Non-profit Handling Second Mile Programs Seeks More Money, Struggles with Fundraising

The non-profit group selected to take over several youth programs once led by Jerry Sandusky’s organization, The Second Mile, is seeking nearly $900,000 in additional support as it struggles to raise funds.

At the same time, one of Sandusky’s child sexual abuse victims has filed a lawsuit against Sandusky, The Second Mile and Penn State for damages and that case is still in litigation.

Following the indictment of Sandusky, a former Penn State football coach who is now a convicted pedophile, The Second Mile selected Arrow Child & Family Ministries of Pennsylvania to take over several of its youth programs.

Centre County Orphans’ Court approved the transition as well as the transfer of $200,000 from The Second Mile to Arrow Ministries. Now, the organization says those funds are not enough.

Arrow Ministries filed a petition in court Friday requesting a transfer of $300,000 from The Second Mile along with a balance transfer of more than $596,000 from The Second Mile Endowment Fund.

“Although Arrow-PA has successfully operated the programs transferred from The Second Mile, the development of financial support for Arrow-PA has been more challenging than anticipated,” the filing states. “Despite the transition, and contact with prior donors to The Second Mile, Arrow-PA’s fundraising efforts still have yet to gain the traction and support necessary to make Arrow-PA self-sufficient.”

Court records show The Second Mile board approved the fund transfers during a May 6 meeting.

The group says it needs the additional funds immediately to continue programs and conduct fundraising over the next year.

Arrow Ministries operates three Second Mile programs – the Friend Program, Leadership Institute and the summer Challenge Camp.

A judge has barred The Second Mile from spending any of its funds until all legal claims are settled.

Arrow Ministries is requesting the funds while litigation is still ongoing for Victim 6. The lawsuit says Sandusky used his charity for at-risk kids, The Second Mile, as a “hunting ground” for his victims.

Sandusky is serving 30-60 years in state prison for 45 counts of sexually abusing 10 boys over a 15-year period.

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