Cam Ward

State Representative- District 49

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                           For More Information, contact:

March 3,2008                                                                                                                     (205) 664-1066

www.camward.com                                                                                                                   (205) 566-6746

REP. CAM WARD ANNOUNCES $100,000 GRANT FOR BIBB RESOURCE CENTER

West Blocton , Alabama — State Representative Cam Ward joined West Blocton Mayor Jabo Reese, Bibb County Superintendent Don Elam and Mrs. Ruth Gray in presenting a grant for $100,000 to the Bibb Resource Center located in West Blocton .

In November, Representative Ward toured the Bibb Resource Center as part of his campaign to bring more awareness to special education programs in Alabama . During his visit he commented on the work of the Alabama Autism Task Force and the need for more state funding to assist areas like Bibb County in helping children with autism. Currently Autism effects 1 in every 150 children in the United States . Several children at the Bibb Resource Center are diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The grant was secured by Representative Ward after working closely with Superintendent Don Elam. The monies will be used to help pay for new indoor facilities for the children who attend the center.

Representative Ward said “I have seen some wonderful work done by Mrs. Gray and her staff at the Bibb County Resource Center .” Ward went on to say, “I hope that this grant will help these children have the full educational opportunities in life that they deserve.”

Dr. Elam said he appreciated the fact that “Representative Ward always does his best to make sure public schools in Bibb County receive as much state funding as possible. He has been a real friend to us here in Bibb County .”

West Blocton Mayor Jabo Reese said “this school really deserves all the funding we can find for it because they so many wonderful things for these children. We appreciate Representative Ward's interest in their lives.”

The grant was from funds that recently became available as a result of the education bond issue passed by the legislature in 2007.