[January 8, 2008] Community Provides Gifts to YA/Ingraham Clients

PORTLAND (January 8, 2008)— Southern Maine businesses and organizations and several individuals pitched in to make this holiday season a little warmer and brighter for children, youth and families throughout the state who are served by Youth Alternatives.

Gifts such as sports equipment, clothing, bedding, toys and books were among the many donations. In late November, Youth Alternatives put out a "wish list" asking persons and businesses to fulfill gift requests from parents, case workers and the children themselves. The response proved overwhelming, with 12 organizations collecting gifts or making cash donations.

The gift-giving effort was led by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares,  whose local offices continued their annual commitment to the drive by collecting much needed items for children and families. “As they have in the past, our community partners have once again filled this holiday season with their generosity and kindness,” said Michael J. Tarpinian, president of Youth Alternatives/Ingraham. “We are so grateful that Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares along with many others, have once again reached out to help people in need.”

Roman Catholic Parishes of South Portland, whose parishioners purchase gifts for adults suffering from mental illnesses.  Other donors, without whose assistance the drive would not have been successful, were Cathedral Parish in Portland, Toyota of Portland, Lambert Coffin, Portland Radio Group, Wright-Ryan Construction, Bowdoin College Toy Drive, Powerpay/e-onlinedata, Olympia Sports, and Port Printing Solutions as well as many individuals.

Youth Alternatives/Ingraham would like to thank everyone who made a donation to this year's drive and helped to brighten the lives of Maine's children, families, and adults in need.

Youth Alternatives, a nonprofit social service agency founded in 1972, advances safe, happy, healthy childhoods and positive family relationships. Through its comprehensive continuum of care, Youth Alternatives creates homes for vulnerable children and youth; supports families in need, conflict or crisis; reaches out to homeless youth; and ensures safety by working to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through its programs, Youth Alternatives serves more than 5,000 children, youth and family members throughout Maine each year. Youth Alternatives relies on the support of our community, individuals, corporations, foundations and community groups.

Ingraham, a not-for-profit human service agency, addresses some of the most critical issues in Cumberland County – including suicide, crisis intervention, homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse – and is a gateway to statewide community resources. Since 1970, Ingraham has been improving the lives of thousands of individuals through crisis, residential, and support programs. With an operating budget of nearly $10 million, Ingraham employs a workforce of approximately 200.

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