Covenant House

Filing Period

Jul 1, 2011 to Jun 30, 2012

Signed

Mar 13, 2013

Return Version

2011v1.5

Gross Receipts

$76,303,075

Major Activities

Activity 2

RIGHTS OF PASSAGE Covenant House's Rights of Passage (ROP) is a unique program for older youth (18-21) who have no place to go and who need support to achieve adult independence. The program, which is in place in Covenant Houses across the United States and at our two Canadian affiliates, answers a pressing need many older kids at Covenant House feel as they endeavor to become contributing members of society. During fiscal year 2012, 1,838 youth were served by ROP. Youth live at ROP for up to 18 months, working, improving their education and job skills, and - most important - preparing to be truly independent in a place of their own. In ROP, young people receive plenty of guidance, encouragement, and expert advice. They are expected to work hard, fulfill their part of the covenant, pull their own weight and participate in community service activities. Rights of Passage provides the youth with the opportunity to set goals for themselves and work hard to achieve them. The youth in ROP often have educational deficiencies and few have had any career training. Youth are provided with opportunities to augment their education while the vocational program guides residents toward career path jobs, teaching them interviewing skills, easing their transition into the workplace, and following up with employers to lend a hand. In Life Skills, they learn how to budget, find an apartment, cook, clean, manage their time - the tools they need to make the important transition to independent living.

Activity 3

PUBLIC EDUCATION Though Covenant House is primarily known as a provider of social services for homeless and runaway young people, the agency places great importance on its role as a spokesperson for not only the youth its serves, but for all young people at risk. In addition to advocacy efforts undertaken by each of Covenant House's sites, Covenant House periodically publishes and widely disseminates books which tell the stories of the young people who come to Covenant House for help. The objective of these publications is to counteract the often negative stereotypes many people have of homeless youth and sensitize the public to the needs and aspirations of this very vulnerable segment of society. Covenant House publications provide advice to parents on how to relate to a child they believe may be thinking of running away, and options for young people whose problems at home may cause them to consider this alternative. This public education effort also takes the form of occasional special events, such as the November Candlelight Vigil sponsored by each Covenant House in the United States and Canada. The purpose of these Vigils is to draw media coverage and public attention to the plight of homeless and at risk youth and suggest ways in which these young people can be helped. Covenant House sites also hold seminars on subjects of concern to social service professionals and young people themselves, such as the Youth Conventions which Covenant House sponsors.

Filer

EIN

13-2725416