[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6466603,"mediaKeyId","5823203-9979d0c8c2b9cbea7f94947df8d634a2","parentId",5823203,"title","Boys & Girls Club reports improvements, seeks sustainable funding for ARPA mental‑health pilot","audioSeconds",1980,"startMs",198000,"endMs",2178000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823203-9979d0c8c2b9cbea7f94947df8d634a2&start=198&end=2178","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823203-9979d0c8c2b9cbea7f94947df8d634a2/thumbnail_198000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6466603/Virginia/Boys-Girls-Club-reports-improvements-seeks-sustainable-funding-for-ARPA-mentalhealth-pilot","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466603-feb089159944a5b9d84a8013b4f6c645/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137088&Signature=P-RSUWUzCnztfpsChNSgdz3xk-0QxhxA-v~F5uvyxfLL3N8xeE4lFG~4XsrxXXheushS20zNaFsqM2qVLhXyWfqFo-hYYKugz90o85NsLb85xHDNFZA9a~NOgfOvlWC-yyNC30im7FKqXLueDQncLMkTxlx6WC2igMYjsN2t2Fe-aUtE3brmKX5sa5~ZYn0Yf9OHJBQU65eNP~2wFuf9ue2zKKqp~CyePIVCTejGeGOk0gdnw-R-YQhR1J841~QmQ7mCoTkr0LRscjKVY1QCflv~YXp~XRkY76XEruyUv6tiPdYCL1SowNpabu3o5GCulnv3n466bpTV~GKA~roJkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Harrisonburg","date","2025-09-23T00:00:00Z","article","Sandra Quigg, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisonburg-Rockingham, told Harrisonburg City Council on Sept. 23 that a city ARPA grant of approximately $125,000 funded a pilot to expand mental‑health supports for after‑school youth.

The pilot used a three‑pronged approach: direct programming for youth, training for club staff, and family outreach. Quigg said the program hired a mental‑health advocate, contracted a graduate assistant for data collection, partnered with James Madison University’s Madison Center for Community Development and coordinated trainings with Harrisonburg City Schools.

“The grant takes a three‑prong approach: assist the youth, assist the staff, and assist the families,” Quigg said. She told council the clubs serve “6 to 800” youth annually and are uniquely positioned to reach children ages 5–18 with daily contact.

Anna Garst, a graduate student at James Madison University working on implementation and evaluation, described the curricula in use: an evidence‑based compassion‑and‑resilience program (referred to in presentation materials as C Learning) alongside the existing Too Good for Drugs curriculum. Garst said staff used activities such as mindful eating and mindful walking and that the project adopted an online data platform to consolidate attendance, surveys and observations.

Garst said evaluation results showed measurable improvements. For K–2 students, staff‑reported measures on the Too Good for Drugs instrument indicated gains in personal and prosocial behaviors between the start of the 2024 academic year and spring 2025. For grades 3–12, a self‑report measure showed declines in overall scores and in hyperactivity, and a decline in emotional problems.

Garst and Quigg also highlighted a persistent challenge: peer‑problems. “Almost half of the youth at the clubs fell in the abnormal range for peer problems,” Garst said, and another sizable share were in the borderline range.

Presenters flagged implementation barriers. Staff surveys after trainings showed improved understanding of topics but cited limited time, fewer hours for part‑time staff, frequent turnover and difficulty getting all staff into training sessions. Quigg said turnover in the mental‑health advocate position undercut continuity; the organization concluded the pay level had not reliably attracted experienced, longer‑term candidates.

To address turnover and create a stable coordination role, Quigg said the club will repurpose a graduate assistant into a family wellness navigator to coordinate the grant, gather data and work directly with youth. Dr. Caitlin Owens, a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant director at JMU’s Madison Center for Community Development, said she is assembling JMU clinical trainees to provide on‑site therapeutic services once university approvals are in place.

Quigg said the pilot leveraged local partnerships, including the Harrisonburg‑Rockingham Community Services Board’s behavioral health wellness program, and that the club has applied for additional funding: “We have proposed at least seven other grants; we’ve won two,” she said. Council members noted ARPA is a limited‑term funding source that must be spent by 2026; Quigg said the pilot was explicitly intended to be leveraged to secure longer‑term support.

Council members praised the program’s outcomes and model of partnering with university and community behavioral health resources. Mayor Mary Reid said the clubs showed their role beyond childcare during COVID and called the pilot “proof” of out‑of‑school programs’ broader contributions.

Quigg said next steps include formalizing the family wellness navigator role, beginning on‑site therapeutic services through JMU placements pending university approvals, strengthening referral pathways with Harrisonburg City Schools, and continuing grant seeking to sustain services beyond the ARPA timeline.

Questions and public comments at the meeting reinforced interest in expanding on‑site supports, tying referrals to school observations and improving family engagement.

Ending: The club team asked the council to consider continued support and noted the pilot’s data‑driven approach as a tool to secure additional funding and refine future programming.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Harrisonburg - City Council on 2025-09-23 7:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Sandra Quigg, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisonburg-Rockingham, told Harrisonburg City Council on Sept. 23 that a city ARPA grant of approximately $125,000 funded a pilot to expand mental‑health supports for after‑school youth.","taxTitle","Harrisonburg (Independent City), Virginia","taxId",9561,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6466583,"Council approves consent agenda including three special events",39,108000,147000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823203-9979d0c8c2b9cbea7f94947df8d634a2&start=108&end=147","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823203-9979d0c8c2b9cbea7f94947df8d634a2/thumbnail_108000.jpg","/articles/6466583/Virginia/Council-approves-consent-agenda-including-three-special-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466583-7c0b8564ac4a3962c6f0259de336e55b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137088&Signature=KCv3BcbfZhra5YdT7Q1iwcWsmo-f2M1W8IG6jPniVadjxzlU1ndsXT52TUhv1sjmG0BWdWQdhmoWkWAgTwrwJvQCEmBobFvmEqg3CqpK6NeAEfLCoaRbCt4RdZxvMNuo71zzagkNDmeG3l0vF3cEZk7UY~W6fqrpHWMdC0BOMB7z20PinwEv1sGAw-LwlXVesXPaIGYKdKMZ5fBz1SG91ce5~FVlymKxCxRfMqA3mvRkRv7s9ZfZQkHcHjqkksyvp6A-HPILvN6VzInxFdFanbpGfN6aL63OIHtednkZqkI3-cVihwzBFeR42xIe83G5nCjWW8fd552vdmt6ZgOw7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the opening of the Sept. 23 meeting, Harrisonburg City Council approved the consent agenda by roll call. The council voted to approve a package of routine items, which the mayor and staff noted included permits and coordination for several upcoming special events: the Race to Beat Breast Cancer (Saturday, Oct. 25), the Skeleton Festival (Oct. 25) and the Veterans Parade (Sunday, Nov. 9).

The motion to approve the consent agenda was made and seconded; roll call recorded aye votes from Council member Dent, Council member Robinson, Vice Mayor Fleming, Council member Alsudoon and Mayor Mary Reid. No negative votes were recorded.

Ending: City staff will proceed with the items listed on the consent agenda and coordinate event logistics with organizers and public safety staff.","Harrisonburg City Council voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda, which included permits for the Race to Beat Breast Cancer and the Skeleton Festival (Oct. 25) and the Veterans Parade (Nov. 9).",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6466588,"Public comment at council raises transit wheelchair safety, redevelopment impacts and calls for broader outreach",805,4025000,4830000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823203-9979d0c8c2b9cbea7f94947df8d634a2&start=4025&end=4830","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823203-9979d0c8c2b9cbea7f94947df8d634a2/thumbnail_4025000.jpg","/articles/6466588/Virginia/Public-comment-at-council-raises-transit-wheelchair-safety-redevelopment-impacts-and-calls-for-broader-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466588-458f99214328bc616433c3e4123df756/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137088&Signature=IWTcXNmfHsKkjkMZYfNGRQ4G2Bc05mQ9QYTIcsrjG0Me8ReiUyedo6ksdSG0B7ia0y0QMreH7nrbfHcWWk3LEwbwk3qyghR3JEe20~DPFtrUEFo2P2CHXdj289b1NSdc7fpKEjvjfl0OqWNtevN7-OuCsTwlfutW1goeMI17afIv~G355voCSx9KcAJ4jeaPkDR36xYTb8i5-kY~1nDe1nTW-AjnhCyP~A1hTOyAOkERXWlfYbni7A6Hb~a0z6VR4R~GIIj0RPDvu1Xkfyv5kDw2FRCJ~SXqcuTZZFFTQgAbRWMn2LBWIC6eIfGPECqZHzhEdQ8EP7lFBDhLOC2EKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the Sept. 23 public‑comment period at Harrisonburg City Council, multiple speakers raised concerns about public‑transit accessibility, redevelopment impacts on neighborhoods and the need for city leaders to expand outreach into diverse communities.

Wayne B. Wanger, a Harrisonburg resident who gave his address as 641 Broadview Drive, spoke about perceived harms from past redevelopment on Mason Street and expressed frustration about neighborhood change and displacement. Wanger asked that the city recognize historical impacts of redevelopment and memorialize decision makers in an appropriate way.

Doctor Caceja (who stated an address of 257 Fairway Drive) urged council members to expand in‑person outreach and to meet leaders from communities who have been reluctant to participate in civic events. He said some residents fear interactions with federal immigration enforcement and recommended more door‑to‑door and neighborhood outreach to learn what residents need.

A caller who identified as Panayiotis (city resident) reported firsthand observations of wheelchair boarding problems on local buses, echoing testimony raised previously to council. The caller said he saw bus drivers struggle to secure wheelchairs and observed a wheelchair swing while the vehicle moved; he described the emotional toll for riders who face repeated accessibility failures and urged the city to adopt a service vision that treats paratransit and wheelchair accommodation as core responsibilities rather than optional add‑ons.

Panayiotis recommended training, supervisory changes and a policy shift so that drivers are hired and trained with wheelchair and bike‑rack handling as primary job tasks. Councilmembers and the caller discussed whether the problem reflected training, vision for public transit or equipment and suggested follow‑up with transit staff.

Ending: Council closed public comment and asked staff to note concerns. Members expressed interest in continuing conversations about access, outreach and planning with affected communities.","Multiple public commenters urged the council to address bus accessibility and outreach to marginalized neighborhoods. A resident raised long‑standing redevelopment concerns for Mason Street; a caller and an in‑person attendee described wheelchair users’ difficulties boarding buses and urged a city vision that prioritizes equitable service.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6466593,"City staff re‑notice two planning items after ad error; LINC project to undergo facilitated community engagement",280,3518000,3798000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823203-9979d0c8c2b9cbea7f94947df8d634a2&start=3518&end=3798","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823203-9979d0c8c2b9cbea7f94947df8d634a2/thumbnail_3518000.jpg","/articles/6466593/Virginia/City-staff-renotice-two-planning-items-after-ad-error-LINC-project-to-undergo-facilitated-community-engagement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466593-c1a9a8431b4cb688c3288f1d87bf519d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137088&Signature=FE5N~KfaMmO8YmwdgGQaS0yin2oerkq3UcNFKOijAoaGjpszmVo9gFLsoms~kgyhwJ-uMJ2DFxY7tjwjX4JuAHfMt9Xxtt~VgB1ub40Gh-~-sqVSsnyVJKd8b7fW78V-5UCS1PSiEfA-5356JKFxizy2x9bvm7Ph4eXzu8hhn7CId6IUlHjdmfb8gw94UmZHlqOyUPNKKstQoi-990dQmtRXz0MxOPeyCHM3LU0zUC-nbI-asTTgyKRW5FpFKoSoperzneijCQuAMSvfwMOEqUsc5D1ff30xfw4xJIUC-ibNyt3hFbtUxFEVYONe6OwjE5fe5ma2CBVweRh1rDs-Dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ton Dang, deputy director of Community Development, told council on Sept. 23 that staff discovered an error in the public notice for Planning Commission hearings that resulted in the notice not being advertised in the local newspaper.

Dang said the error affected two items on the Planning Commission agenda: a rezoning for 320 South Main Street (the site commonly known as the former green hummingbird location) and a project referred to as “the Link.” He said both items will be re‑advertised and go back through Planning Commission and then to City Council for public hearings.

“The 320 South Main Street item is scheduled to be presented to Planning Commission again on Oct. 8 and then to you at City Council on Nov. 12,” Dang said.

Separately, a city staff member leading the LINC engagement update told council the republication provides an opportunity to run a longer, facilitated community engagement process before the project returns to public hearings. Staff said they are coordinating with City Manager Banks’ office to select neutral, local facilitators and intend to run a 6–8 week outreach process that will include online materials, open houses and targeted small‑group meetings with stakeholders. The staff member said facilitators will be independent of the applicant and that the engagement will be used to inform any proposed proffers or revisions before the item is reintroduced to Planning Commission.

Council members asked that the city advertise facilitator schedules and outreach opportunities broadly so residents can participate. The staff presentation emphasized steps to increase awareness of Planning Commission agendas, including social media notices and an email subscription list.

Ending: City staff said they will coordinate facilitation logistics with the City Manager’s office and run the engagement before relisting the items for Planning Commission and council public hearing dates.","Community Development staff reported an advertising error that requires re‑advertising two planning items — including a rezoning for 320 South Main Street — and said the LINC project will undergo a facilitated, 6–8 week community engagement process before it returns to Planning Commission and council.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6466598,"Central Shenandoah PDC says region attracted $93M over four years; highlights housing, transit and resiliency projects",1179,2234000,3413000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823203-9979d0c8c2b9cbea7f94947df8d634a2&start=2234&end=3413","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823203-9979d0c8c2b9cbea7f94947df8d634a2/thumbnail_2234000.jpg","/articles/6466598/Virginia/Central-Shenandoah-PDC-says-region-attracted-93M-over-four-years-highlights-housing-transit-and-resiliency-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466598-ad2c5505d08e0052b6541acb437d76a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137088&Signature=clA9rSlqNjaHW2d8DVvEWKUxRjFDQtFC6rjTi~KZTM8bP5jBxToSlz35s4Ad6E0Kl6-xf1d2iklwtUoCzOZbM4jcABMA1sEMP6hmp3oLlhi8wmfzfUSrWiMGGq-opTagEm3VP~Wrkn4t5TNDSaaN3fiEq5MjEMOUgb04iRIDlH0NVy9e99hMbHMrnMcsZJlJco4UJTdrwhGDMnXIPZlPjKYSI0uPIzBpLLzbNflDl4taAEWdK2OfKVHfsCMtNZTa4h5aaMSwpyORZ8OiIP9V5ZNnGQWADA85Ez3tP3HlShO7-V3fRBiXp0wifY9-9cVlRcmwQRY1QFrRxMrlAiHpMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An official from the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) presented the commission’s FY2025 annual report to Harrisonburg City Council on Sept. 23, saying the agency attracted $93 million in state and federal grant and program funding across FY2021–24.

The presenter identified major funding categories over the reporting period: transportation (noted as roughly $69.6 million), economic development and community planning (about $18.4 million), housing ($2.5 million) and resiliency ($3.5 million). The CSPDC speaker told council the commission’s FY24 receipts were $35.5 million and that staff count totaled 15.

The presentation detailed regional projects: a regional housing study, administration of first‑time homebuyer assistance and $1.6 million invested in 48 affordable units through a Virginia housing PDC housing development program; safety evaluations and future improvement considerations along Port Republic Road; an inventory identifying 120 electric‑vehicle charging sites in rural jurisdictions; upgrades to radio communications in Bath and Highland counties tied to a Department of Homeland Security grant; and watershed and riparian buffer investments reported through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Watershed Improvement Program.

The CSPDC also described transit investments, including a Lewis Street transit hub in Staunton and an Affton Express commuter service to Charlottesville, which the presenter said grew 16% in ridership to more than 19,000 passenger trips and that UVA now covers fares for its students, faculty and staff on that route.

The presenter said CSPDC will prioritize housing stability and supply, including additional Spark program funding and Virginia Housing program awards (two of which will have projects in Harrisonburg), tweak commuter transit schedules to better match shift work, continue long‑range planning and travel‑demand modelling, and advance floodplain resiliency and regional water supply planning in FY26.

Council members responded with questions and praise; one councilmember noted that the $1.6 million for 48 units represents roughly $35,000 per unit of subsidy, and others commended CSPDC’s role in securing grant funds and regional coordination.

Ending: The presenter said the CSPDC exists to serve member jurisdictions and pledged continued partnership with Harrisonburg staff as FY26 work progresses.","The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission told Harrisonburg council it brought $93 million to the region from FY21–24, highlighted transportation projects, housing programs, and resiliency work, and previewed FY26 priorities including housing assistance, transit adjustments and floodplain planning.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Boys & Girls Club reports improvements, seeks sustainable funding for ARPA mental‑health pilot

Council approves consent agenda including three special events

Public comment at council raises transit wheelchair safety, redevelopment impacts and calls for broader outreach

City staff re‑notice two planning items after ad error; LINC project to undergo facilitated community engagement

Central Shenandoah PDC says region attracted $93M over four years; highlights housing, transit and resiliency projects