

Chubbs submitted her proposal asking for funds because of increased enrollment that caused a higher demand for the program than anticipated.

Children are picked up after school daily and brought to the center for the activities. Although the time is structured, the children choose the activity they want to take part in.

"This is not a school situation but a warm environment," Chubbs said. "The children come in to have fun."

The YMCA also provides a before-school care program. In this case, staff members pick up the children and walk them to school.