Project REACH was recently awarded a $40,000 federal sub-grant to build a coalition of abstinence education partners in the New York City area. With these funds, the Project is developing an abstinence-only curriculum, drawing on field-tested curricula from around the country for implementation in the New York City area for at-risk youth. 

“There is a great need for abstinence-only education in the New York City area, and Project REACH intends to have an immediate impact on the health and well-being of young people with its life-affirming message,” said John P. Margand, an attorney who is the Project’s executive director. “According to the latest Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, the United States leads the industrialized world in teen pregnancy, and the New York City area has some of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the United States. Abstinence-only curricula have shown great promise both domestically and overseas in reducing premature sexual activity and associated risky behaviors, which include the use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol and violence.” 

Guidelines for the Project REACH curriculum are drawn from the federal definition of abstinence education set forth in paragraphs A through H of section 510 of the 1996 Child Welfare Reform Act. The guidelines teach that abstinence from sexual activity outside marriage is the expected standard for all school-age children, and that a mutually faithful, monogamous relationship in the context of marriage is the expected standard of human sexual activity.

 Project REACH is seeking public (and private) middle schools and high schools that are willing to implement an abstinence-only education initiative as early as January 2004.

 For further information, direct inquiries to:

John P. Margand, Esq.
Executive Director
Project REACH Townhouse
124 East 38^th St.
New York, N.Y. 10016
support@projectreach.org
FAX: 305-489-2283
PHONE: 212-684-9257

-- Promoting the Culture of Life in New York 3250 Westchester Avenue, Suite 210, Bronx, NY 10461 Phone: 718-409-0900 | Fax: 718-409-9259 | info@projectreach.org Program REACH, Inc., aka Project REACH is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. All website content © Program REACH, Inc. 2004