For Immediate Release
June 19, 2002

Contact:
Erin O'Connor Jones
207-874-1175
Beryl Wolfe
(207) 775-5115

PORTLAND, Maine - Youth Alternatives, a nationally accredited provider of services to children, youth and families throughout Maine, raised a record-setting $77,535 at its annual Passport to Our Future fundraising event.

The proceeds from the event will be used to benefit Youth Alternatives' Lee Perry Memorial Fund and its other prevention programs that serve more than 7,000 children, youth and family members across the state each year.

"This event keeps getting bigger and better, and we couldn't be more pleased with the results," said Michael J. Tarpinian, Youth Alternatives president. "Due to the community's generous support and participation in the program, we can provide more services to children who are abused and neglected throughout Maine."

Passport to Our Future, held April 11 at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland, is a silent and live travel auction presented this year by Imagistics with key sponsorship from Hurley Travel Services. The event featured bidding on exotic trips as well as cuisine, wine and coffees from some of the Portland area's finest establishments, including David's, Fore Street, Bintliff's American Cafe and Cafe Stroudwater, and products such as Guzman's salsa. Music was provided by the Cheverus Jazz Band and Mojo Cafe.

More than 400 civic and business leaders from southern Maine and across the state pitched in to eclipse last year's fundraising record by more than $3,000. All proceeds go toward helping Maine's children and families.

Youth Alternatives is a nationally accredited provider of services to children, youth and families. Founded in 1972, the organization provides a full range of services, from prevention of child abuse and neglect to intensive intervention and safe-haven homes for youth. Through its programs, Youth Alternatives serves more than 7,000 children, youth and family members throughout Maine each year.

Headquartered at 400 Congress St. in Portland, Youth Alternatives clients include survivors of abuse and neglect, whether physical, emotional or sexual; parents in need of support and education; children and youth at risk for homelessness or criminal behavior; and/or families at risk of having a child removed from their homes.

In addition to programs and services, the organization's residential homes for children include Bass House, Heritage House, Perry's Place, Reardon's Place and ROADS Group Home.

Youth Alternatives works to prevent child abuse and neglect through the Cumberland County Child Abuse & Neglect Council, Family Mediation, Healthy Families Partnership and Parenting Education programs.

In addition, the organization provides community support for children and families through services in the following areas: family intervention, family outreach, intensive supervision, treatment foster care, homeless youth and substance abuse.

Youth Alternatives relies on federal, state and local grants, foundations, United Way organizations, corporate support and individual donations. For more information, persons may visit the organization's website at www.youthalternatives.org, call (207) 874-1175 or e-mail info@youthalternatives.org.

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