(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved funding for a youth mentoring program. 

Representatives of  Nemaha County United 4 Youth met with the Commission Monday to request funding to begin a youth mentoring program in the county’s schools similar to what was previously being operated by the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters program.

Sarah Renyer with the organization said the cost for the program would be just over $3,300 for the first year, which would run from October of this year to May of next year.

Following discussion, the Commission voted to provide the  funding for the program which will come from alcohol control fund.
 
In addition, the Commission voted to provide an additional $1,250 each quarter to the organization out of the alcohol control fund.

The organization works to provide prevention tools to reduce substance abuse by teens in Nemaha County.

In other business, Senior Services/Public Transit Director  Diane Younghans met with the Commission to request permission to purchase a used van with a wheelchair lift from the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Younghans said the transit service is having to turn down riders because they are so busy.

The Commission approved the purchase of the 2015 Dodge Caravan with 6,000 miles for just over $5,900.  The van will be used primarily in Sabetha.