The Starting Place recently received a $92,000 "Founder's Day" grant from The Jim Moran Foundation, awarded in honor of automotive pioneer and philanthropist Jim Moran for what would have been his 92nd birthday. The Starting Place provides services for children, teenagers, and young adults struggling with substance abuse, mental health and co-occurring issues.

"We are thankful that Mr. Moran's philanthropic legacy lives on through The Foundation's Founder's Day grant," said Dr. Joel Kaufman, CEO of The Starting Place.  "This grant will provide needed support for youth who need better coping skills and guidance before they get stuck on the wrong path."

The grant primarily supports The Starting Place's Therapeutic After-School program, which intervenes before behavioral problems escalate to academic failure, substance abuse, or juvenile crime.  It provides a safe, therapeutic environment for at-risk children ages 5-12 during after-school hours, year-round, five days a week for four hours per day.  The children learn how to resolve interpersonal problems, prevent antisocial behaviors, and develop problem-solving and better coping skills. They are referred from 11 schools, the Broward Sheriff's Office, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Florida Department of Children and Families.

A portion of the funding also will be used to create an educational and skills training computer lab to be used by The Starting Place's children and teens.

"My husband believed that every child should have the opportunity to be successful," said Jan Moran, chairman and president of the The Jim Moran Foundation.  "Through this special grant to The Starting Place, we are helping children and teens receive the guidance they need to achieve a brighter future - and Jim would be very proud of that."

Since founding JM Family Enterprises in 1968 and The Foundation in 2000, Jim Moran instilled in his associates the philosophy of giving back to the community.  The Foundation annually awards special grants during JM Family's "Founder's Day" celebration to two nonprofits, one in South Florida and one in North Florida, where JM Family has major business operations.

Founded by Jim Moran in 2000, the mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. It is located at 100 Jim Moran Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, Fla. 33442. Through a long-term Grant Agreement, The Foundations significant funders are JM Family Enterprises Inc., and its subsidiaries, including Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC. To learn more about The Foundation visit www.jimmoranfoundation.org or call (954) 429-2122.

The Starting Place, Inc. offers an array of programs to meet the needs of adolescents, young adults and their families with substance abuse, mental health and co-occurring issues. Each of these programs speaks directly to the mission of The Starting Place, Inc. which is to provide therapeutic prevention, intervention programs and rehabilitative and educational counseling to all persons affected by substance abuse and other behavioral health issues so that they may lead productive lives. For more information, call (954) 327- 4060.

Media Contacts :

Ilisa Finkelman
The Jim Moran Foundation
954-363-5550
ilisa.finkelman@jimmoranfoundation.org

Cindy Schutt
Cindy Schutt PR
954-805-0361
cindy@schuttpr.com