United Way campaign clears 70 percent of goal

 Each year, too many Lowcountry children are abused. And each year, the Child Abuse Prevention Association  (CAPA) provides safe, temporary shelter for children and young adults up to age 21, every day of the year — including Christmas.“The Child Abuse Prevention Association operates Open Arms Shelter where the average stay is 60 to 90 days. CAPA’s kids are cared for by qualified trained professionals who focus on increasing the children’s safety skills and helping them to develop trust through numerous educational and recreational programs during their stay,” said Susan Cato, executive director for CAPA.

The nonprofit receives funding support from United Way of the Lowcountry, which is in the midst of a $2.8 million fundraising campaign.

As of today, the United Way of the Lowcountry Board of Directors announced gifts and pledges have been received totaling  $1,970,219, which is 70.4 percent of the organization’s 2012 goal of $2.8 million.

“CAPA also provides countywide parenting classes for single parents and those with difficult children,” Cato said. “The ‘Baby Think It Over’ program addresses teen pregnancy, and the Teen Outreach Program involves young people in community volunteer work.

“CAPA works to break the destructive cycle of child abuse and neglect by equipping parents, children and their caregivers with necessary skills, knowledge and values,”  she said.

“CAPA does so much for so many, and so many of the people they help are young children who otherwise wouldn’t have a voice,” said Clarece Walker, CEO of United Way of the Lowcountry. “I really like how CAPA’s team works to break the cycle of abuse and reaches out to take care of all aspects of an abused child’s life. CAPA and United Way of the Lowcountry truly help save lives.”

Mike Petrilli, Hilton Head Island campaign chair, said United Way’s support for CAPA helps build a community safe for all, even the youngest. “Abused children are an uncomfortable topic but it’s a reality, even here in the Lowcountry,” he said. “CAPA is willing to talk about child abuse, and more importantly, they are willing and able to do something to help.”

Please give and help United Way of the Lowcountry meet the needs of the community, and meet the $2.8 million goal.

To learn more about United Way and its work to make our community a better place, call 843-982-3040 or visit www.uwlowcountry.org.