Children’s Home + Aid Faces Revenue Shortfall

Starts Emergency Fundraising Campaign to Fill the Gap

CHICAGO, April 9 /PRNewswire/ — The declining economy is taking its toll on Children’s Home + Aid as the organization tries to help 40,000 children and families overcome overwhelming obstacles such as poverty, abuse and neglect. Children’s Home + Aid’s revenue is falling $800,000 short of budget this year as the result of decreased state funding, a 30% decline in the value of its endowment funds and a reduction in individual contributions, said Nancy B. Ronquillo, President & CEO of the organization.

“We are struggling to maintain all of our services as families face these very difficult times,” she said. “We have reduced our expenses by $1 million through staff reductions and making other significant cuts in overhead, all with the goal of making sure families in need get our help.”

The agency has started a short-term, ninety-day campaign to raise urgently needed funds under the theme “Our Kids Need Help -You’re Their Hope.” Donors can make contributions at www.childrenshomeandaid.org

For the programs of Children’s Home + Aid, the $800,000 shortfall represents the funding necessary for child care assistance for nearly 8,000 families so parents can work or attend school, or funding for critical after-school programs for more than 500 students in Chicago Public Schools. In addition, the agency is under pressure to find foster families to care for abused and neglected children at a time when many families are working hard just to care for their own children, Ronquillo explained.

The outlook for the next fiscal year doesn’t look promising, she added. Findings from the Foundation Center’s latest survey suggest that in the remainder of 2009, charitable giving may decrease as much as 10%. Ronquillo said she is hopeful that by jump-starting giving with this emergency campaign, Childrens Home + Aid will be able to develop momentum that will help with future fundraising.

About Children’s Home + Aid

Children’s Home + Aid is a leading child and family service agency in Illinois. Each year, it protects, educates and counsels more than 40,000 children, youth and families to improve their lives. Since 1883, Children’s Home + Aid has been a compassionate advocate helping to shape public policy in child welfare, early childhood and juvenile justice. Children’s Home + Aid is recognized for establishing best practices and achieving outstanding results through its programs and services that focus on child abuse prevention, healthy child development and strengthening families.

To find our more about Children’s Home + Aid, visit www.childrenshomeandaid.org.

SOURCE Children’s Home + Aid