The Board of Trustees of the Lapeer County Community Foundation recently approved a grant to benefit the LINKS Program at Zemmer Middle School in Lapeer. The grant, in the amount of $1,000, will support the successful peer-to-peer program for the 2012-13 school year. The funds are made possible through the Foundation’s Lapeer County Youth Initiative Fund.

Mitchell Segel, a speech and language pathologist at Zemmer, said the funds will be used to provide real-life social opportunities in and out of school, as well for educational training to implement evidence-based strategies for students and staff.

“We are focused on facilitating increased tolerance and sensitivity toward fellow classmates leading to greater community acceptance and opportunities for growth,” Segel said.

The Lapeer Community Schools LINKS program is a peer-to-peer support system designed to aid students who struggle with social interaction, including students with autism.

“The LINKS Program is truly one of the District’s crown jewels,” said LCS Superintendent Matt Wandrie. “Thanks to the generous support of the Lapeer County Community Foundation, we can continue to improve upon a highly-successful program that is making breakthroughs with students at all levels.”

The Lapeer County Community Foundation provides grants that enhance the quality of life in Lapeer County. The Foundation manages endowments at almost $8 million in 58 funds for a wide range of charitable purposes.