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Last Updated: Friday - 09/24/2010
Week of January 20, 2003
CSS meets funding goal for 19th year
Sign of Hope now able to fund new program for street youth
By RAMON GONZALEZ
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton
Despite a downturn in the economy, Catholic Social Services’ Sign of Hope Campaign raised enough money in its 2002 campaign to start a new program for street youth.
“This was an incredible year and one of the most challenging we have faced,” said campaign chair John Liston. “We were surprised by the number of donors who said this was a tough year for them and couldn’t make their usual contribution and yet others increased their donations allowing us to exceed our goal.”
The campaign, which kicked off in October, pulled in $1.75 million, surpassing its $1.64 million goal by seven per cent.
“We have gone 19 years in a row meeting or exceeding our objective. It’s been incredible. Basically our belief is that the work we are doing is Christian social work and so he comes to bat for us,” Liston said.
Money raised through the Sign of Hope Campaign helps fund the 134 programs Catholic Social Services offers throughout central and northern Alberta. The $1.64-million goal was based on the amount raised the previous year and that was needed to ensure the agency’s current level of service.
"We are dealing with 20 young people 16 years of age and over who have 15 children that they are caring for.”- Marc Barylo |
CSS’ spokesperson Marc Barylo described the program as a “residential type” program for graduates of the Safe House program who are struggling to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“We are talking about 20 per cent of our overall Safe House clients who are struggling the most to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Barylo said. “And of that 20 per cent this year, we are dealing with 20 young people 16 years of age and over who have 15 children that they are caring for.”
Catholic Social Services is planning to rent an apartment complex to provide safe and affordable housing as well as financial, vocational, educational emotional and social support services to at least six youth and their children for a period yet to be determined.
“They need the social support that this kind of program can offer,” Barylo said. The program could be up and running within a month.
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