| Description |
<p>El Paso Center for Children, Inc. (The Center) is a non-profit organization with a rich history of caring for El Paso youth, having provided homes and specialized care for generations of children (from birth to 24 years of age) and families in need for over 100 years. It is our mission to empower youth and families to brave adversity and conflict through constantly evolving, innovative programs in order to co-create a brighter future.</p>
<p>El Paso Center for Children is a multi-service non-profit that continually seeks to identify sources of funding that can support meaningful services in response to needs in our community. We rely heavily on evidence-based modalities, but are also known for innovation. Currently, we provide:<br/>1) Counseling, resource coordination, provision of urgent basic needs support, home visiting, and youth/parent education services for expectant parents and families with children up to age 18.<br/>2) Counseling for victims of crime.<br/>3) Emergency shelter services for homeless, runaway, and abused youth and young adults (ages 11-17.<br/>4) Drop-In Center for youth up to age 22 who are homeless, have been evicted from their family's home, have run away, have been trafficked or are at risk of being trafficked. This program offers a safe place to visit for PNC Foundation essential services (laundry, a meal), case management, job search and job readiness assistance, and other services.<br/>5) Outreach and housing for young adults experiencing homelessness. Services include rental and basic needs assistance, case management, and life skills development.<br/>6) Fatherhood education and additional early childhood home visiting programming.</p>
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<p>The agency is currently working on a special project to build a tiny homes development (Casitas Community) for young adults experiencing homelessness. We are currently vetting land options and hope to break ground on this development before the end of 2024.</p>
<p>Across all programs, staff are trained in how to screen for trafficking and in practices that are culturally sensitive and aware, particularly as that pertains to being responsive and respectful with clients who identify as LGBTQ+.</p>
<p>The percentage of low-to-moderate-income individuals who will be served is greater than 51%. This is due to the disproportionately high levels of poverty in El Paso. Our services are marketed as all-free, all the time and families are referred by numerous community organizations who know the families' financial situation will not be a barrier to services.</p> |
| Used for |
We are appealing to you to provide flexible grant funding that can be applied to needs that arise across all of our program areas. Your support will help us continue to provide critical free and comprehensive services for youth and families in our community. These may include expenses such as:
• Apartment kits to establish homeless young adults in apartments. These typically include a modest twin bed, linens, simple kitchen items, basic cleaning supplies, paper products, and toiletries.
• Outreach costs to help families and school personnel understand and access services.
• Urgent basic needs support for families to keep children safe until families can be connected with other sources of support in the community (e.g. a comfort kit of food, diapers, formula, payment of a utility bill or rent) |
| Benefits |
El Paso Center for Children had a very successful 2023 fiscal year; the agency completed 279 workshops and skill-building classes that served 1,866 parents/caregivers. Our prevention programs (FAYS, HOPES, and Strong Families) served families with youth/children between the ages of 0-17; the total number served was 1,293. Our Juvenile Justice program assisted 159 youth with counseling and/or psychoeducational skill building. The VOCA counseling program provided 1,344 hours of therapy to 225 survivors of crime. The Emergency Shelter served 94 youth, and the Foster Care program served 41 youth throughout the year. The agency’s Transitional Housing and Rapid Rehousing programs served 87 clients; some entered our program through our Drop-In Center, which served 100 individuals. Our Street Outreach Program served a total of 401 youth (ages 14-24) over a 3-year grant cycle period.
By granting general operating support, the Foundation will support our efforts to provide free, high-quality services in the El Paso community. |
