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AT&T donation boosts YWCA's Project 16:49

JANESVILLE — A $3,500 donation from AT&T will help homeless teens in Rock County get to school.

"It's going to provide bus tokens, gas cards and transportation to homeless teens," said Jeff Bealles, YWCA development director.

The gift was made Monday to YWCA Rock County to support its Project 16:49.

The money will be distributed through the project's co-chairs and school homeless liaisons—Ann Forbeck in Janesville and Robin Stuht in Beloit, Bealles said.

Project 16:49 works with Lutheran Social Services to recruit families to serve as safe homes and provide emergency shelter for teens. The Homeless Education Action Team, along with the YWCA Rock County, is raising funds to open a transitional living program to help young people 16 to 21 who cannot safely return home. The program will help them finish high school and learn adult responsibilities in a supportive environment, according to earlier accounts.

Project 16:49 is critical to helping homeless students in Rock County have the support and resources they need to finish high school and learn adult responsibilities, Bealles said.

"With this contribution, we will be able to ensure 77 homeless students in Janesville and Beloit have the transportation they need to attend school," he said.

State Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, (R-Clinton), an advocate of Project 16:49, also attended Monday's presentation.

"I am pleased this contribution will help further its mission of helping our homeless teens finish high school and gain the skills they need to be successful in life," she said in an AT&T press release.

Tricia Conway, area manager of external affairs for AT&T Wisconsin, said in a statement that AT&T recognizes the importance of helping homeless youth have the education, support and resources they need to succeed.

"We are proud to support this critical program," she said, "to help Rock County's homeless teens."