|
News Archives
April 13, 2007 -- UPS AWARDS COVENANT HOUSE $100,000
 Citing human trafficking as a “modern day form of slavery,” Covenant House President Sister Patricia Cruise accepted a $100,000 grant on April 12 from the UPS Foundation that has been earmarked to fund Covenant House efforts to combat human trafficking throughout North and Latin America.
“With this gift, you are sending a lifeline to kids being trafficked on our streets,” said Sister Patricia at a ceremony attended by UPS employees and Congressman Eliot Engel from New York State’s 17th Congressional District. “A recent CIA estimate stated that up to 20,000 humans are trafficked into the United States each year for forced labor and prostitution,” said Sister Patricia. “Most are women and children. With this support Covenant House will continue our fight against the criminals who buy and sell our children.” The gift will be used to keep the lines of the Covenant House crisis hotline open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “We will increase our advocacy on behalf of victims,” said Sister Patricia. “We will network with government officials, with police and with other social service agencies. We will continue be the leading voice for trafficking victims and all those who cannot speak for themselves.” “There is nothing more disgraceful than the practice of human trafficking,” said Congressman Engel, who on March 27 introduced a resolution in Congress in support of a National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness. “The great work Covenant House is doing on behalf of victims is an inspiration.” Four Covenant House participants of the EAGLE (Exemplary Able Grassroots Leaders Elevating Society) program also attended the check presentation ceremony. The EAGLE program is offered to young people at Covenant House New York who demonstrate leadership potential and a willingness to contribute to their community. “My role as an EAGLE at Covenant House is to educate and assist my peers in seeing how important their role in the community is,” said Shonda Owens. “Thanks to UPS, I will have the ability to continue my work at Covenant House and strive to make a difference in the community.” “Through their financial support and job training initiatives, UPS is giving homeless and poverty-stricken young people a priceless gift … the chance to dream,” said Sister Patricia. “A chance to dream of a future away from the violence and degradation of the streets. All of you here are giving our kids a chance to dream of jobs, of homes, of families of their own. On behalf of the entire Covenant House family … thank you.”
|
