The State of Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Program presented at check in the amount of $61,000 to the Organized Community Action Program (OCAP) in Troy on Wednesday. The funds are in support of OCAP’s Child Abuse Prevention programs.

State Rep. Alan Booth, R-Troy, presented the check to Timothy Kemp, Fatherhood coordinator and local OCAP and state representatives.

In speaking of OCAP assistance programs, Booth said the funds would be used to the benefit of many and at the place where “the rubber meets the road.”

Booth said he grew up without air conditioning and he knows what it means to have the benefit of a fan.

“I know what it’s like when the temperature is 100 degrees and you live under a tin top,” he said. “These funds will provide opportunities to many who would not have had these opportunities otherwise. I thank God for those who dedicate their time and energy to those who are not as fortune.”

Wanda Moultry, Troy OCAP director, said Wednesday was a good day.

“Any time we get money to support our programs, it’s a good day,” Moultry said. “We greatly appreciate the funds and the support of the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Program. These funds make it possible for us to do more good things for more people. And, that’s why we are here, to do for others.”

Troy Mayor Jason A. Reeves said it is encouraging to see money flow through the city and to programs like OCAP’s Fatherhood Program.

“These funds make it possible for programs like this to continue in Troy and Pike County,” he said and added that what a community does for those in need reflects on “who we are.”

Sallye Longshore, Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention (Children’s Trust Fund) executive director, said she is proud of the work that is being done in the area of child abuse and neglect prevention.  The Fatherhood/Motherhood programs help make fathers and mothers better parents, better employees and more dedicated contributors to the community.

Those involved in the Fatherhood program are court referred.

“Strengthening the family is the heart and soul of the program,” she said.

Timothy Kemp, Fatherhood Coordinator, said the purpose of the Fatherhood/Motherhood Initiative in Pike and Bullock counties is to aid fathers and mothers with increasing their knowledge related to the duties involved in parenthood and reintegrating them into responsible family roles.

“To accomplish this purpose, the Fatherhood program offers classes that cover effective job interviewing skills, job searches, continuing education and parenting skills,” Kemp said. “We know the Fatherhood/Motherhood program is working because the number of participants is increasing, especially among the fathers. They are now seeing the value of the program and are staying with it. At one time, we had three fathers who were committed to the program. Now, we have 23. The word on the streets is that the program provides the men with more resources to get their lives on the right track and to keep them there.”