For Immediate Release
July 01, 2002

Contact:
Erin O'Connor Jones
207-874-1175
Beryl Wolfe
(207) 775-5115
E-mail: beryl@wolfenews.com
Web Site: www.youthalternatives.org

PORTLAND, Maine - Youth Alternatives, a nationally accredited provider of services to children, youth and families throughout Maine, has received a $50,000 grant from the Dean L. Fisher Charitable Foundation.

The grant will allow Youth Alternatives to complete renovations at Perry's Place in Bowdoinham, a six-bed home for children ages 6-12 who have recently entered the custody of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

"We are extremely grateful to the Fisher Charitable Foundation for its support, which will increase our capacity to provide a safe, therapeutic environment for children adjusting to traumatic life changes," said Michael J. Tarpinian, president of Youth Alternatives.

Founded in 1999, Perry's Place offers temporary beds to both boys and girls, allowing siblings to remain together following the separation from their parents. Each child is provided with intensive support while awaiting referral to a new home. Located in Bowdoinham, Perry's Place is named in honor of youth advocate and Youth Alternatives supporter Lee Perry, a longtime Portland advertising executive who died five years ago.

The Dean L. Fisher Charitable Foundation, established by the estate of the late Dean L. Fisher of Rockport, became active in 1997. The private foundation provides grants to organizations that improve the quality of life for those who live or work in Maine.

Youth Alternatives is a nationally accredited provider of services to children, youth and families. Founded in 1972, the group provides a full range of services, from prevention of child abuse and neglect to intensive intervention and safe-haven homes for youth. More than 7,000 people throughout Maine are served each year.

Headquartered at 400 Congress St. in Portland, Youth Alternatives serves 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, Youth Alternatives provides residential homes for children, including 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 and Neglect Council, Family Mediation, Healthy Families Partnership and Parenting Education programs.

It also 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 online at www.youthalternatives.org, call (207) 874-1175 or e-mail info@youthalternatives.org.

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