A commitment to caring: Our Programs Make a Difference
I want to tell you of 3,314 wonderful reasons why I think you will want to support
the programs of Episcopal Charities. Those reasons are all the wonderful children
whose lives will be impacted this coming year by the work of over 1,077 staff members
and volunteers working in 42 youth opportunity programs in local communities
throughout the New York area.
For over a decade this network of local programs, meeting local needs, have provided
children with a safe space and educationally and culturally enriching experiences
that help them develop their potential in a creative and wholesome environment. From After School/Saturday Programs,
Summer Camps, Mentor & Job Readiness programs, Social Justice, Teen Parenting, to Arts, Drama & Music Workshops, we are
privileged to have shaped the lives of so many and to have helped write the success stories of these future leaders.
Why Episcopal Charities Can Help Our Programs Make a Difference
100% of the funds raised from the public is given directly to our youth opportunity programs;
Over 3 million dollars awarded to 100 youth opportunity programs in the past eleven years;
In 2006-2007 the average award for the 38 grant recipients was $6,526; their collective annual budgets totaled $2.1 million;
Organized a series of youth oriented workshops to provide the programs with important state government regulatory information;
Created a new resource guide and distributed it to after school programs listing child friendly websites & other curriculum
development ideas for educators and program staff members;
Collaborated with PASE to create a Summer Resource Guide that provided summer camp programs with educational materials
and ideas on how to organize daily curriculum and offer other activity ideas;
In Summer 2006 relaunched the Episcopal Charities website, a quick and effective means of bringing our supporters and the
general public the most up-to-date and important news about our programs;
Became a proud participant of the Better Business Bureau Charity Seal Program, indicating that we have met 20 rigorous
Standards for Charity Accountability.
Thanks in great part to you and so many other generous friends, last year our Youth Opportunities Programs had a
wonderful year. Our 38 programs accomplished very special and significant goals for thousands of local children from Manhattan,
the Bronx, and Staten Island, and in seven upstate counties. The lives of so many children have been enriched and will continue
to improve because of people like you.Your kindness is vital to our efforts.
A Personal Note
On another note, I want to personally thank the thousands of our friends who, over the past 12 years, have made this wonderful
venture a splendid reality. At the end of June I will retire as the first Executive Director of Episcopal Charities, concluding my career
on a most fulfilling, rewarding, and upbeat note. I have met truly inspiring people during these years, people whose lives and examples
have forever strengthened my own sense of purpose and given me a fresh understanding of my own faith. They are generous
donors and volunteers, dedicated staff, committed clergy leaders, and most importantly, grateful recipients who give back immeasurably
with wonderful smiles and new hope for a better life.
Respectfully,
David Shover
Help the children in Episcopal Charities programs to succeed:
>Begin your online donation now
>Download donation form (pdf)
