Thanks to the Arlington Alliance for Youth, 15 groups will share more than $2,500 in small grants to help make their communities a better place to live and work.

These nonprofit organizations were recognized at the 10^th Annual Youth Collaboration Breakfast hosted by the Arlington Independent School District at the Mac Bernd Professional Development Center.

The program included a message from Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson about the importance of youth empowerment and featured keynote speaker Freddie Sandifer, founder of the Men of Color Mentoring Program. Entertainment was provided by the Sam Houston High School Mariachi Band. The coordinator of today's event was Wendy Carrington, with the AISD Dropout Prevention Program.

H.O.P.E. Tutoring, Ferguson Junior High School, the United Performing Arts Guild, West Elementary and the Homes for Children Corporation were among the 15 community organizations receiving small grants.

With the funds, the Arlington community will benefit from many programs including literacy initiatives, dance classes for special needs students, health awareness, baby blankets for the Women's Shelter and supplies that will be used to create Valentine's Day cards for older adults.

"The Arlington Alliance for Youth is dedicated to making investments in our youth, the leaders of tomorrow, and we are proud to support these efforts," said President Craig Wietz.

To learn more about the small grants program, visit www.ArlingtonAlliance4Youth.org.