PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - After an executive order from the White House bolstered aid for foster care, the Friendship House is also getting support from the state.

In a conference Monday morning, the group announced a $300,000 investment in their work.

Democratic State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth told the crowd the grant money will go towards more after-school programming for kids and teens, adding that these programs have the potential to improve Peoria’s present and future.

“We have to put people, positive adults, in their lives. We have to take the time they’re not in school, particularly those key hours of 3 to 6 p.m., and giving them positive places to be,” Gordon-Booth remarked at the podium.

Marcellus Sommerville, president of the Friendship House, said he is grateful for the grant.

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