2008 Annual Report (PDF) - Covenant House

2008 annual report

36 years.
Over one million homeless youth.
70,387
Covenant House provided services to over
70,387 youth in 2008.
29,922
Residential and Community Service Center
programs cared for 29,922 young people.
644,322
644,322 nights of shelter were provided.
40,453
Contacts were made with over 40,453 youth
on the street through outreach.
45,948
Covenant House’s U.S. NINELINE received
45,948 crisis calls from throughout the
country. (1-800-999-9999)
10,608
Acercatel, Casa Alianza’s hotline in Mexico,
received over 10,608 calls in 2008.
13,663
13,663 kids visited our health clinics.
3,125
Covenant House helped place 3,125 kids in jobs.
2,791
Covenant House placed 2,791 kids in job training
programs.
1,479
Mother & Child programs throughout all Covenant
House sites cared for 1,479 infants and
toddlers.
833
833 youth enrolled in Covenant House’s 3 public
charter schools in Detroit, Michigan.
650
650 kids earned their GED or Promotion (Latin
America) with Covenant House’s help.
2

Hope
“Looking after the well-being of these
young people has not only been my
charge but my passion and I am sure
I will live with the spirit of this organization’s mission
in my heart the rest of my life.”
William J. Montgoris, Board Chair
Realize
Dream
Dear Friend and Supporter,
It has been among the greatest privileges of my life to serve as Board Chair of Covenant House International. For
the past four years, I have been given the unique and blessed opportunity to care for, get to know and watch grow
the kids that come to our doorsteps year after year seeking help from the dismal reality of the streets. Over 200,000
in these past four years have found love, hope, and a second chance at this special mission we call Covenant House.
Looking after the well-being of these young people has not only been my charge but my passion and I am sure
I will live with the spirit of this organization’s mission in my heart the rest of my life. As I pass the position of Board
Chair onto my good friend and colleague, Priscilla Marconi, I do so in the good faith that Covenant House will continue
to be the beacon of hope for the thousands of kids who find themselves alone, without shelter or support, and that come to our
facilities across the Americas looking for a guiding hand and stable environment in which to rebuild their lives.
This year alone, we served over 70,000 young people at our shelters, with NINELINE and through our outreach teams. Throughout
our 36 years, we’ve served over one million. But we will never stop working; working towards growing our bed capacities at
all 21 sites, working on implementing new programs to further support our youth. We continue to work with Washington, the
UN and other government agencies and non-profit coalitions to fortify our commitment to serving youth in need.
With the economic downturn affecting each American in some capacity, this also means more youth forced onto the streets.
We remain vigilant and determined to reach our objective of zero tolerance for youth homelessness by opening a new Crisis
Center in St. Louis as well as doubling our Rights of Passage bed capacity in Atlanta. Our NINELINE (1-800-999-9999) remains
open for kids in crisis and our Outreach vans still go out each night, searching for young people who may need our help.
As I transition out of my role as Board Chair, I also welcome a new president to our team of advocates, Kevin M. Ryan. His tireless
efforts on behalf of young people in the state of New Jersey will translate and echo loudly across the Americas as he brings his
compassion, his expertise and his firm commitment to this organization. I know that our board, our staff and most importantly,
our kids, are in good hands with Kevin at the helm.
I would like to thank my fellow board members and the Covenant House staff who work so tirelessly to make sure the young
people we serve have a chance to seek help and emerge anew. But most of all, I want to thank our friends and donors who make
our work possible. I want to thank you for believing in the goodness and the potential of homeless and runaway youth. Without
your help, we could never hope to uphold Covenant House’s mission.
On behalf of myself, our board of directors, our staff, and every kid who finds help, hope and home through Covenant House doors,
thank you.
William J. Montgoris
1

“Thirty-six years ago a few blocks from here a simple, profound
mission began … a mission to rescue homeless kids from the
street. Today we’re bigger than we were 36 years ago, but the
justice that we need to achieve in the world is greater and the
work ahead is enormous.”
Kevin M. Ryan
President
Covenant House
Dear Friends,
First, I would like to express how humbled I am to be back home.
When I was working with homeless kids on the streets of New York
City and New Jersey in the 1990’s, never in a million years did I think
I would be writing this letter - let alone be granted the opportunity
to lead a mission that has transformed the lives of over one million
homeless and trafficked kids.
Covenant House is more than 30 safe places in 6 countries. We are a
human rights and human dignity movement for forgotten kids across
the Americas. We are their voice and their love.
When I first started with Covenant House, my job was to reach
out to some of our most forgotten kids. In a van filled with
sandwiches and juice, we would go out each night and try to
convince some really good, scared homeless kids that their lives
weren’t over at seventeen.
For many kids, we’ve made a difference. It has been one of the great
blessings of my life to share in the strength, the commitment and
the covenant of this mission. It is a great privilege to come back as
President of Covenant House to work with our staff, our donors, and
most importantly, our kids, as we strive to be a voice for those young
people who too often go unheard.
A few weeks ago I spoke with the first kid I ever worked with at
Covenant House. She is now a married mom of four and a nurse. She
was once broken and empty from years of abuse. It was the love and
support of our Covenant House family that built a bridge for her to
cross from brokenness to healing, from despair to opportunity.
Too many of our kids have heard the same message in their short,
painful lives. “You don’t belong. You don’t fit in. You’re stupid. You’re
no good.”
When a kid hears that over and over, the different resonances and timbres
and pitches of those voices meld into a single voice. It is their own
voice. They begin to believe themselves unworthy. They don’t hope for
tomorrow. So they don’t aspire, they don’t dream, and they don’t realize
how precious and beautiful they are in the eyes of God.
That’s why your support of this mission is so important. You not only
provide for the immediate needs of our kids - you give us the chance
to show them love. You give us the chance to show them their
dreams and hopes and lives matter. You let us show them they are
beautiful in our eyes and God’s eyes.
These are difficult times. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the social and
economic gloom that surrounds us. But that misses the tremendous
opportunity we have to transcend the darkness and be the icons of
Christ’s love in this world that our kids so desperately need.
Thirty six years ago, a simple profound mission was started, a ministry
to rescue homeless kids from the street. Covenant House is bigger
than we were 36 years ago, but the justice that we need to achieve
in the world is greater, and the work ahead is enormous.
Right now millions of the world’s children are homeless, victims of
abuse, addiction and poverty. Many more are “aging-out” of foster
homes, alone and unable to support themselves after missing out on
an upbringing that would introduce them to life skills and the tools
to achieve independence in a wide and often scary world.
More than one million of the world’s children are trafficked for labor
or sexual exploitation each year, robbed of their childhoods and
forced into slavery and brutality.
2

Here in the U.S., as many as 20,000 kids are trafficked
within our own borders each year and the problem
continues to grow as technology enables predators to
meet kids through the Internet and profit by forcing them into sexual
servitude.
As the new President of Covenant House, I know we need to do
more to help these kids and bring them to safety. I’m committed to
the unshakable belief that we can be the change for kids and help
them shape futures of hope and promise. We can be the visible sign
of God’s love in their lives.
And I’m equally committed to the belief that those who hurt our
kids – especially those who traffic them, and throw them away –
must be stopped. The people who hurt our kids – the pimps and
predators, the gang leaders and drug dealers, and the child traffickers
are destroying our kids’ lives and defiling their spirit.
In 2008, Covenant House served over 70,000 youth at 21 sites
throughout the Americas. Our crisis hotlines in the United States and
Mexico, NINELINE and Acercatel respectively, have answered close to
60,000 calls. We are the largest human rights movement for homeless
youth in the Americas, but we must do more.
In my new role, I promise to continue leading the fight on behalf of
these youth and do all that I can to build a better world for them.
This cannot happen overnight, but I have tremendous faith in our
staff, the support of our donors, the vigilance of our advocates, and
the will of our kids.
Going forward in the next few years, we face many challenges on top
of the already overwhelming ones presented to our kids in the form
of crime, addiction, abuse and sexual exploitation. More families are
struggling to survive and more young people are ending up alone, on
the streets, looking for our help.
Thanks to everyone who gives their time, their work, their hardearned
dollars and their love to Covenant House. We will continue
to provide safe sanctuary to kids, and always look for new and
better ways to help our kids redeem the promise of their lives. This
is our mission that from the very beginning has been made possible
because of the love and generosity of our donors.
On behalf of all our kids, and the thousands more alone on the
streets, thank you for caring. God bless you, God bless our kids, and
God bless this house.
Gratefully,
Kevin M. Ryan
3

christopher
Like most young people who find shelter and sanctuary at Covenant House, 18-year-old
Christopher’s childhood was full of instability and hardship. His parents both struggled
with serious drug addictions and as a result, Christopher and his five siblings grew up
moving in and out of different homeless shelters.
Without consistent support and a stable upbringing, Chris struggled in school. Finally,
in ninth grade, he dropped out. He ended up alone and on the streets.
Through the years, he and his siblings stuck together through tough times on the streets.
However, eventually, he had nowhere left to turn. Then, Chris turned to Covenant House
in Detroit.
of a family.”
“Before I came to Covenant House, I felt like I wasn’t wanted. Now I feel like I’m part
Even though he’s only been at Covenant House Michigan a few short months, Chris has already completed
his high school diploma requirements and just participated in the spring graduation ceremony from one of our
new charter schools. He hopes to attend college soon and become a social worker. He’d like to work at Covenant
House Michigan’s Crisis Center.
“My experience here has motivated me to give back,” he said with his eyes focused firmly on the future.
alicia
When Alicia, then 14, travelled to Nicaragua to find work as a waitress after her parents
could no longer support her, she thought she would finally be able to eat, sleep and live
without financial worry. What she didn’t expect was to be caught up in a world of alcohol,
crack cocaine, marijuana and prostitution.
The bar she found work at soon forced young Alicia into sexual servitude, mandating she
use drugs and alcohol to make her more cooperative. At 16, Alicia became pregnant with
the child of one of the bar patrons and she stopped using drugs and alcohol for the sake
of her unborn child, who she would later name Sara.
At the age of 17, Alicia was rescued when the bar was raided by the public prosecutor’s
office in co-ordination with Casa Alianza (Covenant House) Nicaragua.
The judge referred Alicia to Covenant House for care, and she quickly started to make progress, despite receiving
death threats from locals in the community who frequented her old place of employment.
Alicia, now 19, lives with her daughter Sara and is living in a safe, stable environment within Covenant House’s
Mother and Baby program. She’s over her addiction, attending school on a regular basis and getting good grades.
She’s gained a qualification in catering and is keen to continue her education to secure a better future for herself
and for Sara.
(Names & photo have been changed to protect identities in this story)
4

jane
Jane came to Covenant House Alaska, angry, a victim of a childhood racked with
abuse and an adolescence spent on the streets.
We saw her fits of anger. She would leave flustered and irritated after meeting
with crisis counselors only to return a few weeks later to try again. It wasn’t until
her last visit to Covenant House, the visit that convinced her to stay, that her
secret was reveled; she was eighteen and couldn’t read.
Born to a single alcoholic mother and never knowing her father, she endured a
childhood of suffering. The eldest of three sisters, Jane often took the brunt of her
mother’s beatings, in an effort to protect her younger siblings. As her mother’s
alcoholism raged, Jane found herself being forced into the role of caregiver not
only for her sisters, but for her mother as well.
Hope
Realize
Dream
“I can’t describe how hard it is to be put in the position of taking care of other children when you’re just a kid
yourself,” said Jane. “Not only that, but to be put in the position of taking care of the person who was supposed
to be taking care of you the whole time is even harder.”
From an early age, Jane found herself in trouble at school. She often lashed out at her classmates both verbally
and physically, resulting in numerous suspensions. As pressures mounted, she began using drugs and running
away from home.
“I know there is no excuse, but I do believe a lot of my behavior was learned from my mother,” Jane said. “I’m
trying to relearn everything now; now that I know that there are adults in my life that care deeply about me.”
After being sexually assaulted by her “street friends,” falling into an addiction to meth amphetamines and
numerous arrests associated with petty theft, Jane was court ordered into a drug treatment program and soon
after, came to Covenant House.
When Covenant House Alaska staff discovered that Jane was illiterate and the victim of long-term physical and
emotional abuse, it became easier for them to understand her anger and frustration. Jane, once she admitted her
illiteracy, soon became determined to overcome her obstacles, learn to read and go on to achieve her diploma
through the G.E.D. program.
“I couldn’t keep going down the path I was going,” said Jane. “The time had come for me to make a change. I’m
lucky I survived my rock bottom, not everyone can say that, because now I see a future beyond my bad past.”
People from Jane’s past who had known or worked with her at different agencies assured Covenant House Alaska
staff that she wouldn’t cooperate and that they were “wasting their time” with Jane. Despite all that was against
her, Jane showed up to her G.E.D. classroom at Covenant House every day for six hours over a span of seven
months to receive tutoring.
As she progressed from early grade school reading material to Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men,” her scowls were
replaced with a nearly perpetual smile. Every time staff saw Jane, she had a book in her hand. A whole new world
had opened up to her and the day she passed her G.E.D., everyone at Covenant House, staff and kids, stopped to
recognize her accomplishment with praise and congratulations.
Recently, Covenant House received a letter from Jane. She thanked them for all the work they had done to help
educate and rehabilitate her and to let them know she was doing well.
Included in the envelope was her letter of acceptance from Arizona State University.
5

stephen
“It may sound strange to say that you’re glad to be at a homeless shelter, but I’m glad I’m at
Covenant House…I’m happy that I have the chance to be here.”
Stephen, a Toronto native, found himself homeless and alone last year, living on the streets.
During this time, Stephen spent nights riding the subway or sleeping in the city park without
food or water. He’d run out of friends who would take him in. At 19, Stephen left a difficult
home situation during his first year at college. The next year, he dropped out of school when
he began having drug problems.
A community outreach worker found Stephan in the park and suggested that he go to
Covenant House.
“It never occurred to me that there was help,” he says. “But once you step through the doors
at Covenant House you feel like it’s a start. I don’t think that anyone can come here and not feel renewed.”
Within two months, Stephen moved from the crisis shelter to the long-term housing program. He’s now working
part time and he’s in a drug treatment program. Eventually, he’s planning to go back to school. In the meantime,
Stephen is back in touch with his mom and working on improving their relationship.
“Now I feel that no obstacle is insurmountable,” he says. “For the first time in my life I can say that I feel successful.”
beth
Beth, 17, came to Covenant House several times beginning when she was 15. She was
a very troubled young woman, and had a hard time telling us what was really wrong
at home. She would only say that she refused to stay at home or deal with the issues
with her family.
Finally, she broke down and told our staff about the on-going sexual abuse by her
older brother.
“I didn’t want my younger sister to go through what I went through, so I decided to
tell the truth about my brother,” she said.
Child Protective Services became involved and her brother was eventually arrested.
Beth never returned home, but eventually went to live with her aunt who provided a
stable living environment.
Beth went on to complete her G.E.D. Her scores were so high that she received a full scholarship to a university
in Oregon. Beth became a social worker in order to help other people in need.
“If it were not for the love, care and concern of the social workers and crisis care staff at Covenant House,
I may have been lost, been a victim, forever. They have inspired me to help other young people in turn.”
6

hugo
Only a baby when his life began to deteriorate, Hugo was 4-years-old when
his mother, a severe alcoholic, left his father and entered a life of drug-induced
squalor on the streets of Honduras. When Hugo’s father agreed to take only the
two eldest sons with him to a new home, Hugo was forced to endure a hard life
on the streets with a mother unable to care for him.
A few years later, following his mother’s example, Hugo began to abuse alcohol
as well as sniff solvents as a way to temporarily quell his debilitating hunger.
Finally, his mother decided to bring him to a local shelter when he reached the
age of ten.
Shortly after, Hugo lost his mother to alcoholism, his sister to the AIDS virus and
the shelter he was staying in closed down due to lack of government funding.
It was then that Hugo came to Casa Alianza (Covenant House) Honduras where he says
he “found his new family.”
“With the support I received from Covenant House, I began and completed my
rehabilitation process and became more and more prepared for independent life. The
education they gave me was something I once thought impossible to achieve.”
Within a few years, Hugo completed his transitional living program at Covenant House
and moved into independent living. Covenant House’s “Program for Family and Social
Reinsertion” continually visited Hugo in his new home and motivated him to participate
in self-help groups and supported him in continuing his education.
In the following months, Hugo completed his high-school equivalent exams and also
graduated as a Computer Technician from an independent course, paid for by Covenant
House supporters.
Hugo’s exam scores were so impressive that he was awarded a scholarship to one of
Honduras’s private universities where he began his studies in Economic Sciences and
Business Administration.
Hugo now works as an assistant in a well-known company and also teaches computer
classes at a private college.
“Now I’m able to live a healthy and productive life,” said Hugo. “That is something I
would never have imagined possible in the past.”
Hope
Realize
Dream
7

We started out with a few volunteers, six homeless kids and a desire to make a
difference. Today, 36 years later, Covenant House has reached over one million
young homeless people. We’re a voice of hope throughout the world. A presence
in over 21 cities and six countries.
Our Covenant Family
1972
• New York, New York
1981
• Guatamala City, Guatamala
1982
• Toronto, Canada
1983
• Houston, Texas
1985
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
1987
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Tegucigalpa, Honduras
1988
• Anchorage, Alaska
• Los Angeles, California
• Mexico City, Mexico
1989
• Newark, New Jersey
• Atlantic City, New Jersey
1995
• Washington D.C.
1997
• Detroit, Michigan
• Vancuver, Canada
1998
• Managua, Nicaragua
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Oakland, California
1999
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2000
• Atlanta, Georgia
8

Progress
Start
Expand
GUATEMALA CITY,
GUATEMALA
9

“Covenant House
is a bridge for young
people, a bridge to hope
and opportunity.”
Diana Ross
You’re 16 and you’re hungry. You’re alone. You have no home to go back to. If
you are lucky, friends or relatives might help at first. But they have their own
lives. And soon you’re on your own again. On the streets, you get exactly the
kind of help you don’t need. You feel yourself sliding downward. You want to
climb out, but you’ve got to find a place to stay…that takes money, and getting
a job…but you don’t have the education or skills for anything decent…so, how
will you eat?...and where will you live?...
Every day, young people come to Covenant House facing
overwhelming problems. We help them. It’s hard work. But
our dedicated staff and volunteers believe that every kid who
comes to us is worth saving.
Kids in crisis need help immediately. That’s why Covenant House Crisis
Centers are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our doors are open
to homeless, desperate kids in 21 cities throughout six countries.
The first contact is the most critical. During this encounter, counselors
help tough street kids start to believe that maybe there is hope after
all – that maybe someone really does care. Counselors are trained to
treat these abused and damaged kids with the professionalism and
loving concern that
begins to break down
walls and starts to
build trust.
– for clean clothes, a shower, hot food, a warm bed. If necessary, they
also receive medical care and counseling. Then the tough job begins;
where we work with each insecure and battered youth to develop
the best plan for the future.
The street takes its toll on these kids. More than taking away
their health and dignity, street life takes away their ability to trust
themselves or anyone else.
That’s why the open-door policy is so critical. We have to be here
when they are ready to come to us. Once a youth decides to say
in our crisis shelter, our staff begins the hard, day-to-day work of
helping them on their journey from street life to a life with a future.
Sometimes the result is the absolute heartache of losing a kid back
to the street. But thankfully, sometimes the result is the rebirth of a
young life that society had long left for dead…
From the first contact,
our staff works to
meet immediate needs
10

Crisis
Care
“When I was younger, I thought all homeless people were old.
I never thought that at 19-years-old I’d be homeless, but it
happened. You will find a place to get some food, but a shower
is hard to come by if you ain’t got no place to go. “
Anthony, 21
Resident, Covenant House Michigan
11

“Someone here just told me about Covenant House. Please, can
I stay with you…please?”
Anonymous Caller to NINELINE
Kids on the streets are prey to criminals who see them as valuable commodities. Unless
someone presents them with a better option, homeless youth can become slaves to street life.
But with help, there is hope. Many homeless youth are on the street right now, choosing to stay
off drugs, saying no to selling themselves and
avoiding gang life. We have a window of
opportunity to find them, and help them
through these difficult choices. One connection
to lead them from the darkness of the streets
to the light of hope…
The Covenant House NINELINE was created so that when a
young person makes the choice to seek help, a trained counselor
will be ready.
Introduced in 1987, NINELINE opens the lines of communication
to young people across the United States and connects them with
crisis intervention and counseling support anytime, anywhere.
With a databank of over 31,000 social service agencies, NINELINE
counselors refer callers immediately to help in their area. Through
conference calls, counselors can connect troubled youth with trained
experts. With our message relay system, kids who may not be ready
to return home yet can let their parents know they’re okay.
Calls to NINELINE come from youth on the verge of suicide…from
young people on the streets desperate for a safe shelter…from
youth being abused at home, and from victims who have just
escaped from a trafficker or pimp.
Even more poignant are the calls from young people who are feeling
very alone, just looking for someone to talk to…someone who cares.
A caller to the NINELINE can speak to on-staff experts who are well
versed in the specific challenges faced by homeless young people on
the street: mental illness, substance abuse, eating disorders, human
trafficking, sexual identity, prostitution and gangs.
NINELINE also helps with crisis prevention by acting as a resource
for parents and guardians. Whether looking for a runaway child or
dealing with substance abuse, physical abuse, a teenage pregnancy
or other family crises, NINELINE is a connection to compassionate
professional support.
Covenant House NINELINE is also available on the Internet at www.
NINELINE.org. Online, young people can submit questions via e-mail
or participate in forums monitored by counselors. The NINELINE
online community provides a sense of connection and support to
isolated and alienated teens.
With Covenant House NINELINE, it’s our goal to make every homeless
youth know that help is only a free phone call away.
12

NINELINE
Crisis
Hotline
“The NINELINE
is free, it’s
confidential,
and it’s for
you.”
Jamie Foxx
Actor, Supporter of
Covenant House
13

“I’ve been praying for Covenant House. It’s helping me accomplish
my dreams and I feel like things are ahead of me. The staff helped
me with my goals and I think anyone looking for help could go far
here. It doesn’t seem like a shelter to me; it’s a home.”
Alexis, 19,
Resident, Covenant House California
What more can we do for abandoned and battered kids? That
was the simple question that prompted the launch of the
Covenant House Rights of Passage program 20 years ago. We
knew that kids needed more than crisis care. Homeless kids
needed stability and security…and the confidence and self
esteem that comes through solid, loving relationships.
From that foundation, homeless youth could begin to learn
how to trust more. Relax more. And learn how to become
successful adults. In this way, lives could not only be saved
from the streets…but transformed…
It’s unrealistic to expect young people with no family support or
guidance to be magically transformed into solid, tax-paying citizens.
Covenant House Rights of Passage gives kids a chance. By giving
them a community of support, it offers 18-to-21-year-olds the chance
to make a life for themselves away from the street. By providing food,
clothing, shelter, and medical care for up to 18 months, it provides a
launching pad for a new life.
But Rights of Passage is much more than just food, clothing, shelter,
and medical care…It is a program that supports not just the physical
needs of a homeless youth, but the whole mind, body and spirit. For
example, at Rights of Passage, we:
• Invite volunteers from the corporate world to be mentors to our kids.
• Secure jobs from employers who agreed to work with our residents
and us.
• Celebrate holidays, mark job and school successes.
• Plan group outings in an effort to make the environment as familial
as possible.
And, every step of the way, we tell our kids how sure we are they’re
going to make it.
We instill success and positive thinking in every activity and
encounter. Most important, we know that Rights of Passage works.
Over the course of just a few months, we see kids, who had given up,
become kids who work long hours to succeed as full-time students.
We see young people who never thought they could do anything
suddenly get excited about setting goals and keeping them. We see
kids learn how to dream all over again…
14

Rights of
Passage
“So far, coming to Covenant House is the best move I ever made.
I’ve been a lot happier, focused and I’ve learned how to be
independent. I’m just happy and relieved that I’ve made it this
far because it’s a long way from where I came.”
Louissa, 21
Resident, Covenant House New Jersey
15

“We bring services to young people on the street who have moved
from friend to friend, from relative to relative until they have no other
revenue or avenue to stay off the streets. We try to give them a
way other than being on the streets, selling their bodies, drugs
or pimping. We try to give them a way out of this environment.”
Michael Blockson
Prevention Specialist, Covenant House Texas
Too many young people are living on the streets of our
cities – living in a constant state of fear. Anonymous. Alone.
Barely living, and too often dying in alleys and streets too
dark and out of sight for anyone to notice. Every night our
Outreach teams drive or walk through the city streets,
searching for young people in need. Some of these kids have
been on the streets for months. Some even longer.
We don’t wait until a kid comes to us in crisis. Our Outreach teams
go out to them, in vans, on bikes, on foot, walking the same streets
the kids do. Last year our Outreach staff worked with over 40,000
kids on the streets of our towns and cities. From late at night to
early in the morning, our Outreach vans search for kids living on
the streets.
Every night the kids tell us their stories. Stories of terror. Stories
of heartbreak. Stories that seem too unreal to be true. But,
unfortunately, both the kids and their stories are all too real.
Abandoned and abused, youth on the street have learned to trust
no one. Rejected by family and exploited by adult criminals, they
lose hope quickly…
Some youth are ready to get off the streets right away. For others it
takes time.
Building trust is a slow process with kids who are so wounded.
Our most important message to them is that we care. And that
they deserve unconditional love and absolute respect. Below is an
actual letter from a young man named Dennis.
A few years back, I was a homeless teenager eating out of
dumpsters on the streets, when the shiny blue Covenant House van
pulled up and offered me a free bag lunch with a peanut butter
sandwich. I will never forget how hungry I was, and how good
that sandwich tasted. Looking back, I think I can say your outreach
workers saved my life that night.
I’m married now, with a boy of my own. The other day I was fixing
him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch, and I thought of
Covenant House. I thought about that sandwich you offered me
with no strings attached, and all the help I got in the shelter. Then
I looked at my little boy and thought about all the things in life I
would have missed if I never got off the streets.
Thank you for being there when I needed you most...
16

Outreach
“Being homeless is really hard. It’s a terrible feeling not knowing
where you’re going to sleep at night. Homelessness doesn’t just
affect the crack head outside or the wino begging for change. It’s
scary to know that people my age and younger can be homeless.”
Siedha, 19
Resident, Covenant House New Jersey
17

“I thank God for Covenant House and for their ability to provide
youth with a safe place. I thank God for Covenant House, a place
where homeless and runaway youth can get back a piece of their
stolen childhood.”
Bridget
Faith Community Volunteer
After 18 years of mentoring, Jack has learned a lot about how to relate to the kids at
Covenant House. “You find out it isn’t so much what you’re teaching…what is important
is that you share your knowledge, your experience, your passion. I become kind of like
the uncle that these kids never had. I remember their birthdays…we share good times
and bad times. I share my life and that seems to mean a lot to the kids.”
What does it take to make a difference in the life of a
homeless teenager? Beyond food, shelter and clothing, it
takes guidance, love and respect. The kind of emotional and
spiritual support that comes from motivated full-time volunteers
willing to commit 3, 6, or 12 months of their lives to serving
homeless youth through Covenant House Faith Community.
Faith Community volunteers come from many different backgrounds
and locations. They range in age from right out of college to
retired. What they share is a passion for serving homeless youth, and
the willingness to live together in an international community of
unconditional love and respect.
These dedicated volunteers have been a source of joy, support, and
encouragement for the youth at Covenant House for over 30 years.
Since 1972, Covenant House Faith Community has offered individuals
the opportunity to serve homeless youth full-time, to live in a
international community with other volunteers, and share in daily
prayer/reflection with their community. Over 1,000 people have
served our youth through the Faith Community volunteer program.
18
Most volunteers serve on the residential floors in our Crisis Center or
Rights of Passage programs, in direct care with our youth. As part of
Faith Community, these special volunteers experience how to truly
make a difference in the world – one youth at a time.
“I have heard many youths stories,
listened to them when they’ve had
a bad day, celebrated with them
when they’ve found jobs or been
accepted into transitional living
programs, and laughed with
them for countless reasons.”
Jeni, Faith Community Volunteer

Service
Become A Volunteer
For more information, please contact Paula Rote at 212-727-4081
or at prote@covenanthouse.org
19

“At Covenant House we have been at war with users of children
since we first opened our doors 36 years ago. Every day we battle
pimps and drug dealers who promise homeless children food and
shelter, then threaten them, beat them, imprison them, and then
use them for profit. We have won many, many battles with these
criminals and saved thousands and thousands of lives…My dear
friends, we ask a lot of the homeless children who come through
our doors. We ask them to forget their past histories of abuse,
neglect, and abandonment. We ask them to trust us, and to
dream of new possibilities.”
James White
Chief Operating Officer,
Covenant House International Candlelight Vigil, November 20, 2008
It is tragic but true. The abuse and mistreatment of children
and young adults know no borders. Young people everywhere
are suffering and dying needlessly every hour, every day.
They are the innocent victims of social, economic and political
conflict around the world.
These young people are seen but not heard. The mission of advocacy
at Covenant House is to give a voice to these voiceless victims who
cannot speak up for themselves. We represent these children in world
forums and help them to express their struggles. We make sure the
decision-makers at all levels of government consider the critical
needs of these young people.
As advocates, we’re committed to raising the awareness of
legislators and the public at large to the unique problems homeless
young people face. Problems and needs that are different than
those of the adult homeless population. Together, as partners with
government, community agencies and associations, we seek to
improve the lives of families and young people everywhere.
We are working to find ways to protect these defenseless kids from
pimps, pornographers, traffickers, cults, drug pushers and anyone
else who tries to exploit or harm them. And, ultimately, it is our goal
to help these kids find a way to escape the street and the cycle of
poverty and abuse permanently. Covenant House staff are involved
with writing position papers, meeting with legislators, and testifying
at official hearings in a joint effort to encourage the development of
policies and the enactment of laws that will help our young people
not only survive, but thrive.
International Candlelight Vigil for
Homeless Youth
Covenant House advocacy efforts
include reaching out to the media
worldwide; holding an Annual International
Candlelight Vigil in 18 cities in
the United States, Guatemala, Honduras,
Mexico and Nicaragua. Covenant
House representatives also reach out
to Congress, the White House and the
United Nations to raise awareness and
seek assistance for suffering children.
For more information, go to
www.candlelight.covenanthouse.org
20

Advocacy
“Kids are on their own struggling to make sense of the
world. They despair. They run. They hide. Covenant
House can and must be the change.”
Kevin M. Ryan
President of Covenant House
21

“I have dedicated my heart and soul to the betterment of
these lives, the lives of the young people of Honduran
society who, unfortunately, are too often exploited,
abused and forgotten.”
Jose Menin Capellin,
Executive Director of Casa Alianza (Covenant House) Honduras
On June 4, 2008, Jose Menin Capellin, Executive Director of Casa Alianza
(Covenant House) Honduras, was named a “Hero Acting to End Modern-Day
Slavery” by the US State Department in recognition for his work defending
victims of human trafficking. Capellin is also noted for the establishment of
Covenant House Honduras’s Querubines Center, a secure shelter which houses
victims of sexual exploitation, and provides them with food, clothing, medical
attention, psychological counseling, legal assistance, vocational training, and
access to education.
Their shacks are made of cardboard, plastic or termite-infested
scrap wood. Their small bodies have been malnourished since
birth, and the parasites that crawl through their bodies drain
them of whatever nutrition they may have found in the streets.
They are the children of Latin America and in 2008 Covenant House
brought hope and a future to thousands of these children in Mexico,
Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras. But there is so much work to do.
In Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, up to 40 percent of the
population live on less than $2 a day. An average of 50 percent of the
population in these countries are under the age of 18.
Issues of human trafficking, sexual exploitation and severe poverty
demand that we take action. Our children can’t wait for tomorrow for
what they need today. Boundaries on a map don’t limit the scope of
our promise to keep the covenant…
“At Casa Alianza we believe that all children have the right to
live and be cared for. Every child has the right to be loved and
supported so that they can develop a life for themselves and also
grow to benefit our society,” said Nathan Byrd, Director of Latin
American Operations.
For 28 years Casa Alianza has provided help for homeless and
orphaned children, offering them an opportunity to have a dignified
life. At the same time, the agency works to defend the human rights
of all children, demanding that the government develop action plans
to benefit childhood and youth.
As the Latin American branch of Covenant House, Casa Alianza
served 7,725 street children in 2008, most of whom have been orphaned
by civil war, abused or rejected by dysfunctional and povertystricken
families, and further traumatized by the indifference of the
societies in which they live. Casa Alianza is dedicated to
helping these children get off the streets and back on the road to
meaningful and productive lives.
“Ever since I was little, I felt alone.
When I became pregnant, I
wanted better for my child. After
she was born, I was still on the
street so a friend told me about
Covenant House. Although I have
not been here long, I know there
is hope.”
Anna, 16
Resident,
Casa Alianza (Covenant House) Nicaragua
22

Casa
Alianza
23

2008
Covenant
House
Honor Roll
We remember with deepest appreciation these beloved members of our Covenant
House family who made their final gift through bequests and other planned gifts.
Their commitment to our mission will live on in the lives of our kids.
Margaret Mary Mahoney New York, NY
Vincent and Louise Huether Piscataway,NJ
Pearl E. Britton Sebring, FL
Walter A. Duffy Honeoye Falls, NY
Mary K. Gates Dayton, OH
Harry B. Danton Mt. Marion, NY
Theola A. McDonald Whitewater, WI
George and Edith Laborde Salem, OR
Eileen Bamberger New York, NY
Stephen J. Stranzle Delmar, NY
Joseph C. Weller Akron, OH
Helen M. Ulrich Bozeman, MT
Augusta Maria Grassi Brooklyn, NY
Elizabeth Rowland Younger
Morehead City. NC
Howard G.and Helen S. Young
Manchester Center, VT
Charles H. Johnson Media, PA
Mildred G. Durham Ocean City, NJ
Nicholas P. Morrissey Boston, MA
Agnes A. Buckley West Hartford, CT
Helen M. Molitor Sheboygan, WI
Mary Arata Glenrock, NJ
Madeline R. Zeno Amsterdam, NY
Luke A. Silvestri Phoenix, AZ
Vernon and Mae Thompson St. Louis, MO
Sadie and George P. Wakefield New York, NY
Luke A. Silvestri Phoenix, AZ
William L. Fox E Syracuse, NY
Mary O’Hara Parkville, MD
Carmine F. Rispoli Amityvile, NY
Edna M. Conlin Emmitsburg, MD
Luke A. Silvestri Phoenix, AZ
Joseph Saplys Dearborn, MI
Richard K. Hatch Manhattan Bch, CA
Margarethe Foersterling Flushing, NY
Luke A. Silvestri Phoenix, AZ
Edward Harrison Peters Scottsdale, AZ
Thomas W. Easton Mechanicburg, PA
Peter Glenville New York, NY
Peter Glenville New York, NY
Edward R. Harpstrite Richmond, CA
Timothy F. Harrington Peoira, IL
Emmett & Florence Woodward
Saint Louis, MO
Donald E. Makosky San Diego, CA
Rev. Alvin T. Zugelter Cincinnati, OH
Rose Ellen Reddy Croton on Hudson, NY
Milton& Maude P. Shoemaker Madison, WI
Sr. T. Ruth Abercrombie Youngtown, AZ
Jane C. Fontana San Francisco, CA
Emmett & Florence Woodward
Saint Louis, MO
William A. Varley Lanoka Harbor, NJ
Henry M. Lindsay Galax, VA
Catherine G. O’Callagan Glen Falls, NY
George J. Koffley Levittown, PA
David G. Garvin Concord, NH
Joseph W. Mihue Silver Spring, MD
Anita A. Potocki Falls Church, VA
Anna M. Sullivan Binghamton, NY
Eileen Bamberger New York, NY
Mildred Zikovich Granite City, IL
Pauline Braidwood Pt. Huron, MI
Margaret Mary Mahoney New York, NY
Louise Bryant Cranbury, NY
Carol Isselian Bloomfield, NY
Mary C. Cavaughn Syracuse, NY
Janet C. Wray Cedar Rapids, IA
Robert A. Weigt Fort Pierce, FL
Vincent and Louise Huether Piscataway, NJ
Nicholas P. Morrissey Boston, MA
Nicholas P. Morrissey Boston, MA
Pearl E. Britton Sebring, FL
Walter A. Duffy Honeoye Falls, NY
Eleanor J. Roth Media, PA
Suzanne B. Ettenberg Southbury, CT
Pearl E. Britton Sebring, FL
Albert F. Jones Bayport, NY
Jane C. Fontana San Francisco, CA
Mabelle B. Andersen Hartford, CT
Alfred Peet Ashland, OR
Ruth E. Smith Amityville, NY
William L. Fox E Syracuse, NY
Peter Glenville New York, NY
Virginia M. Norton Havertown, PA
Emma Ruth Hedeman Annapolis, MD
Marie Bella Lakewood, NJ
Peter Glenville New York, NY
Rev. James J. Quinn Johnstown, PA
Winnifred C. Howard Tom River, NJ
Clyde Marr Vineyard Haven, MA
Elsie Margery Gough Cumming, Ga
Sarah L. McNamara Rumford, RI
Charlotte I. Loeb Cambridge, MA
Maria F. Garcia Montclair, NJ
Edith DeVincenzi Pompano Beach, FL
Mary T. Taggart Levittown, NY
Robert J. Heymans Winona, MN
Ethel R. Torbett Englewood, NJ
Alfred Peet Ashland, OR
Kathleen Nebgen Carle Place, NY
Mary Calka Prospect Park, NJ
Margaret S. Rudy Niles, OH
Luke A. Silvestri Phoenix, AZ
Edward R. Harpstrite Richmond, CA
George J. Cox Nashville, TN
Alber Lavern McAllister Seattle, WA
Martha Stoessel Wahl Ridgefield, CT
Rev. Gerald Hammeke Great Bend, KS
Angela R. Casey Bloomingburg, NY
Joan M. McCarthy Bristol, CT
Walther Kirchner Baltimore, MD
Alvin J. Tellers Watkins, MN
Dorothy L. Hilliard New York, NY
Charles J. Mauro New York, NY
Vera Milowic Maywood, NJ
Mary C. McCormick Rutland, VT
Rita Grauer Wakefield, MA
Mary Clapham North Andover, MA
Theola A. McDonald Whitewater, WI
Eileen Bamberger New York, NY
Dorothy Cullinan Dayton, OH
Dorothy Coleman Tacoma, WA
Emma Ruth Spangler Newton, KS
Josephine Tienken Delray Beach, FL
Margaret and Isabel Herold Family Trust
Colby, KS
Walter A. Duffy Honeoye Falls, NY
Catherine Finke Cherry Hill, NJ
James A. Healy Dorchester, MA
Vincent and Louise Huether Piscataway, NJ
John Warner St. Louis, MO
Elizabeth Weber Brooklyn, NY
Vernon and Mae Thompson St. Louis, MO
Betty Jane Beedle Highland Heights, KY
Pearl E. Britton Sebring, FL
A. John Alt Kalamazoo, MI
Elizabeth V. Foster Seaford, NY
Elizabeth Schleuter Aviston, IL
Edward R. Wieland St. Francis, WI
Peter Glenville New York, NY
Katherine M. Horne-Day Delray Beach, FL
Richard and Henrietta Cooper Toledo, OH
Rev. Walter J. Schoenherr Clay, MI
Nicholas Hnath Oak Park, MI
Victor Blindt Whiting, NJ
Winnifred C. Howard Tom River, NJ
John J. Brennan Manchester, NH
Walter Curran Garden City, NY
Donald E. Makosky San Diego, CA
Winifred and Richard Brandt Delray Beach, FL
Rosemary A. Goss Fallbrook, CA
John F. Volland St. Louis, MO
Gertrude L. Boes Lafayette, IN
Antonia A. Van Ruiten Lodi, CA
Rita K. Boyle St. Louis, MO
Rev. Gerald Hammeke Great Bend, KS
Woodrow R. Vaine Middleton, CT
Elmer J. Beagan Port Orange, FL
Gabrielle A. Healy New London, NH
Lillian C. Lee Scarborough, ME
Marjorie T. McCann Foulkeways, PA
William L. Fox E. Syracuse, NY
Mary Connaughton Amityville, NY
Emma Eloise Barthold Northwood, OH
Kathryn S. Wertzler Royal Oak, MI
Viola D. Robison Lake Oswego, OR
Bernard E. Falterman Aurora, CO
Flora Ross Brooklyn, NY
Elisabeth Champion New York, NY
John E. and Barbara C. Newlin
Wilmington, DE
Robert A. Romey Janesville, WI
Robert M. Ramp Brookings, OR
Caroline E. Price Chateaugy, NY
Caroline E. Price Chateaugy, NY
Jane C. Fontana San Francisco, CA
Eliane Dufault Yakima, WA
Sabina M. Quinn Stockton, CA
Thomas J. Walsh Oak Harbor, WA
Grace P. Carroll Providence, RI
Salvatore Saraceno Long Isl. City, NY
Mary R. O’Hara Baltimore, MD
Mary R. O’Hara Baltimore, MD
Emmett & Florence Woodward
Saint Louis, MO
Ruth Graham Portland, OR
Marjorie K. Edwards Parkersburg, WV
Roberta T. Howard Punta Gorda, FL
Beatrice S. Logan Fair Lawn, NJ
Dorothy C. Vogelin Mentor, OH
Carol Isselian Bloomfield, NY
Marcella Y. Odehnal St. johns, MI
Catherine Tillman Saint Louis, MO
Ed C. Schreiber Lake Oswego, OR
Gertrude Ronnberg Wilmington, NY
Margaret Dardis Brooklyn, NY
Helen F. Connor Indianapolis, IN
Joseph S. Coppinger Brewster, NY
Mary M. Freeman Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Winifred and Richard Brandt Delray Beach, FL
Agnes Walkonis Wildwood, MO
Robert Charles Hancock St. Paul, VA
Gabriala Knipschield Freeport, IL
Anita A. Potocki Falls Church, VA
Jane C. Fontana San Francisco, CA
Jane C. Fontana San Francisco, CA
Johanna Van Roy S. Setauket, NY
Isida D. Ruscitto Cleveland Hts., OH
Gus Dubois Family Trust Oak Lawn, IL
Joseph C. Weller Akron, OH
Hermena K. Pindjak Prattsburgh, NY
Eileen Bamberger New York, NY
Marjorie Walden Dewey, OK
Jane C. Fontana San Francisco, CA
Mary A. D’Arcy Morrisville, PA
Sofula Novikova New York, NY
Stephen J. Stranzle Delmar, NY
Walter A. Duffy Honeoye Falls, NY
Joan M. McCarthy Bristol, CT
Lorna Bennett Ithaca, NY
Regina F. Grace S. Plainfield, NJ
Clover B. Gannon Staten Island, NY
Pauline Marjorie Clair Pittsburgh, PA
Margaret P. Freeman Wellesley Hills, MA
Catherine A. Boland Belleville, IL
Josephine J. Kahn Southbury, CT
Lucille M. Foster Crete, IL
Vincent and Louise Huether Piscataway, NJ
Jacqueline C. Smith Chapel Hill, NC
Leonard A. Langlois West Newton, MA
Dumitru Manea Denver, CO
Charlotte J. Page W. Roxbury, MA
Winnifred C. Howard Tom River, NJ
Pearl E. Britton Sebring, FL
William L. Fox E. Syracuse, NY
Helen Kruse Chicago, IL
Helen E. Gates Cleveland, OH
Helen E. Gates Cleveland, OH
Francis J. Hoolahan Pt. Lookout, NY
Doris A. McNamara Seattle, WA
Helen M. Fitzsimmons Salem, SC
Mary Ellen O’Connor Bayonne, NJ
Marion H. Towey Suffern, NY
Albert F. Jones Bayport, OH
Jeanne L. Stone Mechanicsburg, IL
Rev. George Fogarty Flushing, NY
Kathleen Nebgen Carle Place, NY
Roy N. Van Dusen, Jr. Albuquerque, NM
Alvin J. Tellers Watkins, MN
Harold E. Brazil Troy, NY
Dorothy O. Brown Chapel Hill, NC
Dorothy O. Brown Chapel Hill, NC
Lucille A. McIntee Waterloo, IA
Charlotte I. Loeb Cambridge, MA
Eva Mae Williams Englewood, NJ
Christopher W. Canino West Chester, PA
Margaret D. Thurber Detroit, MI
Barbara Matarese New York, NY
Peter Glenville New York, NY
Rev. John J. Regan Sun City, AZ
Mary Arata Glenrock, NJ
Lucile M. Alt Grand Rapids, MI
Claudette Bassler Wauwatosa, WI
Eugene F. declue Rockville Center, NY
Louise Desper Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Mary M. Walsh Islip Terrace, NY
Julie M. Cassidy Flossmoor, IL
Arthur M. Carleton Rockwall, TX
Audrey W. Dausey/Dorothy Dobbins
Jamaica, NY
Robert B. Healy New London, NH
Monica R. Essenpreis Saint Peters, MO
Winnifred C. Howard Tom River, NJ
William D. Wubben Davidson, NC
Loretta Mae Ellenbrand New Albany, IN
Gus Dubois Family Trust Oak Lawn, IL
Lucille A. McIntee Waterloo, IA
John Simpson Bronx, NY
Eleanor E. Deschner Jersey City, NJ
Paul T. Crowley Dracut, MA
Robert and Opal Halla Great Falls, MT
Alan C. Buechner Glen Cove, NY
Marie L. Kalina Geneva, OH
Grace Louise Clark Springfield, IL
Grace Thompson Adrian, MI
Ethel Bergman Denver, CO
John R. Hilliard Portsmouth, NH
24

$500,000 +
Community Partnership for the
Prevention of Homelessness
St. Louis Mental Health Board
State of New Jersey
New Jersey State Bar Foundation
Amhanson Foundation
Anonymous (2)
ShareLife
$250,000
Southwest Bank of St. Louis
$100,000 - $249,999
The William G. Irwin Charity
Foundation
ConocoPhillips Company
Community Foundation of
New Jersey
The Batchelor Foundation Inc.
Dreams R Us Foundation
Fannie Mae Foundation
Willis & Nancy King Foundation
The Clark Foundation
Pioneer Fund
Marconi Foundation for Kids
Law Offices of Teschon, Riccobene
& Siss
Independence Blue Cross
F.M. Kirby Foundation Inc.
D’Angelo Foundation
Ceres Foundation
Hidden Pond Foundation
United Way of Metropolitan
Atlanta Inc.
Missouri Housing Development
Commission
Cranaleith Foundation Inc.
DC Children & Youth
Investment Trust
Houston Endowment
United Way of Anchorage
Freddie Mac Foundation
$50,000 – 99,999
Fidelity Brokerage Services
Clark Family Charitable Trust
Chester County Community
Foundation Inc.
GE Foundation
Pinkerton Foundation
Philanthropic Collaborative Inc.
Heckscher Foundation for Children
Astoria Energy Foundation
Newark Public Schools
Thomas H. Maren Foundation
John S. Dunn Research Foundation
Time Warner Inc.
Healthcare and Nursing Education
Foundation
Forest Lawn Foundation
City of Atlantic City
BNY Mellon Wealth Management
Aetna Foundation
The Iolta Fund of the Bar of
New Jersey
JP Morgan Chase
J.T. Tai & Company Foundation, Inc.
Hyde & Watson Foundation
Anonymous
Leith Wheeler Investment
Counsel Ltd.
TELUS
Vancouver Foundation
CKNW Orphan’s Fund
Canada Mortgage & Housing
Corporation (CMHC)
Silver Eagle Distributors
John P. McGovern Foundation
Batchelor Foundation
Providence Health System of Alaska
ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
Municipality of Anchorage
Paul G. Allen Family Foundation
$25,000 - $49,000
JP Morgan Chase Foundation
Harper Family Foundation
The Boye Foundation, Inc.
George Link Foundation Inc.
Francis N. Gallagher
Universal Studios Foundation Ltd.
Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation
Robert J. & Michele K. O’Shea
Foundation
Kanebridge Corporation
Wakefern Food Corporation
Joe W. & Dorothy Dorsett Brown
Foundation
Sansom Foundation, Inc.
Margaret & R. Parks Williams
Foundation
Emeril Lagasse Foundation
Washington Children’s Foundation
Vanguard Charitable Endowment
Program
UPS Foundation, Inc.
The William Carter Company
The Thomas H. & Mayme P Scott
Foundation
The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz
Foundation
Sunoco Inc.
The Silver Family Foundation
Rhodebeck Charitable Trust
Quentin J. Kennedy Foundation
Penn Virginia Corporation
The News Corporation Foundation
New York Community Trust
Messner Family Foundation
JP Morgan Chase Bank
John & Mary Franklin Foundation
IBM Corporation
Houston Children’s Charity
HBO Time Warner
Hamilton Family Foundation
Emerson Charitable Trust
Demarest Lloyd Jr. Foundation
David R. Clare and Margaret C. Clare
Foundation
Centurion Holdings LLC
Mr. Kevin Aronin
ING Foundation
Manulife Financial
Paloma Foundation
Ryerson University
Shorcan Brokers Ltd.
Spaenaur Inc.
TD Friends of the Environment
Foundation
AT&T
Sansom Foundation
Peacock Foundation
Young Professionals for
Covenant House
Cook Inlet Regional, Inc.
Goldring/Woldenberg Foundations
Ping Y. Tai & Company Foundation
Horning Family Foundation
NBC Universal
$10,000 - $24,999
Shane McGee FNDN
Valero Energy Foundation
Tudor Foundation, Inc.
Strake Foundation
Sinquelfield Charitable Fund
Rose M. Badgeley Residuary
Charitable Trust
M. D. Anderson Foundation
Lend A Hand, Inc.
George & Mary Hamman Foundation
Carrie E. Doheny Foundation
Cullen Trust For Health Care
Foundation
Community Foundation of Greater
Atlanta
Clark Construction Group, LLC.
Caroline Buck Foundation
Anschutz Foundation
Bank of America
IOLTA
California Council for the Humanities
The Johnson Ohana Fund
Libra Foundation Inc.
Windy River Foundation
Verizon Washington DC
The Catholic Daughters of the
Americas
TBS
Silicon Valley
Schwab Fund for Charitable Giving
Sarita Kenedy East Foundation, Inc.
Leibowitz and Greenway Family
Charitable
Just Manufacturing Company
Hudson Clothing, LLC.
Glenmede Corporation
Gladys & Roland Harriman
Foundation
GHI Emblem Health Services
Elizabeth Turner Campbell
Foundation
Clark Winchole Foundation
Chatlos Foundation, Inc.
Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable
Foundation
A. G. Edwards & Son, Inc.
Richard W. Higgins Charitable
Foundation
ABM Janitorial Services
Union Foundation
William E. Simon Foundation
Degmore
Whole Foods
Farmers & Merchants Trust Company
Northern NJ Maternal Child
Harry L. Swaim Foundation
Ameritrade Clearing
George O. & J. Pfaff Family
Foundation
Perimeter Church
Techno Acoustics
The John P. & Anne K. Duffy
Foundation
Turner Family Foundation
Tracy Family Foundation
TJX Companies, Inc.
The Simmons Foundation
The Sciortino Foundation
The Sandy Hill Foundation
The Poor Clare’s Monastery
The New York Stock Exchange
Foundation
The Lyons Foundation
The Goldie Anna Charitable Trust
The Enrico & Sandra di Portanova
Charity
Tekakwitha Foundation
Stone Point Capital LLC.
Sotheby’s
Sarah I. Schieffelin Residuary Trust
Sandy Hill Foundation
PSEG
Philip Morris
Odyssey America Reinsurance Corp
National City Bank
Morgan Stanley Foundation
McMaster Carr Supply Company
MCJ Foundation
MBIA Foundation
Max Factor Family
Foundation
Louis D. Tilotta
Foundation
Lissner Foundation,
Herman
Leo Goodwin
Foundation Inc.
Joseph G. Kearns
Fund
JP Morgan
Jess L. & Miriam B. Stevens
Foundation
Hultquist Foundation
Howard J. & Hertha M. Hunkler
Endowment
Holy Infant Church
Hobbs Foundation
Hettinger Foundation
Herman & Phenie Pott Foundation
Harland Charitable Foundation Inc.
H.I. Foundation Inc.
Albert A. & Mary Elizabeth Gore
Friends Of Children, Inc.
Everest Global Services, Inc.
Elsie & Joseph W. Beck Foundation
Ellwood Foundation
E.J. Grassmann Trust
The Double-R Foundation
D’Andrade Family Fund
Corporate Synergies
Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
CIBC World Markets Corp.
Charles B. & Jean G. Smith Family
Foundation
Catholic Social Serv Archdiocese
of PA
Carter & Melissa Cafritz Charitable
Trust
Andrew P. Caneza Family Foundation
Boeing Houston Employees
Comm Fund
Bms Intermediaries, Inc.
Albert and Margaret Alkek
Foundation
Imlay Foundation
The Hartland Foundation
Peachtree Presbyterian Church
Anonymous (4)
Averbach Family Foundation
Bentall Capital
Bridge Of Hope Charitable
Foundation “2005”
Coast Capital Savings Foundation
Commonwealth Insurance Company
Diamond Foundation
Esteem Investments Ltd.
Grosvenor Canada Limited
H.Y. Louie Co. Limited
I.S.P.
John Allan Bridges Memorial
Foundation
John C. Kerr Family Foundation
John Hardie Mitchell Family
Foundation
Lagniappe Foundation
Linda Burger & Associates Inc.
Marin Investments Ltd.
Real Estate Board of Greater
Vancouver
Salient Developments (Paris) Ltd.
Scottie’s Foundation
Teldon Community Foundation
The 1988 Foundation
The Alma Mater Society – University
of British Columbia
The Boeing Company
The Goodbye Graffiti Group of
Companies
The Hydrecs Fund
Vancouver Shaughnessy Lions Club
The Harold E. Ballard Foundation
Benjamin Moore & Co Ltd.
Hope
Realize
Dream
Canaccord Capital Corporation
Deutsche Bank AG, Canada Branch
The Great-West Life Assurance
Company
IBM Canada Employees’ Charitable
Fund
MLG Print Management
Morgan Stanley Canada Limited
National Bank Financial
Nevoro Inc.
Reinders Family Foundation
Scotiabank
TAXI Toronto
TD Bank Financial Group
Tesari Charitable Foundation
Thistle Printing Ltd.
Winners Merchants International
En Cap Investments
Hildebrand Foundation
Wachovia Foundation
Methodist Hospital
Community Foundation
Great Lakes Capital
Ronald McDonald Foundation
Young Womans Foundation
St. John’s Health System
Lanie Foundation
Albrecht Foundation
City Furniture
Benefactors Advancing Covenant
House
Miller Construction
Stiles Construction
T&G Constructors
Steel Fabricators
United Steel Storage
Blue Foundation
Advanced Supply Chain International
BP Exploration AK, Inc.
Horizon Lines of Alaska
McKinley Capital Management
Wells Fargo Alaska
Peyton Manning’s PeyBack
Foundation
Raskob Foundation for Catholic
Activities
GPOA Foundation
Hagedorn Fund
General Trading Company
Seth Sprague Educational and
Charitable Foundation
Washington Area Women’s
Foundation
National Harbour Community
Foundation
25

Covenant
House
Board of
Directors
William J. Montgoris
Chairman of the Board
Chief Operating Officer, Bear Stearns & Co, Inc.
(Retired)
Judith G. Blaylock
James P. Burke
CEO, Global Compliance
Barbara P. Bush
Global Health Corps
Andrew P. Bustillo
President, Red Bank Financial Group
John F. Byren
Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor, CFM
Michael J. Chambers
President, I J Smith Enterprises, LLC
Paul Danforth
Creative Artists Agency
Arnold E. Ditri
Managing Director, Prodos Capital Management
Alfred Gough
Millor Gough Inc.
Suzanne M. Halpin
Executive Vice President, Rubenstein Communications
Harold P. Hogstrom
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Hackensack University Medical Center
(Retired)
Janet M. Keating
James R. Kelly
CEO, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New Orleans
Sr. Paulette LoMonaco
Executive Director, Good Shepard Services
Mark Loughridge
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
IBM Corporation
Priscilla “Bo” Marconi
CEO, Marconi Automotive Museum & Foundation for Kids
Thomas M. McGee
Partner, Deloitte LLP
William D. McLaughlin
B. T. McNicholl
Resident Director, Billy Elliot The Musical
John C. Pescatore
President & Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Data Vision, Inc.
L. Edward Shaw, Jr., Esq.
Brother Raymond Sobocinski, OFM Conv.
Treasurer, Immaculate Conception Province
Order Friars Minor Conventuals
Julia A. Upton, RSM
Provost, St. John’s University
Tracy S. Jones-Walker
Senior Mortgage Analyst, Credit-Suisse
Thomas D. Woods
Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Denis P. Coleman, Jr.
Bear Stearns & Co., Inc.
(Retired)
Brian D. McAuley
Chairman, Pacific Data Vision, Inc.
Richard J. Schmeelk
President
CAI Advisors & Co.
GENERAL COUNSEL
Ronald Cami, Esq.
Cravath, Swaine & Moore
Paul C. Saunders, Esq.
Cravath, Swaine & Moore
OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION
William J. Montgoris
Chairman of the Board
Priscilla “Bo” Marconi
Vice Chairman
Kevin M. Ryan
President & Chief Executive Officer
James M. White
Secretary
Daniel C. McCarthy
Treasurer
Thomas J. Potenza
Assistant Secretary
Presidents Emeritus
Sister Mary Rose McGeady, D.C.
Sister Patricia A. Cruise, S.C.
26

Covenant
House
Financial
Statement
Contributions and other revenue:
Contributions:
Contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations
including legacies and bequests of $10,366,530 $ 109,111,918
Contributed services and merchandise 8,837,104
Government grants and contracts 29,944,781
Special events revenue $ 5,627,134
Less direct benefit to donor costs (1,796,537)
Net special events income 3,830,597
Total contributions $151,724,400
Other revenue:
Investment Income (loss):
Interest and dividends $ 2,741,706
Net unrealized (losses) gains (404,004)
Net realized losses (723,783)
Other income (loss) 1,974,057
Total other revenue $ 3,587,976
Total contributions and other revenue $155,312,376
Expenses:
Program services:
Shelter and Crisis Care $ 45,138,074
Outreach 4,625,305
Mother/Child 7,118,733
Nineline 3,621,947
Medical 4,202,313
Community Service Center 14,561,973
Public Education 11,886,598
Rights of Passage 16,927,596
In-School 137,116
Total program services $108,219,655
Supporting services:
Management and general $ 17,592,672
Fund raising 32,140,650
Total supporting services 49,733,322
Total expenses $157,952,977
Current year foreign currency translation adjustment (1,277,355)
Total expenses and translation adjustment $156,675,622
Change in net assets before gain on sale of land and building and pension related expenses $ (1,363,246)
Gain on sale of land and building 58,608,870
Change in net assets before pension-related expenses other than net periodic pension cost 57,245,624
Pension expense other than net periodic pension expense (2,412,278)
Increase in net assets 54,833,346
Net assets, beginning of year 157,660,325
Net assets, end of year $212,493,671
27

The Covenant House Mission
Hope
Realize
Dream
We who recognize God’s
providence and fidelity to His
people are dedicated to living out
His covenant among ourselves
and those children we serve, with
absolute respect and unconditional love. That
commitment calls us to serve suffering children of
the street, and to protect and safeguard all children.
Just as Christ in His humanity is the visible sign
of God’s presence among His people, so our
efforts together in the covenant community are
a visible sign that effects the presence of God,
working through the Holy Spirit among ourselves
and our kids.
28

Photography by: Hilary Duffy

Covenant House
International Headquarters
Kevin M. Ryan
President
5 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001
(212) 727-4000
Fax: (212) 727-4992
http://www.CovenantHouse.org
Covenant House Alaska
Deirdre (Phayer) Cronin
Executive Director
609 F Street
Anchorage, AK 99501-3533
(907) 272-1255
Fax: (907) 272-9548
http://www.CovenantHouseAK.org
Covenant House California
George R. Lozano
Executive Director
(323) 461-3131
E-Mail: info@covca.org
http://www.CovenantHouseCA.org
Los Angeles
1325 N. Western Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90027-5615
(323) 461-3131
Fax: (323) 461-6491
Bay Area Program
200 Harrison Street
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 379-1010
Covenant House Florida
James M. Gress
Executive Director
(954) 561-5559
http://www.CovenantHouseFL.org
Fort Lauderdale
733 Breakers Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304-4116
(954) 561-5559
Fax: (954) 565-6551
Orlando
5931 East Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32807-3452
(407) 482-0404
Fax: (407) 482-0657
Covenant House Georgia
Allison Ashe
Executive Director
2488 Lakewood Ave., S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30315
(404) 589-0163
Fax: (404) 832-1282
http://www.CovenantHouseGA.org
Covenant House Honduras
Casa Alianza Honduras
Jose Manuel Capellin
Executive Director
Corner of Arda
Cervantes, y Morelos
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
011-504-221-5884
http://www.CovenantHouse.org/
ab_loc_honduras.html
Covenant House Mexico
Casa Alianza Mexico
Sofia Almazán Argumedo
Executive Director
Paseo de las Reforma 111
Colonia Guerrero
Mexico D.F. 06300
011-52-55-5510-9425/5510-9438
http://www.casa-alianzamexico.org
Covenant House Michigan
Sam Joseph
Executive Director
2959 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48208-2475
(313) 463-2000
Fax: (313) 463-2001
http://www.CovenantHouseMI.org
Covenant House Missouri
Suzanne Wagener
Executive Director
2727 North Kingshighway Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63113
(314) 450-7667
http://www.CovenantHouseMO.org
Covenant House New Jersey
Jill Rottmann
Executive Director
(973) 621-8705
http://www.CovenantHouseNJ.org
Newark
330 Washington Street
Newark, NJ 07102-2630
(973) 621-8705
Fax: (973) 621-6680
Atlantic City
929 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 348-4070
Fax: (609) 348-1122
Covenant House New Orleans
Stacy Horn Koch
Executive Director
611 North Rampart Street
New Orleans, LA 70112-3505
(504) 584-1111
http://www.CovenantHouseNO.org
Covenant House New York
Jerome Kilbane
Executive Director
460 West 41st Street
New York, NY 10036-6801
(212) 613-0300
Fax: (212) 947-2478
E-Mail: info@covenanthouseny.org
http://www.CovenantHouseNY.org
Covenant House Nicaragua
casa alianza nicaragua
Grethel López
Executive Director
Edifficio Conrad N. Hilton
Costado Este del Ministerio del Trabajo
Managua, Nicaragua
011-505-228-6771
http://www.casa-alianza.org
http://www.CovenantHouse.org/
ab_loc_nicaragua.html
Covenant House Pennsylvania
Cordella Hill
Executive Director
417 Callowhill Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123-4018
(215) 923-8350
Fax: (215) 923-8370
http://www.CovenantHousePA.org
Covenant House Texas
Ronda G. Robinson
Executive Director
1111 Lovett Blvd.
Houston, TX 77006-3823
(713) 523-2231
Fax: (713) 523-6904
http://www.CovenantHouseTX.org
Covenant House Toronto
Ruth daCosta
Executive Director
20 Gerrard Street East
Toronto, Canada M5B 2P3
(416) 598-4898
Fax: (416) 204-7030
E-Mail: general@covenanthouse.on.ca
http://www.CovenantHouse.ON.ca
Covenant House Vancouver
Krista Thompson
Executive Director
575 Drake Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6B 4K8
(604) 685-5437
Fax: (604) 685-5324
E-Mail: info@covenanthousebc.org
http://www.CovenantHouseBC.org
Covenant House Washington, DC
Daniel J. Brannen
Executive Director
2001 Mississippi Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20020
(202) 610-9600
http://www.CovenantHouseDC.org
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