A nonprofit faith-based agency in Newton will apply for a federal grant that could temporarily bring unaccompanied immigrant children to the town.

Officials with EmberHope say they decided to pursue the grant despite opposition from many in the town about 30 miles north of Wichita.

The group’s president and CEO, Shelley Duncan, says she respects the opinions of those opposed to bringing children who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border to Newton, but she says EmberHope wants to honor the teachings of Jesus Christ and its mission to help children.

The federal grant could house up to 34 children at a time at EmberHope’s Newton facility. The three-year grant would bring $4 million per year to the group.

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Associated Press information from: The Wichita Eagle