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April 29, 2008 -- College Fair
 Many young people come to Covenant House New York; most coming for immediate crisis care (i.e. shelter, food, & clothing), yet many eventually develop a plan that potentially leads toward independence. At Covenant House New York, employment is highly stressed and programs are offered in order to help the kids to find jobs. The Regional Training Center offers a variety of different workshops and skilled training courses in order to prepare the young people for the world after Covenant House New York. Another major resource offered to the kids is the access to educational institutions, in order for them to further their education. It is believed that employment is the first step toward independence and continued education allows the individual to move forward in the workforce. That is why Covenant House offers College Fairs to the young people.
Yesterday, April 22nd, with a room full of college recruiters, the young people at Covenant House New York had every opportunity to explore the reality of applying to college and to further their education. With institutions ranging from Monroe College, Borough of Manhattan Community College, and DeVry the kids had the ability to learn more about the application process and what credentials are required as well as the type of courses available to them. Overall, more than 60 young people took the next step toward achieving independence.
March 14, 2008 -- Community Youth Career and Employment Forum
Thanks to Covenant House New York’s Brooklyn Community Resource Center, more than 100 kids learned the importance of employment and the methods in which to obtain a job. On March 12th, a Community Youth Career & Employment Forum was held at the Brooklyn Community Resource Center. Invited to attend and speak at the event were more than dozen local specialists in youth employment. After having the opportunity to learn about each panelist, the kids in attendance were divided into groups for small informative sessions. These sessions ranged from – ‘Developing a Plan to Know One’s Vision’ to ‘How to Turn a Job into a Career.’ Overall, the Community Youth Career Forum was designed to provide kids with a wealth of information and available resources in order to enhance their knowledge of the workforce and help them explore different career options. It is the hope of Covenant House New York and all the service providers at the forum that the young people reach their optimal goal of obtaining a job and turning that job into a career.
February 11, 2008 -- Guiding Light for Homeless Teens - 30 Days for 30 Nights
Monday, February 11, 2008
Circulation: 681,415
NY LOCAL Think about homeless teenagers in the city, and an image usually springs from the movies: An innocent waif stepping off a bus at the Port Authority, awed and eventually consumed by the big city. That's some, but not most of the teen homeless population of 2008, said Bruce Henry, executive director of Covenant House New York. "There are kids who still come here that way," Henry said. "But 80 to 85% of the homeless teens in the city are from the five boroughs. There are still a large number of them from out of state, but most of them are from the five boroughs." Henry should know. Last year, 8,000 teens/young adults used Covenant House New York's various services. Most were between 18 and 21. Most have two things in common: poverty and the foster care system. "These kids come from situations where they have struggled for a long time," Henry said. "They had poor housing, had poor schooling. Many read at a fifth-grade level. The largest single group is former foster care kids. Obviously, they have been living in unstable situations and struggling for a long time." The 30-year-old Covenant House provides a wealth of services to the homeless teenager/young adult. The crisis center in midtown Manhattan provides food, clothing and shelter 24 hours a day, with no questions asked on the first visit, Henry said. But even then the work of finding a permanent solution has begun. "Within 72 hours, three days, they have a plan," Henry said. "How are they going to get employment? What are their educational needs? We are constantly saying to them this [living at Covenant House] is a temporary situation. What is your next step?" The Rights of Passage Program provides transitional housing for some 160 people who are allowed to live at the center for 12 to 18 months. There are education, vocational, counseling and legal services, a health clinic and day care for women with children. Last year Covenant House's jobs program, run out of the group's Regional Training Center in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, helped some 80 kids a month find jobs with more than 400 companies in the city, ranging from mom-and-pop businesses hiring one person to corporations like the Gap. "The idea behind Rights of Passage is that kids have a right to certain types of opportunities," Henry said. "That's why we invest heavily in employment and training." The group also maintains a job bank that anyone accepted into the program can access – even after they leave Covenant House, Henry said. "The reason we emphasize work is not that the kids don't have lots of other problems. They might have been abused, might have a drug problem, might have been thrown out that night. "But at the age they are, if they can't work, they're never going to have a future," Henry explained. "We tell them that the only way you're even going to get time to take care of these other problems is to get a job so you can take care of yourself." Covenant House New York is in the midst of a 30 Days for 30 Nights campaign aimed at raising $300,000 by March 6 to be used to house homeless teens this winter. Contributions can be made online at: https://www.covenanthouseny.org/supporters_sponsors_donate_online.asp, by calling (212) 613-0300 or by mail at Covenant House New York, Attn: Funding and Development Department, 460 W.41st St., New York, N.Y. 10036.
January 28, 2008 -- Covenant House New York's Mentor Department Receives Award
 This past week, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of New York City honored Covenant House New York’s Mentor Department. In the 10th Anniversary of The Mentoring Supervisor Certificate Program, Covenant House New York’s Mentor Program received the Award for Outstanding Mentoring Program – Longevity Award.
“It is an extreme honor to be recognized for our continued efforts in matching New Yorkers with our young people. Our mentoring program has helped a lot of our kids with employment opportunities and other vital life skills,” stated Bruce J. Henry, Executive Director of Covenant House New York. At the present moment, the Mentor Department has more than 40 young people involved in the program. For more information about our Mentoring Program, please contact Kim Cumberbatch, Mentor Facilitator, at 212-613-0356.
December 20, 2007 -- From the Streets to Success ... Covenant House New York Holds Special Graduation Ceremony
 In a ceremony celebrating the courage and the success of former and current residents, 36 young men and woman graduated from the Covenant House Rights of Passage program on December 13.
Held in the same Covenant House crisis shelter facility where many of the young people began their journey from the streets to success, the ceremony featured words of encouragement and advice from past graduates of the long-term residential program.
"Fifteen years ago, I sat where you sit tonight," said Tracy Jones-Walker to the Class of 2007. "I remember walking up the driveway of Covenant House, scared to death. But I was ready to work ... and I wanted an education. Rights of Passage gave me those opportunities. Today I work at First Boston Bank, I work in real estate, and my husband and I own four properties. I'm also proud to be a member of the Covenant House Board of Directors. I'm confident all of you graduating today will have great futures if you work hard to succeed." "We are very proud of each of you," said Covenant House New York Executive Director Bruce Henry, who founded the Covenant House Rights of Passage program in 1986. "As you graduate, all I want from you now is go and have a good life. Be happy. Make a difference. And know that you always have a family here at Covenant House." "All of you have been given the tools for success at Covenant House." said Vivian Greaves, another alumni of the Rights of Passage program who is now a board member and a Lab Processing Technician at New York Presbyterian Hospital. "You've all worked hard, but this is just the beginning. Now it's time to turn your dreams into reality." The Rights of Passage program at Covenant House provides career training and educational opportunities for older homeless youth in a stable, secure, and supporting environment. From the moment that a youth enters the program, his or her goal is to develop skills for the real world "The celebration of a Rights of Passage graduation is a testimony to the successes and the courage of all the youth who entered the program," says Sister Patricia Cruise, the President of Covenant House International. "It is also a tribute to the donors who support this program ... donors who believe that all young people deserve a chance. Our donors have invited these good, brave young people into their families, and into their hearts ... and the results are the happy, productive lives of our Rights of Passage graduates."
November 27, 2007 -- Vermont Thanksgiving
 For the past 20 years, Covenant House New York has celebrated the “Vermont Thanksgiving.” The tradition began when two friends, Jerry Dougherty and Harry Gorman, received a donation request from Covenant House and were unable to financially contribute to the mission. Believing in the cause and yearning to assist in anyway possible, Jerry and Harry reached out to Covenant House and asked if it was possible to come to the facility and cook the kids a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Without hesitation, Covenant House accepted their offer, beginning what is today the highlight of Covenant House’s holiday season.
On November 21st, the group from Vermont, mostly high school culinary art students, took the 8-hour trip from St. Johnsbury, Vermont (traveling in a yellow school bus) to Covenant House New York. Though the individuals have changed throughout the years, the purpose and meaning behind the dinner remains the same. Roughly 10 years ago, the Provost family (Jerry, Crystal, Danielle, and Aimee) took sole responsibility of the event, having students from Jerry’s culinary art program assist in the festivities. For Jerry and Crystal, a way to involve their children and others in a pure act of kindness that would open their eyes to a world unfamiliar to them. For many of the young people, their visit to New York City was a new experience. On November 22nd, at Covenant House New York, the young people enrolled in the culinary arts training program known as Ezekiel’s, assisted in the morning activities, working hand-an-hand with the young people from Vermont, sharing stories and interacting as friends. With a special visit from Bruce J. Henry, Executive Director - Covenant House New York, the individuals from Vermont had an opportunity to ask questions and learn all about the programs offered to the youth of New York City. Finally, at 6:00pm, the dinner began. With more than 300 people in attendance, the group from Vermont was honored for their continued dedication to Covenant House New York and all received a special Thanksgiving t-shirt. In addition, Janet Wakefield – known as the banker (for her ongoing commitment to receive donations for the event) – came to celebrate the 20th anniversary. The dinner was once again a huge success. With full bellies and smiling faces, the young people of Covenant House New York and St. Johnsbury, Vermont walked away with a sense of thankfulness and an experience that will last a lifetime.
November 27, 2007 -- Annual Candlelight Vigil
 The ultimate goal of Covenant House New York’s Candlelight Vigil is to bring awareness to the ongoing issue of homelessness. This year marked the 17th straight year Covenant House New York took over Times Square – filling the heart of New York City with more than 200 individuals. The ceremonial gathering began with the young people marching from its main facility, located at 460 West 41st Street.
Upon arriving at Times Square, the young people filed in and began lighting candles in remembrance of all youth in a state of homelessness that do not have a voice or place to seek refuge. The events began when Bill Hemmer, Fox News anchor, welcomed the crowd and acknowledged the importance and meaning of the Candlelight Vigil. The crowd erupted as images appeared on the surrounding electronic billboards. As the crowd quieted down, Bill Hemmer introduced the first of two musical performances. The first song sung was ‘This is the Moment’ from the musical Jekyll and Hyde. Following the outstanding performance, Sister Patricia Cruise – President of Covenant House – walked to podium, providing words of encouragement to all of those in attendance and a call for continued efforts to be made in order to serve the hundreds of thousands young people facing homelessness throughout the world. “Tonight, at Vigils across the country and around the world, we stand together and fight for the rights of our kids to dream” stated Sister Cruise. “Starting tonight, with this Vigil, we must move from a world of indifference to a world of compassion, caring, and action.” Upon concluding her speech, Sister Cruise provided a pray for all suffering youth and deemed it our responsibility to act as their voice for better services and programs. Next to the podium was Lewis Fielder, New York City Councilman – heading the youth service division. Councilman Fiedler provided insight into the workings of the city’s governmental movement to assist the youth homeless population and clearly stated that additional funds continue to be allocated towards the needs of the young people. With the temperature dropping and the crowd bundling together for warmth, Bruce J. Henry – Executive Director, Covenant House New York, rose from his chair to the podium and provided a realistic viewpoint of the evening and the point of holding this Vigil. “As I was walking to Times Square this evening, a simple question came to mind: Why in the world do I continue to come to here?” It was not because Mr. Henry did not want to fight for the kids or advocate for more help; it was to indicate the fact that calling for more action does not necessarily translate to more action being taken. In what turned out to be a speech highlighting the ongoing allocation of governmental resources and the sheer fact that Covenant House New York spent more money on services than New York City, Mr. Henry left his mark on the evening. Finally, what always provides the most inspiring moment of the evening, two residents – Kyrell Hardy and Auset Roberts – spoke about their experiences facing homelessness and their belief in what needs to be done in the future. “I pray that these programs continue to receive your support and provide needed services. It is my view that our very existence relies upon our ability to share with others and focus on our youth because we are your future” proclaimed Kyrell Hardy as he concluded his speech. Auset Roberts also highlighted the theme of continued support by stating, “I stand here tonight asking for your help. Let’s make a pack that throughout the next year we will make a difference in the lives of many. That we reach out to our local politicians and ask for help; that we turn to those at Covenant House and ask for help; that we look to each other and ask for help. Together we can make a difference and begin shaping the future.” The words rang true to all in attendance by allowing Kyrell and Auset to stand on stage and act as their voice. The evening concluded with the ceremonial act of lighting candles, shedding light on homelessness. With the final song of the evening, “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked, the audience stood in silence, candles in hand and hugged one another in what turned out to be an evening to remember – an evening to bring the plight of homelessness to the forefront.
October 25, 2007 -- Entering the Field of Medicine - CHNY Nursing Aid Graduation
 With family, friends, and staff in attendance, more than 15 young people graduated from Covenant House’s Certified Nursing Aid Training program on October 18th. During the ceremony, Bruce J. Henry – Executive Director, Covenant House New York, provided some inspirational wisdom about determination, hard-work, and future dreams. Having visited with the class numerous times throughout the year, Mr. Henry was pleased to be in attendance. “It is always inspiring to see so many young people attend our training courses. This year’s class is by far one of our largest groups and I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak to them.”
Among the graduating class, Auset Roberts (mother of 11 month old Saniyah) is currently working at The Jewish Home and Hospital as an office assistant and is preparing to take her GED. Her dream is to one day become a mid-wife. “I know that I have a long journey ahead of me but right now I am focusing on obtaining my GED and than heading to college to major in nursing. I just want the opportunity to help others” stated Auset. Also among the graduates was Dexroy, a young male currently living in the Rights of Passage program. Prior to coming to Covenant House, Dexroy was enrolled in Kingsborough Community College – majoring in nursing, but he had to drop out once his living situation became unstable. Once he entered Covenant House, he learned about the Nursing Aid Training program and immediately enrolled. Upon graduating, Dexroy plans to re-enroll into college and continue his studies in nursing. Auset and Dexroy are just two examples of the successful graduating class. With these students now certified, their dreams of obtaining employment in the medical field become one step closer.
October 16, 2007 -- Open House held at Queens Community Resource Center
 The Queens Community Resource Center recently held its annual ‘Open House.’ The focus of the event was to bring the surrounding community together. Numerous companies and organizations gathered together in order to help the young people gain valuable resources towards a brighter future. The youth were able to visit tables such as Chase Bank and the Queens Community Library. At these stations, the young people were able to gather information about possible job opportunities and ways to get more involved within the community.
Covenant House New York has four community resource centers, one located within each borough, focusing on youth and community development. More than 200 young people visit the resource centers each month, attending training classes and searching for employment. There are typically a number of events that occur throughout each month, focusing on brining the community together and encouraging the young people to become more involved.
August 10, 2007 -- GENEROSITY PROVIDES ENJOYMENT TO HOMELESS YOUTH - Citi employees demonstrates volunteerism in action with Covenant House New York
 More than one hundred homeless and at-risk youth from Covenant House New York put aside their troubling situations for a fulfilling day of picnicking and summer activities. The event, held at Riverbank State Park, began at 12:30 with a special acknowledgment to Cititgroup Inc. Cititigroup Inc., today’s pre-eminent financial services company, organized the day’s activities. More than 50 Citigroup employees volunteered at the event, playing games and barbequing for all of Covenant House New York.
“Citigroup went out of its way to ensure that all of the young people had a terrific time. Today is a great day for Covenant House and its young people” stated Bruce J. Henry, Executive Director for Covenant House New York. “It is always encouraging having a major corporation partner with us, opening the door of possibility for our young people.” With the weather reaching the mid 90s, the day was perfect for an afternoon of relaxation and sporting activities. The young people participated in a variety of activities ranging from basketball to arts & crafts, playing along side a handful of Citi volunteers. Many of the volunteers from Citigroup recently graduated from college and are new to the working environment. The event also proved to be an eye opening experience for the employees at Citigroup, having the young people ask questions and discuss topics such as employment, education, and the desire to accomplish goals. After the event, the volunteers left with an eagerness to volunteer again. “Volunteerism is a key aspect of our shared responsibilities as employees of Citi and is also a topic of increasing importance for young people today. The Citi volunteers from our financial associate undergraduate training program found this to be a rewarding part of their first 30 days at Citi”, stated Kerri Bradin, deputy controller at Citi and Covenant House NY board member. At Covenant House, located within each borough, young people seek assistance in order to gain self-sufficiency and independence. To accomplish the task, Covenant House offers an array of services tailored to meet the ongoing needs of its young people. While many youth lack the necessary life skills and employment skills to live independently, Covenant House, through its vocational and educational training, provides the opportunity to obtain a job. Last year, more than 700 young people were placed within the workforce.
July 2, 2007 -- Reaching The Community With Fun In The Sun: Brooklyn Street Fair
 Covenant House's commitment to the Brooklyn community is evident. This past weekend Brooklyn Community Resource Center held its Annual Street Fair. With more than 100 people attending the event, Covenant House’s Annual Street Fair was a huge success. Typically held during the week, Brooklyn Community Resource Center took the advice from those in the community and held this year’s event on a Saturday, allowing more of the community to partake in the festivities.
Whether bouncing in the castle, trying to hit a jump shot, or dunking a Covenant House staff member in a tank full of water, the Brooklyn community spent the day in the sun having a great time. Events like the street fair allow Covenant House to remain visible to the community while informing the young people of the opportunities available to them through the community center, such as free training courses.
July 2, 2007 -- Opening Doors To The Work-Force
 The Regional Training Center continues to assist young people join the work-force. In a recent graduation, more than a dozen youth fulfilled the requirements needed to gain certification in one of two programs (Nurse’s Aide Training or Microsoft Office Specialist). With a heartfelt ceremony, many of the young people spoke about accomplishment, the need to continue growing, and their overwhelming gratitude to Covenant House. As the graduates, sitting with family and friends, eagerly waited to receive their certifications, Bruce J. Henry – Executive Director of Covenant House New York – spoke about a sense of accomplishment and a new beginning.
“Today is the beginning. Celebrate your accomplishments with your family and friends, knowing that you have accomplished your goals and are now ready to move forward” stated Bruce J. Henry. “I want to make sure that each of you know that Covenant House will always be here for you and to encourage you to stop by, not next week, but years from now and allow us to see your continued success. It is important to everyone, here at Covenant House that you are successful and always move forward in life.” The ceremony, held at Covenant House’s Regional Training Center in Brooklyn, concluded with each graduate receiving their certification and the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings. After the ceremony, graduates, friends, and family shared lunch together and talked about the future. Lunch was catered by Covenant House’s own Ezekiel’s – one of the many certified training programs offered by the Regional Training Center.
June 28, 2007 -- Covenant House's Sixteenth Annual Golf Invitational
 With the weather peaking at 85’ degrees, the Hackensack Golf Course was filled with individuals, ranging from beginners to experts, stepping to the tee for a round of shotgun golf. The day consisted of a full day of golf, relaxation, fun in the sun and support for those less-fortunate. With each stroke, birdie, and/or mulligan, a young person at Covenant House was gaining valuable resources needed to gain self-sufficiency and independence from this fundraising activity.
"This event is always so much fun" stated Bruce J. Henry, Executive Director of Covenant House New York. "There are so many individuals here today supporting Covenant House and our young people. I always look forward to our Annual Golf Outing." For Covenant House New York and New Jersey, this event provides much need financial support, ensuring that programs remain open and services are fully available. At this year’s event, both morning and afternoon rounds were completely packed with more than 200 individuals out supporting the need of so many young people. Joining the golfers this year on the course, was Sister Patricia Cruise, President of Covenant House International and providing timely chipping and putting tips. Without some of her masterful chips, a number of golfers would have still been fighting the rough. The evening concluded with a sit-down dinner (full of laughter and friendly-criticism about certain shots and putting mishaps) and speeches from Bruce J. Henry , Executive Director for Covenant House New York and two Covenant House residents, true testimonies about their experiences in life and the role Covenant House played is correcting their direction. Overall, the event was a huge success and once again proves that some many people are dedicated and supportive the problems facing our young people.
June 27, 2007 -- Covenant House Helps Beautify Herbert Von King Park
 Thanks to more than 50 young people involved with Covenant House New York, Herbert Von King Park (located in Brooklyn) received a make-over. The young people, from each borough, came together to beautify the park by cleaning, raking, and planting. “This morning is not only great for the community of Bedford-Stuyvesant but for the young people to learn that one can truly make a difference and help” stated Yolette Louis-Charles, Director of Community Programs.
Another feature of the morning’s event was having the young people working together and developing relationships with each other. It provided a sense of teamwork and overall accomplishment. In recognizing the effort made by the young people of Covenant House, Marion Little, Chairperson for New York City Parks and Recreation, sent a letter of support for the tremendous job done. The community service project in Brooklyn is one of many events that Covenant House has each year in order to provide additional assistance to the community.
June 14, 2007 -- Covenant House New York Opens New Brooklyn Facility to Expand Employment Programs for Homeless and At-Risk Youth
 Gathered together – donors, board members, political officials, young people and staff – Covenant House New York’s vocational/educational center opened its doors to its new location in Brooklyn. With more than 50 individuals in attendance, Bruce J. Henry, Executive Director for CHNY unveiled the new and improved Ralph A. Pfeiffer, Jr. Regional Training Center.
Now located at 75 Lewis Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, the Regional Training Center expanded it services – including additional certified training courses – along with providing more opportunities for vocational and educational placements. “Many at-risk and homeless young people have the desire to advance themselves, but are at a distinct disadvantage because they do not have the skills, experience or resources to succeed in today’s competitive job market,” said Bruce Henry, Executive Director of Covenant House New York. “With our new location, we have increased the capacity of the training program to fill a critical gap left by insufficient family support and a strained education system.” In 2006 over 900 young people visited the RTC; in 2007 the program has already seen over 620 new clients and placed over 530 in jobs. The new facility features classrooms, computer labs and offices. It also houses the Covenant House New York Brooklyn Community Resource Center – first established in 1993 to provide preventive outreach services and support to young people living in Brooklyn. The RTC’s services are available to individuals ages 18-21 who enter Covenant House New York’s Community Resource Centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island; Rights of Passage transitional living program; or the Crisis Shelter in Manhattan. Current programs offered by the RTC include certified training for bank telling, customer service, computer science, culinary arts, public safety and nursing aides. Covenant House New York encourages young individuals to continue their education in order to advance their careers and provides regular GED classes and a college scholarship program to help those with limited resources obtain a secondary education.
June 1, 2007 -- Ronald McDonald House Charities helps Covenant House's Health Clinic
 Ronald McDonald House Charities has awarded our Health Clinic a $20,000 grant to help us cover the cost of drugs and related medical supplies to treat and prevent illnesses, including asthma and diabetes, which are common among impoverished youth in New York City. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area provided a $10,000 grant, which was matched by Ronald McDonald House Charities Global. Ronald McDonald House Charities and its network of local chapters provides grants and program services to improve the health and well being of youth around the world.
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