Because violent crime is a concern in inner-city neighborhoods, the TriHealth Parish Nurse Ministry is launching a pilot program through a $252,500 grant to equip children in those areas with skills to reduce stress and manage anger.

The grant was given to Good Samaritan Hospital from the Mission and Ministry Fund of Catholic Health Initiatives, the parent organization of the hospital.

John Prout, president and CEO of TriHealth and Good Samaritan, said the grant will be used to support Capacitar for Kids, a holistic wellness program for students in grades K-8.

He said the pilot program will be implemented at Holy Family, Price Hill, and St. Joseph, West End, both in high-crime areas.

"Because the TriHealth Parish Nurse Ministry is such an integral part of our community outreach efforts, we are excited about this innovative program for the children, families and staff of the inner city schools," Prout said.

"Capacitar for Kids will meet true needs and teach skills that the children will use throughout their lives."

Sister Agnes Cobeney, director of mission integration for TriHealth, said the 3-year pilot program will get started this month. It will involve about 225 students and staff, she said.

Seven not-for-profit organizations in Ohio and several neighboring states are the recipients of grants from Fifth Third Bank.

Recipients were: The Fine Arts Fund in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, $50,000; Naples (Fla.) Community Hospital, $80,000; St. Mary's Medical Center, Huntington, W.Va., $100,000; Cumberland College, Williamsburg, Ky., $50,000; Daybreak, which serves homeless youth in Dayton, Ohio, $25,000; The Fine Arts Foundation at Monroe County Community College, 15,000; Applewood Centers Inc., Cleveland, $25,000.

A $20,000 grant from the Eleanor C.U. Alms Trust was given to support Fifth Third's total pledge to the Fine Arts Fund.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News'' column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.