CAPTAIN Youth Home Receives a Grant from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

As we head into the cold, snowy month of winter, we must remind ourselves that nearly 300 teens are sleeping in undesirable conditions. In June of 1998, CAPTAIN opened the Youth Home in Malta to give teens who are runaway, throwaway or homeless a safe place to stay. The home is a family-like environment where teens can feel comfortable and safe while working on their personal goals. To date, over 112 teens have resided at the shelter.

As with any home, improvements are needed to make it run more efficiently, which in turn allows for cost effective measures and decrease in the overall cost of the home. CAPTAIN was thrilled recently to receive notification form the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance regarding a grant for the Youth Home in the amount of $262,000. This money will underwrite all capital improvements, including a new kitchen, new heating system, as well as eliminate the existing mortgage. Upon hearing the news, CAPTAIN and shelter staff and current residents gave each other high-five's.

Eileen Reardon, Development Director for CAPTAIN state, "Captain is honored to have been chosen as a recipient of this prestigious grant. This grant will not only allow the Youth Home to run more efficiently, but also recognizes the program as a vital service to runaway and homeless teens in Saratoga County."

Welcome to The NYSEG Foundation Outreach Center At Cheryl's Lodge!

The NYSEG Foundation has awarded CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services a grant for $50,000 for the Outreach in the Park program. The grant is the largest given by the NYSEG Foundation to a non-profit organization in the Capital District. Funds will support all programming that operates out of the outreach facility including the Homework Help program, wellness programs, the summer "Peace Camp" program and all family enrichment services. The current facility has been re-named in honor of the contribution.

In addition to current CAPTAIN programs, the NYSEG Foundation will provide programs to the residents of Turf Community Park. Ralph Tedesco, president of the NYSEG Foundation said, " We are very pleased to be partnering with CAPTAIN to meet important community needs through the efforts of the Outreach Center, which plays such a vital role here in Turf Community Park."

The NYSEG Foundation, Inc. was established in 1998 to clarify and expand the giving philosophy that has been shaped and championed by NYSEG since 1852. It directly assi sts organizations that play key roles in education, health and welfare, the arts and cultural enrichment and civic activities.

"We are truly honored to be the recipient of this grant", stated Ken Clements, Board President of CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services. "This grant demonstrates how businesses and non-profits can work together to serve more youth, reach more families and provide the skills necessary for individuals to become self-sufficient."

Our sincerest thanks to the OUTBACK Steakhouse for providing a wonderful catered luncheon reception.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Are you aware of the many different programs CAPTAIN offers? Many people aren't, including our volunteers. I certainly wasn't when I started volunteering for CAPTAIN.

My first exposure to CAPTAIN was through the Homework Help program in the Turf Community Park. After volunteering in that program for a few years, I applied for a vacant position on the Board of Directors. I knew that CAPTAIN's programs extended beyond homework help, but did not really understand the diversity and scope of programs available until my participation as a Board member. As I reflect on this with other Board members, I find that many of them have had the same experience. We know from the positive feedback we get in the community through our friends, volunteers and contributors, that CAPTAIN has name recognition and is known for providing service to the community. I suspect that like me, many others in the community are only aware of a few of our programs.

The Board hopes to increase the community's knowledge. With the help of the College of St. Rose, we have developed a video that outlines many of CAPTAIN's programs. We are available to attend various civic and community organization meetings to show our video and answer questions about CAPTAIN programs. We have traveled to most of the Town Boards in Saratoga County to increase their awareness of our programs, and found that many Town Board members were not aware of the services available or of the opportunities to volunteer and serve the community through CAPTAIN.

If you would like us to make a presentation to your organization, please contact CAPTAIN to make arrangements at 371-1185. I am certain you will find the information we have to share enlightening. We hope to hear from you soon.

Ken Clements, President